2020 Changed Everything

2020 was a year of major changes for all of us. Some of those changes were tough, while others led to unexpected growth. For me, working from home in isolation without the usual hangouts with friends and co-workers forced me to get creative. My dog was sick of hearing all my stories so I had to make friends with the next best thing - my house plants.

TALKING TO MY PLANTS - ASHLEYS
TALKING TO MY PLANTS - ASHLEYS
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How I Became a Houseplant Mom

Until a few years ago, I wasn’t really the type to keep houseplants. Sure, I liked them, but I had zero interest in keeping them alive. Everything changed after my husband’s grandmother passed away. As a condolence, my company sent us a planter filled with a variety of plants. I figured, why not give it a try? So, I started taking care of it, and much to my surprise, it grew quickly—really quickly.

By the spring of 2020, Nanaw's plant had become a wild, out-of-control beauty, overflowing its five-gallon container. With succulents, vines, and huge stalks, I felt this sense of accomplishment and I'll admit - I was hooked. I even took cuttings from it and started my own little plant collection. Heck, I even created a giant rosebush outside from a cutting! The plant bug had officially bitten me.

BEHOLD! MY PLANTS -ASHLEYS
BEHOLD! MY PLANTS -ASHLEYS
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Gardening Dreams & Tomatoes

While I still haven't found the time to create a full garden during the busy summer months, one thing I’ve fully embraced is growing my own tomatoes. My favorite variety is heirloom beefsteaks. When I get the conditions just right, I’ve harvested beefsteaks the size of dinner plates, and trust me, they taste uhhhh-mazing.

I’ve also tried my hand at starting seedlings in the past, but I tend to forget to start them until it's too late and they’re never big enough when planting time comes around. So, I always end up buying them instead. This year, though, I’m determined to get it right!

ASHLEYS
ASHLEYS
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When Should You Start Seedlings in Indiana & Kentucky?

If you live in Indiana or Kentucky, there’s a general rule of thumb for when to start seedlings: 6-8 weeks before the last frost. The exact timing will depend on the type of vegetable you're planting and what part of Indiana or Kentucky you live in. The good news? There are handy planting calculators online that can help you figure out the best start times for your area.

One of my favorite resources for this is the Old Farmer’s Almanac. I entered the zip codes for Evansville and Indianapolis, and found that the start times can vary by about two weeks because of the difference in last frost dates. In Evansville, the last frost date typically falls around the third week of April. So, if you’re gardening in southern Indiana/Kentucky, you’ll want to start plants like celery in mid-January. For northern Indiana, it’s usually safe to start them at the beginning of February. Peppers, oregano, and rosemary should also be planted indoors around the last week of January for southern Indiana/Kentucky and the second week of February for northern Indiana. I know, we have snow on the ground and you need to start your seedlings...

Here's a General List of When to Start Your Seedlings Indoors in Indiana & Kentucky

January/February 

  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Bell Peppers
  • Oregano

February/March

  • Arugula
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Basil
  • Chives
  • Kale
  • Tomatillos
  • Spinach
  • Cauliflower
  • Fennel
  • Swiss Chard

March/April

  • Arugula
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Lettuce
  • Kohlrabi
  • Kale
  • Tomatillos
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Pumpkins
  • Watermelons

April/May

  • Basil
  • Fava Beans
  • Cantaloupes
  • Cauliflower
  • Peas
  • Chives
  • Collards
  • Fennel
  • Honeydew Melons
  • Zucchini
  • Green Beans
  • Tomatillos
  • Pumpkins
  • Peanuts
  • Okra

May/June

  • Basil
  • Cantaloupes
  • Fennel
  • Green Beans
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Peas
  • Leeks
  • Sweet Corn
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The Influence of the Moon on Plants

The Old Farmer's Almanac calculator also gives you dates based on moon planting. According to the Spruce,

The principle behind lunar phase gardening is fairly simple. When the moon is waxing (changing from new to full), the time is right for planting seeds that yield fruit above ground. When the moon has passed full and is waning (diminishing) the time is right to plant root crops with edible parts below the soil.

Did you know that scientists have discovered plants, like humans, have a circadian rhythm? This means they are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon. While the concept of lunar phase gardening is still being studied, there's growing interest in how the moon might affect plant growth. More research is being conducted about how effective lunar phase gardening really is and what impact, if any, it has on plant health.

What You Need to Start Seedlings

Starting seedlings is simpler than it seems, and you really only need four basic things to get going: seeds, a light source, water, and something to hold the plants while they grow.

  • Containers: You can buy seedling starter trays, but honestly, you can recycle what you already have at home. Egg cartons topped with plastic wrap are a great option to start with, though they might not be deep enough once your vegetables start to mature. If you're growing something that needs more space, you can always upgrade to larger containers later.
  • Light Source: This is where things get a little tricky, especially when you’re starting your seedlings early in the year. Daylight can be sparse in the early spring, so seasoned gardeners often recommend using an artificial light source to help your seedlings grow strong. You don’t need to go for anything fancy—just a basic grow light will do. You can easily find affordable options on Amazon that will help your plants get the light they need to thrive indoors.
  • Water: Buy a food grade spray bottle to spritz your plants. At this stage, you can cause damage if you dump water in so take it easy on those little guys!

 

With these basics, you’ll be well on your way to having strong, healthy seedlings ready for transplanting once the weather warms up!

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Southern Indiana Photographer Captures Hoosier Birds

Southern Indiana Photographer, Ron Harper, captures photographs of native birds that are both stunning and almost magical. His photographs showcase the natural beauty of the birds in our neck of the woods. From action shots in midflight to beautiful portraits, these photos will give you a new appreciation for the feathered wildlife in Indiana.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Nelson

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