More people are interested in backyard vegetable gardening than ever before. The most economical way to get a vegetable garden started is with seed, the old-fashioned way. For the proce of 4-6 plants, a whole packet of the vegetable-of-choice can be purchased. It's not too early to consult last year's notes (you did make notes, didn't you?) or compile a list for this year. Are your seed starting supplies in order?--clean, serviceable flats and pots, seed starting mix, domes for germination, and most importantly seed. It's certainly not too early to shop for those desirable varieties for both vegetables and flowers. I placed an order for the few things I was not able to find locally last week. I have already heard that there may be limited quantities of certain seeds, and that people who wait to shop at the last minute may have to substitute a lesser known variety for their first choice. (On the bright side, this can also introduce you to your new favorite!)

So start shopping early, and make sure you get your favorites!

The days are slightly longer now, it's actually light out at 5p.m. This week would be a good time to take my pruners and loppers for the first sharpening of the year. The few seeds I can't find locally will be ordered, I hope everything is available...

Though May is a fair amount of time away, I'm giving some thought to my self-composed hanging baskets. I'll probably add one more to the southern exposure on our back patio. For me these baskets must multi-task. (Yes, I'm a big fan of Alton Brown) They must be attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and should be fragrant. The winning combination of Heliotrope (a heavenly vanilla, almond-cherry scent) and lantana (grapefruit scented) works great, you only need to add something to trail, I'm thinking lotus vine.

The hanging baskets on the N.E. corner had gone from being strictly ornamental (violas, fushia, and creeping jenny) to a melange of herbs, parsley, marjoram, chervil, and when it's warm enough, basil. And a few violas (still edible by the way). It's attractive, but oh so functional! Only about 8 feet from our kitchen door, also very handy.

At any rate, January is a good time for planning, list making, and just a little fantasy. Gardeners are patient.