Don’t discount seed catalogues: According to Amy Lynn Albertson, a Davidson County Extension agent, “Some of the best seed catalogues are filled with growing tips not found in books, including seed starting times, bloom and harvest times, and ease or difficulty in growing.”
Also, when buying seed packets, look to the label for other important information. Whether purchasing them at a garden shop or from a company catalog, the basic information on seed packets should include date, variety, name, culture, and harvest time. While the date may not be an issue when buying from catalogs, some garden centers keep their seeds for a longer time. Since seeds lose their vitality with age, be sure to check the date and always purchase seeds only for the current growing season.
When selecting seeds, remember to pay close attention to information related to the plant’s ability to resist disease and pests. Improvements in genetic pest resistance mean less time required for care, specifically on pesticide treatments. Choose varieties that are tolerant of the pests in your geographic region. Many gardeners, for example, are familiar with fungal diseases prevalent in growing tomatoes. Varieties with the “VFN” notation guarantee that soil-inhabiting pests will not spoil your crop. When buying flower seeds, watch for the phrase “self-sowing readily,” which means the plant may naturalize and become weedy in a small garden space.
A greenhouse or cold frame is a perfect structure for large-scale garden propagation.
To get a start on the growing season, plant seeds indoors in March. Most seeds require six to 10 weeks to germinate and form a transplant suitable for the garden. Starting plants from seeds may feel a little “old school,” since a limitless number of plants are available in the spring at most retail outlets. However, starting plants from seeds ensures that you have the quantity and specific variety you desire. With true hybrid plants, they must be hybridized from fresh seed each year.
Sow these seeds in growing flats indoors or plastic flowerpots. Always use bagged potting soil formulated for seed germination. A cold frame is helpful, but not essential for hardening-off seedlings prior to transplanting.
Why does this Haywood County town have some of the cleanest water in the state? It’s the result of the community’s efforts to keep the forests in its watershed pristine.
The spectacular views in North Carolina’s High Country aren’t just inspiration for writers, painters, and sculptors. Those landscapes — the rugged gray face of Grandfather Mountain, the vibrant fall leaves, the deep green meadows — are brushstrokes on Earth’s own canvas.
The sprawling vineyards and wide-open skies that stretch for miles across seven North Carolina counties offer relaxing getaways — not to mention some of the state’s finest wines — for Sunday drivers aching to escape the rush of city life.
Nothing lasts forever — and that’s what makes many of our cherished moments so special.
