Here in Bagdad, KY we fall under Zone 6B for planting/growing! Living in this zone means it's time to start indoor planting if you want to get a jumpstart on your growing season and make the most of it. Now, some prefer to plant seeds direct into the ground and that's ok! But here at Sweet Maple Farms we provide produce to our local community and our CSA Share Members which means we have to be ahead of the game in order to get produce to our customers ASAP and starting seeds indoors is what helps us get the job done.

Did you know that with ice on the ground (still) you can start your spring/summer garden? We have compiled a list of items you can go ahead and think about starting THIS MONTH!

Not local to us? Click HERE to find your growing zone!

This planting season we have decided to provide a series of posts that explain exactly what and when seeds can be started, transplanted or even just planted straight into the ground.  Last year, this was one of our top questions we would get from followers in our region and customers we would meet and greet at the Farmers Market. PLUS this post makes a great future reference for us personally in future seasons to see quickly "what did we do in February?". 

SEEDS TO START OUTDOORS

• Radish - late February to mid March

LATE FEBRUARY FLOWERS:

• Poppy 
• Marigold
• Larkspur
• Hollyhock
• Carnations
• Cosmos

Keep in mind that what works for one may not work for all, even if you are in our growing zone!  Things that affect germination rates include; seed source, age of seeds, climate of growing, soil temperature, light conditions, air flow, water, minerals/fertilizer, soil type and cleanliness and so much more.  Starting seeds is kind of like trial and error -- trust me, I have killed several trays from mistakes I have made and sometimes I thought I did everything perfect and just didn't have success.  Some seed varieties are just best started outdoors when climate is right.  Although I studied heavily on Horticulture in school and self educate whenever I have a chance, there are still things that I learn every day when dealing with it.  I believe that getting your hands dirty and doing it yourself is one of the best lessons and educators there is in life.  

Here on the homestead, we ARE CULTIVATING A LIFE WELL GROWN! 

PS. A majority of our seeds came from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company this year!  We are excited to try out a new company to us and are also thrilled that they offer rare seed options that you often won't see anywhere else.  Part of our mission with our CSA Share Program is to offer our customers fun, exciting, beautiful and nutritious options to create with in their kitchen throughout the growing season and we believe that Baker Creek will be able to provide that opportunity. Baker Creek also has FREE SHIPPING on all orders currently which can be an exciting bonus when ordering. (Not Sponsored). 

Happy Planting!!
Sophia Brown, Owner
Sweet Maple Farms
Sweet Maple Living