Commentary by Noah Herron
At this time of year, gardeners may begin missing their time outside and their green thumbs may turn another color. Here are 10 ways to beat the winter garden blues:
1. Bring some houseplants into your home. Replace any unhealthy plants with new ones. Add a few houseplants to your collection. Ferns, peace lilies, and bamboo plants are all great for filtering indoor air.
2. You can still grow herbs indoors. Place a few pots in your kitchen window and sprinkle in some basil, cilantro and parsley. They are easy to grow and add some zest to your winter meals.
3. Force some flower bulbs. Amaryllis bulbs are easy to care for and come in a large variety of colors and sizes. Add a beautiful pot to compliment the bulbs.
4. Clean, sharpen and organize your gardening tools for the upcoming season. Doing this now will let you spend more time where it counts – the garden.
5. Order your garden catalogs for 2014. Most seed companies start shipping out their new catalogs in December.
6. Visit your local garden center. Walk around and get some ideas for your upcoming garden season. Talk with some experts and get advice for any problems you had the previous season.
7. Sit down and plan your garden. Start a fire, grab a blanket and map out your garden plans. Try maximizing your garden space for high yields of fresh fruits and vegetables.
8. Create an elegant terrarium in a conservatory for yourself. These are not only fun to grow but make an interesting conversation piece.
9. Make a garden sign. Get some great ideas by visiting Pinterest. Type in “Garden Signs” and scroll through all the beautiful ideas people have already done. Either use their ideas or change it up a bit to be your own personal creation.
10. Get a jump start on Indiana weather. Grab a grow light and heat mat and set up a grow room. Late February or March is a great time to start tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers from seed. The light and smell of something growing will shake those winter blues.
Noah Herron is owner of Urban Farmer Garden Center at 4105 W. Ind. 32 in Westfield. He can be reached by calling 600-2807.