January feels like the longest month for gardeners in Latvia. It’s cold and dark, and there’s nothing I can start indoors just yet. But February is so close, and with it comes the first chance to start sowing seeds. The gardening year of 2025 is just around the corner, and I’m beyond excited—especially because this is the first gardening season we’ll spend in our (still-being-renovated) house.
While organizing my supplies, I found a stash of old seeds. Some might still germinate, and I’m curious to see how they do. Of course, I also bought some new ones to make sure I have a good mix of fresh possibilities. There’s something so hopeful about holding a packet of seeds—tiny promises of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will brighten the months ahead.
Gardening in Latvia comes with its own challenges. Our winters are tough (though this year hasn’t been as harsh), and the last frost usually sticks around until late May. The growing season is short, too, with the first frost sneaking back in by September. Timing is everything here.
February will be a gentle start, with a few early sowings indoors to get things going. The real hustle begins in April and May, when I’ll be elbows-deep in soil and seedlings. For now, I’m savoring the anticipation, dreaming of green shoots and colorful blooms, and preparing for another year of growing…
What are you planning to sow this year? Have you ever tried germinating older seeds?
Ilze
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…April and May, when I’ll be elbows-deep in soil and seedlings.
That sounds so wonderful! I have had a little success with older seeds in the past when I had a little greenhouse in my back yard. I don’t start anything indoors now. I don’t have the space and my house plants take up the only good window I have, lol.
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That does sound lovely! This will be my first year starting seedlings here at our home (still unfinished, but getting there!). I’m lucky to have space and a greenhouse, so I’m really excited to dive in. Fingers crossed some of those older seeds surprise me and sprout!
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I haven’t had luck growing from seed, indoor or out. We have tried in the past to grow tomatoes from seed but once we transfer they die. We don’t have room for a garden but we still buy 4-6 tomato plants every year. 🙂
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Growing from seed can definitely be tricky! Tomatoes can be so sensitive when they’re transplanted. It’s great that you still get a few plants each year, though – nothing beats homegrown tomatoes! Maybe one day you’ll find a little space for a garden, but for now, it sounds like you’re making the most of what you have. 😊🍅
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I can’t grow anything, I’m glad that you can, Ilze! 😂❤️
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I bet you can! You just think you can’t start with simple things like marigolds 🙂
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I may grow something else since it’s legal here now. 😂
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Only if a state-licensed retail store is not within 25 miles of the home 🙂
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Jackie has planted older seeds this year, and kept them inside. They are germinating. Good luck with yours
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Thank you, Derrick! I can’t start seeds yet; we have late frosts. 🙂 But I can’t wait!
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