Well – maybe the title is a little misleading… I mean, it’s already begun and the checks are in and people are watching the snow accumulate with anticipation of the thaw… But – in the basement some of the first seeds have been planted and are under lights… waiting.
First up are the leeks (well – not “up” but hopefully gently germinating as you read this). They are a very long season crop – up to 150 days from when they are transplanted. So a running start under the lights is extra useful for them.
They will be one of the first items inside to move out under a low hoop house sometime in April. They will also move into a 4″ deep potting soil “box” then so they can continue to develop downward growth at that time.
Last year the trick to make them grow really well was to keep hacking the tops down and then plant them in deep holes so they get that long nicely blanched white section for which leeks are known.
Yeah – 150 days out from when they get put in the ground in May sure seems like a long time… but – it’s a start to the growing season – so it does feel good.
I keep going down to check my leek seedlings in the basement, brushing their tops or turning a small fan on near them to simulate a breeze, occasionally including worm pee in their waterings, and telling them how much I’m looking forward to eating them. So far they don’t seem to take that last bit as a threat.
Regarding your last point – leeks are not too bright… I have found you don’t even need to sneak up on them in the fall!
I only raise smart, friendly leeks. They get a full education…