The view out my kitchen window this morning. I was thinking what might be the plan for February Planting Zone 6a – Mid-Coast Maine.
It’s pretty mild here right now with a high forecasted for 43 degrees today which is downright toasty for Mid-Coast Maine this time of year, that’s for sure.
I guess I’ll be wearing boots today… that is if I leave the house. 😉
How I Started February Planting Zone 6a – Mid-Coast Maine
This morning as the sun was coming up I pulled out all my seed packets and organized them while I sipped my tea. I have high hopes that I’ll be able to get them all sorted by their planting dates and organized in a box by lunchtime.
That’s the plan anyway. 😉
The weather can be a little wonky here in the spring with the treat of snow or freezing temps basically up until mid May, so for the most part, the majority of the vegetable starts or seeds won’t make it into the ground until the end of May {May 30th was my goal date last year, and it worked well, so I’ll plan again for a May 30th planting party again this year.
Infographic by Hudson Valley Seed
All I know is this… I plan on growing A LOT of vegetables this year. With tomatoes and squash high on my list.
And shelling peas and corn too. I haven’t grown either of those in a few years and thought they might be fun to plant this year. I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to fit everything in yet… but that’s half the fun if you ask me. Figuring it all out.
How about YOU? Have you started making your garden plans for this year yet? Will you be trying any new varieties? Will your focus be on growing vegetables to enjoy during the summer months, or are you planning on a big garden with food preservation {canning, freezing, dehydrating} in mind this year?
Curious minds want to know.
Keep calm and plan on,
~Mavis
A big thanks to everyone who entered the Sweet Treats giveaway. The winners are:
Sheila – “I 
Watching my 24 year old son coach his junior varsity basketball team at the same high school where he graduated. I get almost as nervous as I did when I used to watch him play the game he loves!
Happy Valentines everyone!”
Kristi – “I love seeing the first signs of Spring! Bulbs pushing their way through the dirt and tiny flower buds on trees. It gives me hope that I can make it through the rest of winter and Spring is right around the corner.”
Carole says
Zone 8b here, planted already, carrots, celery, peas, swiss chard, tatsoi, baby bok choy, spinach, onions, garlic, shallots, parsley, and I have my tomatoes, eggplant and peppers started inside. Will plant my potatoes next month. I am doubling the planting this year too. Fitting it all in is a giant puzzle as I have lots of warm weather seeds yet to get tucked in!! Fun times
HollyG says
I’m in zone 8b as well. My seeds arrived a little late due to the weather on the east coast, but they’re here now and tomorrow I need to start sowing (I’m subbing today at the HS). I’ve got some onions started (from last year’s seed) and lavender in the refrigerator. Tomorrow I’ll start some chard, parsley, tomatoes, peppers and kale.
Sheila says
Thank you Mavis! I’m so excited to have won your fun give away!
All the comments were lovely and positive to read
Happy Valentines Day to you and all your readers!
Margo says
Zone 10a. Just harvested 11 lbs. of potatoes, still growing some greens and beets, scallion, carrots, herbs. Lots of mandarin and naval oranges are being picked fresh daily. Planted peas and more carrots yesterday and started seeds under grow lights for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers yesterday. Will direct sow corn, bush beans or various types, and winter and summer squashes next month.
suzanne says
I need to get the old truck started to get a yard of compost/soil for my new beds. I went crazy with to many types /quantities of veg and flowers last year. I had a new garden and acres to fill. I’m going to focus on growing what we really love and regularly use. Hope you going to try a Rao’s sauce copycat canning recipe.
Rebecca in MD says
I have been planning my vegetable garden and sorting through my seeds as well. I will start sowing seeds this month beginning with onions and through the end of March with tomatoes. I use grow lights indoors along with a heat mat. One of the grow lights was won through one of Mavis’ giveaways (Hydrofarm Jump Start Light System). I have four total and they are excellent.
Cindy Miller says
Thanks for the little postie note with the dates and weeks, that helps me out a lot! March 1st is right around the corner. I will have to set up the indoor greenhouse I bought very soon.
Here’s a question, Have you ever thought about doing a canning class? With you as the instructor?
Cindy Miller
Diana says
Zone 8a, east of ATL, GA, here.
Snap and English peas were put out in the raised bed tubs yesterday. Snaps are about 6″ and English about 2-3″
Carrots were sown a couple of weeks ago in the large pot I use for them. ONE is up so far, lol.
Brussel sprouts and celery are up. When they get a little bigger, they’ll go into a raised bed tub as well.
Broccoli is usually grown in the fall here, but I’m gonna be wild and try to grow it early too. I’ll be planting those seeds tomorrow.
Being a single person with no dependents, I don’t need as much as others do, but I still have big plans. My garden timeline is complete and I’m preparing the beds/pots. I’m interested in seeing what the harvest will be like – I’m planting earlier this year in an effort to avoid the horrible heat. I’m hoping to grow enough to last most of the year.
We’ll see, I guess.
Leslie says
I understand we should be moving away from use of peat for seed starting. Does anyone know a good peat-less mix?
Ashley says
Southern Coast Maine here!
I am actively trying to plant more intentionally this year. I am worked out our crop rotation, what will be in each bed, and listed any seeds we have.
Next will be purchasing any others, starting to get supplies, etc.
The last five years of gardens have been tough, the first three were all in new places, then last year I had a one year old and was pregnant so fingers crossed things we will have more time this year!
Ranae says
What kind of pressure canner do you use for canning your vegetables? Also, what kind of garden fertilizer do you use?
Emily says
Your “planting party” made me smile. I wrote “plant parsley” on my calendar for Saturday and misread it as “plant party.” That really would be my kind of party 🙂
What do you have planned for your catnip?
JT says
Eagerly following your blog, transplanted myself and my wife from Indiana to 6a in Southern Finland recently, with first grow season coming up on our own yard. Hugelkultur raised beds in planning stages, easy seeds being gathered, and our root cellar being worked on. Kudos and hello!
Kimberly Vassar says
Congratulations to Sheila and Kristi!
Jenny Young says
So how do we get the Hudson Valley infograph? I assume that would work in any growing zone…just use my own last frost date to figure planting times? I followed the link & it just took me to their website but not the graph. A search of their site did not bring it up.
Mavis Butterfield says
If you click on the link it will take you to their website and you can get it.
Peggy says
Will you try a Three Sisters garden area for your corn and squash? I imagine you’ll grow beans too.