Associated Press
Deep into this pandemic winter, it can be hard to remember what a refuge gardens were last spring and summer.
In those frightening early days of COVID-19, victory gardens and household vegetable plots sprang up all over. Seed companies reported shortages. Hardware stores saw a run on garden tools. Millions found comfort, release and a sense of safety outdoors with their hands in the dirt.
That feels like a long time ago. We dreaded this winter, and we weren’t wrong: January was the deadliest month yet from the virus. Political violence shook Americans’ sense of security and shared purpose. Businesses and household incomes are struggling. And the human interactions that might help us process all this anxiety and grief are discouraged.
JULIA RUBIN Associated Press
AP Photo/Julia Rubin
This image shows a dog resting by a backyard garden covered in snow in Westchester County, N.Y. on Feb. 4, 2021. Deep into this pandemic winter, it can be hard to remember what a refuge gardens were for many people last spring and summer.
Deep into this pandemic winter, it can be hard to remember what a refuge gardens were last spring and summer.
In those frightening early days of COVID-19, victory gardens and household vegetable plots sprang up all over. Seed companies reported shortages. Hardware stores saw a run on garden tools. Millions found comfort, release and a sense of safety outdoors with their hands in the dirt.
Where to buy seeds for your Michigan garden this year
Updated Feb 18, 2021;
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Though we’re still in the thick of winter, gardeners know: Now is the time to start thinking spring.
Garden catalogs have been popping up in mailboxes for months now, and online gardening forums are abuzz with discussions about last-frost dates, garden planning tips, and the perennial question: Where are the best places to buy seeds?
If you’re in Michigan, you’re in luck: The Great Lakes State is home to several seed companies that specialize in heirloom and organic vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs.
Pandemic shortages mean Upper Valley farmers have a need for seeds
Suzanne Long waters pea shoots at Luna Bleu Farm in South Royalton as Garbanzo the cat watches on Thursday. Anticipating potential issues with seed supply due to increased demand and the effects of drought and fire on some suppliers, Long placed her orders in December. “There’s always going to be one variety or another that’s not available,” she said. “It does bring to the fore the fragility of our seed sources.” James M. Patterson photos / Valley News
Shona Sanford-Long plants a selection of last year’s lettuce seeds to test for germination at Luna Bleu Farm. The seeds are covered in an organic material to form pellets for ease of handling.
Deep into this pandemic winter, it can be hard to remember what a refuge gardens were last spring and summer. In those frightening early days of COVID-19, victory gardens and household vegetable plots sprang up all over. Seed companies reported shortages. Hardware stores saw a run on garden tools. Millions found comfort, release and a […]