Extending Seasons

[Jan Ferrante]

Here we are at the beginning of the growing season! Yes there is still snow on the ground, but it's officially time to plant the tomatoes and peppers, even a few sunflowers.

Where I live, there is a relatively short growing season, this year I'm determined to take advantage of every trick that I can to get the most from it.

I like to start my own seeds, it's cheaper and I get to choose from a greater variety.

I get my seeds and supplies mostly from Vessey's and Richter's.

As the season progresses, I love to shop the local garden centers to support the smaller businesses and the plants are often much nicer than the 'big box stores'.

I worked at one for a season, it was truly magical to work among the plants daily. I loved it!

I wish that there was an organic place around here, that would be perfect.

[Jan Ferrante]

MAKING A COLD FRAME FROM AN OLD FRIDGE

I originally got this idea from a book called 'Getting Rid of Alders', a compilation of 25 years of the best submissions to a little magazine I've been getting for over 10 years called Rural Delivery.

As a matter of fact I spent the wee hours of one morning recording tips and hints from the book to use in my own garden and around the house.

You can use an old fridge or freezer to make a cold frame, raised bed gardening and you can even bury it and make a cold cellar.

ONE THING - You need to remove any latches and get the freon professionally removed before you use it.

I did a google search and found a few more ideas for it.

Frugal Gardening - Using Old Fridges and Freezers

I also saw a video on making a cold frame. It was good but it used plastic and new materials. I like to use recycled windows, glass or plexiglass and other recycled materials when possible.

I searched to find it again but couldn't. But I do have the main website which is excellent. Full of other helpful videos and community posts.

http://www.gardenfork.tv/