The Hearth Book

I planted soooo many tomato seeds.

Honestly, I didn’t think they’d all germinate, so I threw 2 to 3 seeds into every pod thinking, some will make it. But then… they all did. Every single one. I repotted them into shared containers, still assuming nature would take its course and I’d lose a few. Nope. They just kept growing. Bigger. Stronger. More determined.

So yesterday, I pulled them all apart and gave each one its own little pot. Well, red solo cup, actually.

Pots can get expensive when you’re growing a jungle, but I saw a video online where someone made plant pots out of red solo cups by cutting slits in the bottom for drainage. Genius. Cheap, cheerful, and effective.

Now, almost every tomato has its own cup. I’ve still got a few left in smaller pots, letting them grow a bit more before I separate them out. But as it stands, I’m at about 60 tomato plants.

I only need maybe 7 or 8 for our little household.

So this spring, I’m officially becoming the Great Tomato Fairy, handing out tomato plants to every friend, family member, and neighbor who’ll take one. Get ready, everyone. Your summer salads are covered.

And it’s not just tomatoes. I’ve got herbs everywhere, plus onions and peppers coming up beautifully. I can’t wait to harden them off in the coming weeks and start moving everything into their forever homes: pots, raised beds, and the in-ground garden.

This summer is going to be full of dirt-under-my-nails magic. We’re building two raised beds, one for strawberries and one for herbs. My in-ground garden is all mapped out, and I’m planning to divide it into quarters, grouping companion plants together to help them thrive.

The snow is melting. The forecast is looking gorgeous. And I’m so ready.

So ready for sunshine. For the smell of fresh soil. For meals straight from the garden. For learning as I go. For building and beautifying. For getting my hands dirty and my heart full.

My summer goals include:
• Building the raised beds
• Planting the full garden
• Cleaning up and improving the flower beds around the house
• Tidying up the big trees in the backyard
• Getting new front and back steps built
• Pargeing the base of the house to complete our siding project
• Growing and preserving as much food as I can
• Learning everything I can
• Spending as much time outside as possible

It’s going to be a big, beautiful, busy season and I couldn’t be more excited.

What are you looking forward to this summer? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your plans!