Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

March marks the transition from winter to spring, hours of darkness continue to decrease as those of light increase until we arrive agian, on 20 March, at the spring equinox. Icy winter winds give way to soft breezes, days grow longer, and the sun warmer. One unknown author describes the month well.

The March wind roars
Like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver
As he passes by.
When winds are soft.
And the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb,
Then spring is here.

The arrival of spring is different throughout the country. In the south, folks watch as trees emerge from barren to budding before bursting into canopies. Farther north the winter weary will be waiting for crocus to peek through the snow. Everywhere weather will be unsettled, alternating between winter and spring. Charles Dickens described "one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

Now's the perfect time to prepare for summer gardening. Whether growing vegetables or flowers, starting from seeds is less expensive than buying plants at the nursery and makes an enjoyable family learning experience. I vote for growing sunflowers. The possibilities are endless, from dwarf to giant, sunny yellow and vibrant red to winter and lime, ornamental to eatable. Imagine starting out in spring planting seeds and ending in autumn roasting seeds for delicious, nutritious snacks. Neighborhood birds would be delighted with dried sunflowers come winter.

So...how shall we begin our planting /tending /harvesting adventure? One way is to re-purpose cardboard egg cartons into seed starting trays. Begin by cutting the lid off an egg carton along the hinge. To insure that soil does not get too wet when watering the seeds, poke drain holes in the bottom of the egg carton. Place the egg carton inside its lid which will serve as a saucer to catch excess water.

Fill the cavities in the carton with potting soil, make a hole in the center of each mound of soil, and drop in a seed. Carefully cover each seed with potting soil and gently water until the soil is moist but not soaked. A mister is a good way to water without over doing it.

Place the seed trays in a warm sunny location, keep the soil moist, and watch the seedlings grow. Once the sprouts are two or three inches tall, transplant to a larger container or, when weather permits, outdoors in the garden.

Be sure to send pictures of how your garden grows. We'll make a slideshow for all to enjoy.