Gleanings from the Editor

    Okay, so that's not really me looking out the window above, but I haven't had time to find a new picture of the new place. It turns out that moving is even more exhausting that double-digging!

    But we survived and are looking forward to putting in the new garden in time for a bountiful spring. We had our first freeze just before Thanksgiving, so I didn't have to mourn leaving behind producing pepper and squash plants. Instead, I left behind limp vines and brown leaves for someone else to deal with later.

    Now I am in the process of starting over - beginning first with digging out the oleanders and legustrums that the old owners recently planted. Ah well, they obviously didn't read Homegrown!

    January and February are the perfect months to plan the spring garden. Looking at magazines and seed catalogues is such fun when the weather is too cold to get out and work. But remember to support your local nursery when it comes time to buy.

    We want to help get you started on that spring garden. In many areas of the state, we start seeds indoors as early as January and February so that the young plants will be ready to go outdoors when danger of frost is past. Look on page 24 for a very special seed offer.

   January and February are also good months to plant bareroot fruit and nut bushes and trees as well. There is still time to get those plants well established before the spring rush begins. Be sure to discuss varieties with your local nursery professional to find out which ones will do best in your climate. It makes a big difference, and the folks who have experience there in your area will give you the best advice. Happy planning and planting!