The Master Gardeners: Scratch garden itch, even in winter depths

With Covid-19 and the political events in our nation's capital occupying our minds, gardening is perhaps not the central focus of one's thought process this month. Yet, gardening for many is a place to clear one's head and take in some life lessons such as patience, persistence, or the need to control the weeds.

One also learns that advance planning saves a lot of work, and often money, on the back end. Even though January in northeastern Minnesota doesn't lend itself to much gardening, there are things that can be done.

As part of a small experiment this year, I will attempt planting seeds that were harvested from flowers last fall. The flower heads were hung out to dry and then the dried seeds were harvested. They were stored in envelopes labeled by color and variety. They were then placed in an old tackle box in the garage refrigerator waiting for the hope of spring. (I hear mason jars work well for this too.)

These seeds should germinate once they are planted. Later in May and June when they are transplanted, the hope is they will replenish the flower beds. One can only imagine the waves of red, orange, and coral zinnia or smile at the thought of the orange and yellow marigolds or hollyhocks and the other flowers adorning the manicured beds once again.

But it is still two months too early to start the varieties that were planted. Fear of failure or of being left without good seeds may have played a role here. As a master gardener, it would be embarrassing to get caught without seeds that will germinate in the middle of March when gardening shifts into high gear. With this in mind, out came a warming pad, peat pellets, and the plastic-domed seed trays. The planted seeds have been identified and labeled, as have the corresponding envelopes from which they came. Now comes patience. I should know in seven to 10 days whether the seed is viable.

In the meantime, what else can one do to clear one's head in January in Minnesota? For many - including me - an ice fishing trip is in order. We will have to let you know later how that experiment goes.

Becoming a master gardener had been a personal goal for many years. I was inspired to pursue it by the first master gardener I met, a friend named Bud Kirk. He was a former president of the First National Bank of Moose Lake. His gardens were amazing and the knowledge he had to share was vast. The gardening notes he left after passing are still a valuable possession. Each spring these notes come out and a smile spreads across my face with the reminder that once again hope springs eternal.

Writer Lyle Giersdorf is a master gardener in Carlton County. If you are interested in improving your gardening skills or learning more about the master gardening program through the University of Minnesota, contact the Carlton County Extension office at 218-384-3511.