As the winter months settle in, gardeners often find themselves with a bit more time on their hands. This period is perfect for planning and organizing, ensuring that when the busy planting seasons arrive, everything is in place. In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard delves into the essential gardening activities for December, focusing on seed organization, planning for the upcoming growing seasons, and the benefits of microgreens and sprouting seeds. Additionally, Chef Scott adds a culinary twist with a delectable recipe for roasted sprouts with hot honey and feta cheese. Let's break down the key insights and actionable tips from this episode.

Seed Organization: The Foundation of a Successful Garden

Assessing Your Seed Collection

Richard begins by emphasizing the importance of sorting through your seed collection. This annual ritual helps in identifying what you have, what needs to be discarded, and what new seeds you need to order. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively organize your seeds:

Gather Your Seeds: Collect all your seed packets and containers. Richard stores his seeds in wooden boxes kept in an old fridge in his shed, which helps maintain their viability.

Check Expiration Dates: While some seeds can germinate years past their expiration date, it’s generally a good idea to use these dates as a guideline. Discard any seeds that are significantly out of date or have been opened for a long time.

Categorize Seeds: Organize your seeds into categories such as brassicas, legumes, root vegetables, etc. Richard keeps his seeds in alphabetical order within these categories, making it easier to find specific seeds when needed.

Create a Shopping List: Identify any gaps in your collection. Richard, for instance, is on the lookout for blight-resistant tomato varieties and a specific carrot variety that can be sown in December. Explore seed catalogs, both physical and online, to discover new varieties and plan your garden effectively.

Benefits of Seed Organization

Efficiency: A well-organized seed collection saves time during the planting season.

Better Planning: Knowing what seeds you have helps in planning your garden layout and crop rotation.

Reduced Waste: By discarding old or non-viable seeds, you ensure that your garden is planted with the best possible seeds.

Embracing Microgreens and Sprouting Seeds

The Seed of the Month: Microgreens and Sprouting Seeds

Richard introduces microgreens and sprouting seeds as the "seed of the month," highlighting their benefits during the winter months. These tiny, nutrient-dense plants can be grown indoors, providing fresh greens even when outdoor gardening is limited.

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Growing Microgreens

Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested just after the first true leaves have developed. They are packed with nutrients and can be grown easily in small spaces. Here’s how to get started:

Choose Your Seeds: Popular choices include pea shoots, radish, sunflower, and broccoli.

Prepare the Growing Medium: Use a shallow tray with damp tissue paper or a thin layer of soil.

Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly over the growing medium and press them down gently.

Water and Cover: Mist the seeds with water and cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment.

Germination: Place the tray in a warm, dark place until the seeds germinate. This usually takes a few days.

Light and Harvest: Once the seeds have sprouted, move the tray to a sunny spot or under grow lights. Harvest the microgreens when they are about 1-2 inches tall.

Growing Sprouts

Sprouts are germinated seeds that are eaten raw. They are easy to grow and can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Here’s Richard’s method for growing pea shoots: