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​Seed Starting and More Cures for Spring Fever

Posted by Sara Carpenter on Feb 12th 2020

​Seed Starting and More Cures for Spring Fever

Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather-Prophet Extraordinary predicted an early fall this year. Whatever you call this “tried and true” weatherman, it certainly doesn’t feel like spring to me, Mr. Phil. In fact, at the time of writing this, my thermostat shows a balmy -10.

But no fear! Here are a few things you can do to cure your spring fever.

Start Planting (Indoors Anyways)

Vegetables: While some seeds like carrots, beans and salad greens, can be directly planted into the garden, many require a head start indoors. Depending on the germination time requirement, we are quickly approaching the right time to start veggies indoors such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and broccoli.

Annuals: Plants that need to be replanted annually can also get a head start by planting them indoors now so that they are far enough along when it is time to be replanted in your outdoor garden. I would suggest trying Marigolds, Cosmos, Celosia, Snapdragons and Sunflowers, just to name a few.

Perennials: Some beautiful plants that come back every year can also be started indoors. Yarrow, Shasta Daisy, Coneflowers and Black-Eyed Susan’s are all easily started from seed and can save you some significant dollars in the long run.

Simply purchase a seed starting blend of potting soil, which is light weight, and put it in some sort of tray, ideally one with individual portions and a clear lid to act as a greenhouse. If you’re a DIYer you can make one using some old egg cartons, egg shells with a small drainage hole, or by folding old newspaper into a square pot. We also sell a wide variety of starter trays in store.

Read the package instructions carefully and plant to the correct depth according to the package instructions. Water them well and place in a bright, warm and indirect well-lit space and watch them grow. Grow lights can also be used if you don’t have access to a well-lit space. We carry a few of those too.

Clean Out Winter Pots and Refresh

Pansies are great cold weather tolerant annuals that add a pop of color to your porch pots and should be available for purchase very soon. Team them up with some festive Pussy Willow Branches and you have a charming spring look.

Bring the Outdoors In

The Flower Shoppe at Steve's Ace has a wide selection of houseplants and tropicals that anyone can care for. House plants are a sure-fire way to bring a piece of spring inside.

Get Organized

Who said you have to wait till spring to start your spring cleaning? Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get your toy room, storage room or even classroom organized!

Fire Up the Grill!

Who said you have to wait till spring to fire up the grill? Bundle up, give that grill a little more warm-up time and throw on some kabobs. Check out our complete outdoor grilling area that features popular brands like Weber, Big Green Egg, Traeger.

For more tips, visit us at one of our stores in Dubuque, Iowa!