Seeds in the mail!

Laurie Gore is the Official Zone 9 Deputy Gardener.

Gardening in Southern California is different than in northern parts of the country. We have no winter break from planting, weeding, pruning, and all the other chores. I'm really sorry we don't. I have read about other gardeners who spend the snowy winter months planning every step of spring from the first thaw to that eventual passage into summer.

[image error]Today, Saturday, February 19th, in Bonita, California, is suppose to be rainy. I planned to spend the day catching up with household chores that are seriously in arrears. Then, surprisingly, the rain stopped, the clouds parted and midday was a beautiful, balmy gift. It was all I could do not to set aside the dust cloths and broom and go outside to play in the mud.

It was made even worse by the arrival of my Beekman Heirloom Garden seed packets. I cannot give in to my impulse and throw these into the ground today. My best success will come if I plan a little, read a little, and then work really, really hard for the rest of the year.