I know I am not supposed to talk about the weather because of the jinx that I am. Still, when the start of the Iditarod is moved and not to the Matanuska Valley, but way north to Fairbanks, it is hard to remain silent. Give me a night where temperatures don't dip below freezing and all of a sudden something happens to my blood. I get the urge to plant things. I want to visit nurseries. I want to put my hands in outdoor soil. I want to stop what I am doing and garden.
Add to all of this the screaming of the Outside media that it's almost spring. True, it is only just about a month away. They need the optimism given their terrible, cold weather, but it just adds to our spring fever.
Fortunately the market's response to this, both here and in the Lower 48, includes some tranquilizing moves. Spring may be close at hand for those in Boston, but in Alaska we have to wait until mid-April, no matter what we think about the warming temperatures, and full planting out doesn't happen until mid-May.
The first market move is the appearance of seed racks. They are here and if you haven't seen one, go find one at your favorite nursery or box store, hardware store or supermarket. Your job is to make a list first, however, before you encounter one and mindlessly, but joyfully, buy way too many packets being the sore-eyed, mild-winter-wearied Alaska gardener that you are.
Most seed racks carry seed designed for Alaska, but not all. Make sure you read labels carefully to see if the plant is one that will grow here. If in doubt, don't buy it or ask someone. Fortunately, most of what you will buy are annuals and row crops, so you can't go too far off. Remember that tomatoes, giant pumpkins and peppers need a greenhouse, cold frame or other night warming apparatus.
Then there is the fortunate appearance of Primula x polyanthus or polyanthus primrose at supermarkets, nurseries and florists. These are generally some of the first nursery plants set outside in warmer climates (like Seattle and Portland, where they are already blooming in the ground), and you can find them in supermarkets and box store plant areas as well.
Primula make a great indoor pot plant (and I hope that phrase is not confusing in these post-Proposition 2 days) because they remain in bloom for quite some time. They do not require lights as they are already in bud when sold and, best of all, can be transplanted outside when our spring actually does arrive. They will bloom again this year and then go into cycle for future seasons. You really cannot ask for more from a plant.
Of course, there are a few things you can do in the yard when it is above freezing. The first that comes to mind is re-applying Plantskydd to keep the moose at bay. This emulsified blood meal is supposed to be effective for about six months, and anything you applied this fall is getting weak. Lilac buds are tempting moose fare this time of year.
You can also prune trees and shrubs this time of year if you know what you are doing. (If not, hire someone who does.) Wait much longer and sap will be running. This is also the time of year to start getting your equipment in shape. Does your mower need servicing? Blades need sharpening?
Finally, this might be the year to try the "cover it with a cardboard box" trick on your rhubarb -- only do it very early. If yours is not covered with snow, go ahead and put a white bucket or a big cardboard box on top of the clump. This will act as a greenhouse and you will get early -- maybe very early -- harvests.
Jeffs Alaska Garden Calendar
Do not delay getting tickets: 9th Annual Spring Garden Conference and Annual Meeting of the Alaska Botanical garden April 10 and 11. Go right away to www.alaskabg.org and get your tickets. Space is limited and this is a sell-out event every year, for good reason. This year there is going to be some great stuff including Ayse Gilbert and keynoter -- and former Anchorage resident -- Jim Fox on Anchorage gardening history and applying it to the here and now, Patrick Ryan on gardening with youngsters and so much more. This is a must-attend event for Alaska gardeners.
Sweet peas: Plant seeds now. Make your first pinch when there are five or six leaves. Next pinch in two or three weeks. Provide support if needed.
Seed Starting 101: Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. Class at Alaska Mill and Feed. Grow your own garden starts. Learn about the basics from planting seeds and growing healthy starts, through hardening off the seedlings in preparation for transplanting in the garden. Class is free. Call 276-6016 to register.