Sowing seeds

At this time of year, many backyard gardens are in hibernation. But the promise of warmth (and summer heat) is just down the road, so shake off the cold and get those seeds started.

Garden stores and seed companies have done gangbusters business over the past few lean years. Get your orders in early to avoid missing out on what you really want. I plan to curl up on the sofa now with some seed catalogs, like those from local suppliers Bountiful Gardens (Willits) and Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (Grass Valley). Bountiful specializes in heirloom and non-GMO seeds and supplies for organic gardening. Peaceful Valley specializes in organic seeds and pest control and has a wide selection of bare-root fruit trees and seed potatoes. Look at its website (www.groworganic.com) for help selecting native plants and wildflowers.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget überlocal suppliers Capital Nursery and Talini’s Nursery & Garden Center. The folks there are super knowledgeable, and you get instant gratification for your gardening jones.