By now many of you have received your favorite gardening catalog(s) in the mail – and that’s a good thing because January is National Mail Order Gardening Month. It’s not just about seeds anymore; purchasing plants by mail has come a long way since the early days. Often, it’s the only way to get the unusual, hard to find plants. Remember though, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Whether you’re looking to buy or just daydreaming, garden catalogs are a great resource and can help bring a little springtime indoors during the winter months.

While we’re still a ways away from planting most things, garden vegetables like peas and potatoes are two of the earliest crops that can be planted in the garden. Both are highly productive and easy to grow. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension vegetable planting guide and recommended planting dates, garden peas (sugar snap and snow peas) can be planted as early as February, and potatoes soon after that. Dates vary a little depending on where you garden in Virginia. Refer to the planting guide to see when the recommended planting times are in your area.

Whether its vegetables or flowers, take a little time this winter and plan out your spring garden, it’ll be here before you know it.