We’ve moved our clocks ahead, the sun is getting stronger and the days are getting longer. Guess what time it is?

It’s transplant time! Vegetables and herb seeds that were started a couple of weeks ago here at Gibson House have sprouted and are ready for larger homes.

This year I decided to try something a little different when transplant time arrived that involves reusing clear plastic flavored water bottles that I’d saved over the winter. 

Inspired by a creator on Tiktok, I decided to use these plastic bottles as individual greenhouses for my seedlings. Here’s how I made them-

First - Using an electric x-acto knife (hot knife), I carefully cut along the circumference of the bottle, about 4 inches from the bottom, leaving the last inch uncut. This created a miniature flip-top greenhouse.

Second - Leaving the caps on the bottles, I cut a little “window” at the top for watering and ventilation. 

Third - After propping the mini greenhouse open, I filled the bottom of the mini greenhouse with fresh potting medium and transplanted seedlings in their new homes.

Fourth - Setting the top back over the bottom of the mini greenhouse, I used clear packing tape and carefully taped the top and bottom seam back together.

Fifth - I arranged all the little greenhouses in the south-facing kitchen windows where they could begin enjoying the longer days of sunshine!

Caretaking of these seedlings will be easy - just water when needed through the little window at the top and when the seedlings grow up to the top of their greenhouse, I’ll remove the packing tape and cut the top completely away from the bottom and put the plants back in their sunny window until it’s warm enough to plant them outdoors.

For about the last week I’ve been seeing more frequent signs of spring. The crocus are now in bloom, with their little purple flowers and bright yellow centers lining the walkway on the south side of the house.

In the Timber Garden, tiny shoots of Dutchman’s Breeches and Spring Beauties are waking up from their winter naps and even the hollyhocks have sent out their first few new leaves. 

Over the past week, the native bird population has increased with the return of the robins and grackles to the yard.

Just yesterday, the Nature Center was visited once again by a pair of Eurasian Doves who have nested in the area for the past few seasons now. Yes, they are an invasive species - but they are beautiful.

For all of us that garden - now is the time to start collecting any new seeds for this year’s planting season. 

Local greenhouses will soon be brimming with tantalizing new strains of  flowers and vegetables ready to be tucked into your garden bed.

Spring shipments of dormant trees have arrived at the local farm supply store, along with several varieties of chicks, ducks and turkeys.

The air is full of the promise and freshness of the new spring season!