"Getting the sugar shack ready! We tapped on February 22 and it's time!" ~ Leah Wolfe, Conneaut, OH

For gardeners (and many other people who can’t wait for the end of winter) early March is full of anticipation. Indoor seed starting and care will be ramping up in the next couple months so it’s a good time to get organized before the flurry of garden activities begins. Key seasonal indicators, garden tasks, and seed starting suggestions are listed here with more information at the link below. Our schedule is set up so that we are sending you info at least a week ahead of time so that you actually have time to plan for each step.

Seasonal Indicators
  • Daylength increases quickly, gaining about 2 minutes and 45 seconds everyday 
  • It still feels like winter with cold temperatures and snow
  • Red maple buds are swelling
  • Sap run
  • Skunk cabbage flowers
  • Wood ducks become active; several duck species, such as green winged teal and American wigeon begin migrating through to their nesting areas
  • Continued signs of “starvation diet” for woodland mammals

Garden Tasks 
  • Organize seeds
  • Make a list of plants (or seeds) needed
  • Start sowing seeds in earnest!


Seeds to Start Indoors
  • Slow-growing herbs if you haven’t already started (rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory)
  • Leeks and bunching onions
  • Artichoke and Cardoon
  • Celery


Collaboration
Comments and questions are welcome! Shared observances, experiences, and lessons learned lead to more resilient gardens. Rustbelt Roots hopes that in the long run this will contribute to community resilience!