The first garden class of the year at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Westchester was all about seeds and seedlings. Joanne Poyourow was enthusiastic and so informative about sources for safe seeds (not genetically modified). Bountiful Gardens, Victory Gardens, Southern Exposure Seed. Co., and Baker Creek Seed were recommended. She had catalogs for us to review. Other topics included the importance of keeping soil moist for seeds (the BIG issue for southern California), the importance of labeling plantings, and the question of direct seeding (in the garden) vs. transplanting. At the end of the indoor section of the session, Joanne demonstrated separating lettuce and celery seedlings. The class then took a tour of the garden. The star of the garden this winter is certainly the purple pea plant with violet flowers and pods. Digital Gardener’s Southern California Vegetable Planting Schedule was referred to several times. We are so fortunate to live in Southern California where we can grow veggies all year round.
Avant Garden 