Read by Matilda Longbottom

 

February is the month of waiting, when the garden feels paused between what was and what will be. Outside, the beds are still locked in Winter’s grip, and the sky seems content to linger in shades of gray. Yet, inside the gardener’s mind, the season is already stirring. Seed catalogs are dog-eared and stacked by the chair, windowsills become stages for daydreams, and every longer sliver of daylight feels like a quiet promise. February teaches patience, asking us to trust that beneath the frozen soil, the garden is gathering itself, just as we are, readying for the moment when waiting turns into planting.

At GreenPrints, we are committed to keeping your mind busy and your heart light while waiting for Winter to end. Amanda MacArthur digs into the correlation between soil testing and gardening success in Digging into the Dirt: A Humorous Guide to DIY Soil Testing and Gardening Success (pun intended). Take time to admire the slow arrival of Spring with Ephemeral Spring by Pat Stone.

Mike McGrath wonders, “The weather’s always bad for gardening…right?” in Like White Roses in a Wet Spring. His humor keeps us going all Winter long as we dream of warmer weather. It’s time for us to really start thinking about seeds and seedlings, and Don Nicholas helps us along with The Great Seedling Safari. Read all about what you need for seedling success this year.

We are also focusing on cucumbers, Cherokee purple tomatoes, and garden-fresh salads this month. Did you know about all the health benefits of rosemary? This herb is a proverbial powerhouse. Find out more in Rosemary’s Remarkable Health Benefits! by Bill Dugan. Cherokee purple tomatoes are a show-stopping addition to any salad or meal, and Don Nicholas highlights their benefits in Purple Mysteries in the Garden, along with tips on how to grow them.

The Surprise Potato by Fiona M. Jones shares a sweet story about the bonding experience of gardening with children. I know exactly what she means when she writes, “But the rewards came in other ways: fresh air, family time, and the invaluable lesson that food doesn’t just appear on store shelves.” Larry Johnson shares his gem Dancing with Marigolds. I love the line, “For me, marigolds are guardians of the garden, bright and unpretentious, protecting every patch of vegetables.” Dana Zullo has me laughing out loud with I Brake for Blooms. I will admit that I, too, have been distracted from time to time by some bright flowers on the side of the road.

Our collection of 27 Funniest Gardening Stories of All Time will have you rolling on the floor, tears of laughter streaming down your cheeks. Humans are capable of some pretty outrageous behavior, and when you blend that with gardening, you have a recipe for endless amusement. I hope you enjoy these stories, and feel free to share them with your friends, neighbors, fellow gardeners, and anyone who appreciates the lighter side of life.

In the kitchen, our Dinners for Two Garden to Table Recipe Collection features romantic dinner recipes perfect for February. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or sharing the kitchen as part of your romantic experience, these recipes are sure to warm hearts and feed souls.

By the time February begins to loosen its hold, we realize that this waiting has been part of the work all along. The garden has asked us to slow down, to imagine carefully, and to hope deliberately. Soon enough there will be mud on our boots, seeds tucked into warm soil, and days that stretch comfortably into evening. For now, we stand at the edge of the season, grateful for this quiet pause, knowing that every moment of waiting is gently shaping the garden that is about to begin.

Please let me know what you think. I’d truly love to hear from you, especially about any plans you have for your garden this year! ❖

Christy Page
Executive Editor
GreenPrints

P.S. Please email Christy Page with your feedback. We look forward to hearing from you. Or just post your comments about this issue below, to share with the entire GreenPrints community.