Peas, Parsley, Pansies, and Petunias

We have an unofficial gardening group at Keene State we call the Garden Owls. This group of students helps me out weekly in the greenhouse and in the courtyard garden. In late February they started seeds of parsley, pansies and petunias, and after the seeds had sprouted and showed their first true leaves, we separated them and moved them into six packs. These are some of my favorite spring plants here in cold New Hampshire, which is why we started them so early. I like to get them growing and into my pots, window boxes, and the garden as early as April. Our frost free date here isn't until the end of May, but these plants are really tough.

Parsley seedlings
These little parsley seedlings provide a bright spot of green right now. Parsley is an annual herb that can take temperatures down to 10 degrees. Parsley is a great source of flavonoids and antioxidants including vitamins C, K, and A. I can't wait to have fresh Tabbouleh!




Viola bicolor, the American field pansy, also known as Johnny Jump Ups

These little beauties are an annual plant in the violet family and considered native to North America. They can withstand temperatures down around 20 degrees, and even a layer of snow, so they are the first bit of color I get into my flower pots and window boxes in April, as soon as the forecast looks promising. In July they start to get a little straggly, but if you cut them back they will re-bloom nicely in September. And like all violets, they are edible so they brighten up a salad or make a lovely decoration on a cake.


Petunias and Lantana
Petunias are a favorite flowering plant consisting of many species and varieties. Although not as tough as the others, they can handle temperatures close to freezing for a short period. And they provide great color all season. In the fall I trim my potted petunias and store them over the winter in my cold cellar. They come right back in the spring once they feel the warm sun and get a good watering. Feeding them with a flowering plant fertilizer really brings on the blossoms!

That leaves us with Peas, but I'll share more about planting peas next time.

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