Judy Terry

Green Thumb

This week, I received many beautiful packets of heirloom tomato seeds, sent to me by my daughter Ann. What a fun surprise! See the picture below. It looks like I am going to be a tomato farmer.

It’s not too late to start seeds inside. Most tomatoes take about six weeks to become transplants. That would make it late May, but they should flourish in the warm ground and full sun, which is what they need. I’ve rented a garden plot from the City of Coralville and will plant only tomatoes. I think this self-imposed quarantine may have given me grandiose ideas or maybe a really fun challenge.

More:Stuck inside? Tips for indoor gardening to bring green to your space while quarantined

Shopping for seeds is not on my sheltering schedule and probably not on yours either, but the Johnson County Master Gardeners have that problem all worked out.

They had planned a seed share for March, but due to the virus they will do it online.

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Master Gardener, Linda Schreiber tells me that “Although our fourth-year event was canceled it doesn't mean we aren't offering seeds to the public. Seed Share is going online. Gardeners will be able to choose from a listing of seeds posted to the JCMG Facebook page beginning April 15. A listing of available seeds by brand (business name) and variety will be posted to Johnson County Master Gardeners Facebook page. The free seeds are available to residents of Johnson County only.

Gardening enthusiasts can email their requested order to johnsoncomg@gmail.com. When the order is ready for pickup, JCMG volunteers will email you and meet you at the Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy 218 S.

All seeds are free. Yes, all seeds are free. Just go into the JCMG Facebook page and see the enormous list of seeds received from Burpee, Earl May Iowa City, Fedco, Peaceful Valley/Grow Organic, Renee's Garden, Seed Savers in Decorah, Territorial Seeds and Victory Seeds.

This is a wonderful opportunity and a generous gift from JCMG and the suppliers.

Linda tells me she is making seed packets out of newspaper (the P-C is well represented.) and using a magic marker to identify each kind of plant.

There seems to be hundreds of choices on the website. Plenty of vegetables from asparagus to beets to Brussels sprouts, to corn and onward through the alphabet to zucchini. Flower choices include cosmos, marigolds, mums, moonflowers and morning glory. Print out the list if you can and start checking the ones you like.

This is indeed a challenging year, but maybe a good one for digging in the dirt.

Stay sheltering. Stay well. Plant a garden.