After a little searching, I found a fabulous resource from the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s a planting calendar based on one’s zip code and lunar phases. I punched in our zip code and got this calendar.
Our safe(ish) last frost date is May 5, according to the Illinois Extension. Freezing can occur into mid-May, but Cinco de Mayo is easy to remember and fairly safe. They also recommend getting broccoli started early because it likes colder weather and can withstand a little frost. I’ll start some today.
So, I walk by the stove and can’t help but inspect the pepper seeds. One bag looked a little funny, like maybe mold was growing on the seeds. It’s only been 48 hours since I started them, so I didn’t expect any action on the seeds. I opened it up, and look what I found! The Breslin Yellow Hot Peppers are the champion germinators.
I planted them and popped some basil seed into the other 18 cells. Now they’re next to the stove for incubation, since we don’t have any sun today.
