Starting with seeds

Here we are at the top of a new year, with fiftytwo fresh, new weeks ahead of us in which to explore gardening. What shall we talk about?

During the first weeks of January, I imagine you field the typical questions from friends, family, and co-workers just as I do. Questions like: “Did you make your New Year’s resolutions yet?” “What word describes the theme you want to embrace in 2022?” “What’s your number-one wish for the New Year?”

As the sun begins its long journey north, bringing back light and warmth, everything seems possible. It’s this sense of possibility, this energy, that we try to take hold of and grow into existence.

And so, what better time to talk about seeds? Like our New Year’s dreams, seeds — those inert, lifeless-looking things — are kernels of hope and new growth. They just need a few essential elements: moisture and warmth to persuade/encourage them to germinate, and then an abundance of sunlight and a regular supply of nutrients to grow to fruition.

Like seeds, our dreams usually just need the right environment and care to materialize; to germinate, grow, and bear fruit. But while we know what to do with seeds, it can be challenging to know what our dreams need. How can we provide/create the best environment for our dreams to grow? What action steps do we need to take? Do different dreams need different conditions and care? There is no particular “how-to” guide for producing dreams; it’s up to us to figure that out and seek help when necessary.

With this in mind, I invite you to consider two things. First, think about the vision that you have for your garden.

Is it to have freshpicked salads all summer? To grow enough tomatoes for canning? Or to grow enough food to be able to contribute to your local food bank? Maybe you want to host and support monarch butterflies or other pollinators. Maybe you’d like to incorporate more native species or achieve permaculture. Write these dreams down. Start your wish-list of plants and/or vegetables and fruits.

Second, what is a dream that you have for yourself, that you’d like to plant the seed for this year? Beyond yourself, are there hopes and dreams you have for our planet? What would you most like to see change? If you could influence one or two areas, what would those be? Are there actions that you can take that would make a difference?

I have some dreams, related to this column, that I’ve been thinking about for a while. This seems a good time to share them with you.

I’d like to:

— do more to create a sense of community (I don’t know exactly how to do that, but I’m pondering, and also open to suggestions),

— do more to inspire both existing gardeners and brand-new ones, and

— expand the content to occasionally include gardening/nature activities with children.

I’d also like to hear more from you: What are your dreams for your garden, your yard, our Earth? What topics would you like to see explored here? I love suggestions, questions, ideas, and do my best to include them.

Back to seeds. There’s a very practical side to focusing on seeds right now. The times to start tomato, eggplant, and pepper seeds indoors — the end of March — will be here before we know it. And, growers do sometimes run out of certain varieties early in the season. So, if you’re picky about what you want to grow, and want to be sure to have your favorites, it pays to order sooner than later. Besides that, it’s just a fun winter activity.

And maybe you can let your hunt for seeds and your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations for 2022 play off and support each other. Here’s to a happy and productive New Year! Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail. com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” Pam’s nature-related books for children and families are available on Amazon, at Amazon.com/author/ pamelabaxter.