It's one of my pet peeves. Many times people will come into the garden center and say that they are going to plant their cole crops, then ask for peas. While I understand that some people use the terms interchangeably, it isn't exactly correct. And since it's the time of the year to plant both, here's the definition in a nutshell.

The term "cole" crops are technically those plants that belong to the Cruciferae or mustard family. This includes plants such as kale, cauliflower, collards, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, and others. All of these vegetables can trace their origins back to a common ancestry of wild cabbage. Many of these vegetables are super powerhouses of nutrition. In fact, Brussels sprouts, collards, and kale contain more protein than milk does.

The term "cold" in reference to plants, refers to temperatures and those plants that can withstand cold nighttime and cool daytime temperatures. In fact, they not only tolerate them, but some plants thrive in them. Plants such as lettuce, radishes, peas, carrots, potatoes, and onions are cold crops. There are many more cold crops than cole crops. And these vegetables are not only good to plant in the spring, but will return an abundant crop in the cooler fall temperatures as well.

Depending on the weather, the amount of sunshine, and the temperatures, some of the cold and cole crops that are planted now, could be harvested as early as late-April to early May. What better way to truly catch spring fever than with vegetables harvested fresh from the garden?

The geese are in the backyard, I saw a robin today, and the crocus at Four Seasons in the front flowerbed are beginning to bloom. Spring can't be far away, despite the abundance of snow still on the ground! Maybe it froze along the way somewhere?

In any case, the pansies and violas in the garden center are beginning to bloom and you can tell that the days are lengthening. If you're anxious to begin your spring and summer gardening plans, start by attending a class or reading up on some of the new varieties. It's been a long time since I've seen people so excited about gardening- especially with vegetables. I think the high cost of groceries has driven even the most die hard non-gardener to reconsider this spring. I know that I'm feeding a teenager and my grocery bills are through the roof. My family had better like squash this summer!

If you are a small space gardener, consider gardening vertically, rather than horizontally. Use the Topsy Turvy planters. Use containers. Use whatever space you have that can easily be turned into a spot for food production. You'd be amazed and surprised at the amount of fresh food that can be produced in a small area. Tomatoes can go in a planter. Peppers can go in a pot. Radishes and lettuce can go into window boxed. Take a lesson from the Europeans who have always been short on space, but long on thrifty ways to invent places to garden. Then try it for yourself this summer!

A friend sent me this link tonight and I want to share it with you. http://www.ezfromseed.org/easyseeds.php

It's a good place for the beginning gardener to go to get information about the easiest plants to grow from seed.

I saw the geese in our yard today which means that spring is indeed on it's way and it's time to begin thinking about starting your seeds. Visit us at the garden center and we'll be happy to choose the seeds that are right for your zone. We'll help you get started with planting instructions, seed starting supplies and our personal tips and tricks to help you be successful!