Starting seeds indoors

Flipping through Seed Catalogs

Every winter, when my garden is just a sad, frozen patch of dirt, I like to curl up with a hot drink and flipping through seed catalogs. There’s something magical about those glossy pages promising lush tomatoes, towering sunflowers, and exotic melons you’ve never heard of but suddenly NEED to grow.

Every page was filled with “must-haves,” and before I knew it, I had circled half the catalog. Instead of narrowing it down like a reasonable person, I convinced myself that I could totally plant everything. A garden bursting with rare vegetables? Why not! A 10-foot-tall corn variety? Obviously! How about a type of zucchini that is so big it is described as “legendary”? Sign me up!

I placed my massive order and eagerly awaited my seeds, dreaming of my future jungle of homegrown produce. Now the seeds have been coming every day.

Then, reality hit. The catalog photos hadn’t fully prepared me for just how many seeds I had ordered. I had somehow ended up with enough seeds to feed a small village.

The most important thing to learn in ordering seeds, especially online, is to whittle down that list several times.

Here is a brief list of when the seeds need to be planted indoors before planting outdoors:

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes – 6–8 weeks before last frost
  • Peppers (bell, hot, etc.) – 8–10 weeks before last frost
  • Broccoli & Cauliflower – 6–8 weeks before last frost
  • Lettuce – 4–6 weeks before last frost
  • Cabbage – 6–8 weeks before last frost
  • Onions – 10–12 weeks before last frost
  • Pumpkins & Squash – 3–4 weeks before last frost
  • Cucumbers – 3–4 weeks before last frost
  • Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe) – 3–4 weeks before last frost

Flowers

  • Marigolds – 6–8 weeks before last frost
  • Petunias – 10–12 weeks before last frost
  • Zinnias – 4–6 weeks before last frost
  • Sunflowers – 2–4 weeks before last frost

In Winner, South Dakota, the average last frost date—when temperatures last drop to 32°F—is typically May 15th.

I have planted onions and cabbage, which are cold tolerant in the garden at the end of April, but wait till after mid-May for the warm season vine crops.

DIY Projects, Funny pics and stories

How Hard Can it Be

Heard a story of a person who decided to install a ceiling fan all by himself because “how hard can it be?” He confidently told everyone he watched a YouTube video, so naturally, he was now a certified electrician.

Step one went well—he managed to remove the old light fixture. Step two? Well, that’s where things got interesting. While wiring the new fan, he “forgot” to turn off the power. Cue the inevitable zap, a yelp that sounded like a startled cat, and a spectacular drop of every tool in his hand.

But he pressed on! Fan finally installed, he flipped the switch, and—success! The fan started spinning! Too bad he didn’t check the clearance. The very first rotation of the fan blades shredded the top of his prized “lucky hat,” sending bits of fabric flying around the room like confetti.

The kicker? He said, “It’s okay, the hat took one for the team,” while the fan wobbled so violently it looked like it was trying to escape the ceiling.

A professional eventually came in and fixed the disaster—for double the original cost. But hey, the man learned a valuable lesson: DIY doesn’t always mean “Do It Yourself.” Sometimes, it’s “Don’t Injure Yourself.”

Shrubs

Let’s Talk Shrubs

Last time, we covered the latest tree varieties for 2025—now let’s talk shrubs!

If you’re looking for cold-hardy options, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Snow Blaze’ is a showstopper. This beauty thrives in Zone 3, producing massive, cone-shaped white blooms that slowly blush pink as the season progresses. It’s a perfect addition to mixed borders and grows happily in full sun to part shade.

For something compact yet striking, check out Aronia melanocarpa ‘Ruby Splendor’, or as we like to call it, chokecherry. Its deep burgundy foliage and bright red berries make it a standout in wildlife gardens, plus it thrives in wet soil—great for those tricky spots.

Want some extra color? Spiraea japonica ‘Frostfire’ brings a dynamic mix of frosty white and pink blooms with golden foliage, making it an eye-catching choice for foundation plantings.

Another can’t-miss addition is Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Ice Flame’, a stunning ninebark with white variegated leaves and soft pink-white blooms in spring. It’s not just pretty—it’s also tough, handling drought and cold like a champ.

And if fall color is what you’re after, Diervilla ‘Arctic Sunrise’ (Bush Honeysuckle) delivers. Its bright orange-red foliage in autumn, combined with small yellow summer flowers, makes it a fantastic option for slopes or erosion control.

No matter your garden style, these fresh 2025 shrub varieties bring bold colors, hardy growth, and season-long interest. Which one’s catching your eye?