Howdy,

Been a while, I know.  Life does that, but here we are, so lets get on with it.

I want to introduce you all to this website, a bit non-evergreen, but very informative all the same.

http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/resources/acga-video.php

What should you be planning right now, according to Seattle Tilth.

They say that things can be planted this time of year, and they are right, but not a whole lot for veggie gardeners.

Territorial Seed Company, Started by the Great Steve Solomon, now has videos to instruct how to start seeds and other things coming up in the season

http://www.territorialseed.com/blog

Things that you can sow outdoors in February, (After Presidents day) include:

Chervil (a tasty delicate herb that is great for salads and is a bit like parsley and Dill)

Fennel (The delicious vegetable/salad bulb, has many great uses from a crisp snack to a candy coated digestif)

Arugula (an amazing spicy leaf that is great in pesto, salads, sauces and stuffings, really versatile

Radishes (Many kinds are offered, but the best and quickest i’ve ever had are French Breakfast radishes available at Seed Savers Exchange)

Pea Family ( sow soon! )

There are many varieties to plant this time of year.

Snow peas, specifically Oregon Giant Peas, Cascadia Peas, and Oregon Sugar pod

Shelling Peas, such as Canoe Peas, Serge Peas, Olympia, and Early Sweet

Fava beans can be sown if you like the hassle.  They are a lot of work, but the flavor and nutrition are worth the many shells these beans have. Varieties include Negretta Bean, Statissa Bean, Aquadulce, and Green Windsor.

To plant most of these lovely seeds, plant in the top two to four inches of workable soil.  This way, they get the most amount of light and heat from the weak sun. Soak the beans and peas the night before you plant them. That way the germination has already started, but the vital root system doesn’t get damaged. You can use a cloche, but it would be better to use reflective objects to deter our dark bird friends in the trees nearby.

One last trick for all you new gardeners, one that gets overlooked every year up here.  Make sure the soil is not too moist.  You should be able to make a crumbly ball that will hold together in your hand, but easily falls apart when jostled.

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