I think the big concern would be that the soil could possibly be too hot or that it might be too difficult to keep the ground moist to help them germinate. But if you have plenty of seeds it is certainly worth the try, especially with the beans and zucchini which a lot of us grow as summer crops.

That's wonderful, I'm happy for you BigDaddy. I've not done the circle of water filled jugs myself, though I think I will remember it and someday give it a try. On rare occasion I have tossed an old bed comforter over the containers and took it off the next morning as soon as the sun was over the fence and warming that blanket. You must be prompt with removing the blanket because it can trap heat underneath, especially if it's a dark and heavy blanket. I've seen my tomato seedlings in their containers go through nights just a bit below freezing, say down to 28-29 degrees or so, maybe 27 but I haven't eyeballed it on the thermometer, but the 28-29 I have seen with my eyes. You think they're going to fail but amazingly they take it. If you think the temps are going to drop below freezing I think a blanket will be helpful, certainly emotionally helpful, and it will insulate the transplants against being hit by a hard freeze. T PS...ML, you're always a day or two ahead of me on sprouting! I have four sprouts so far, lol.

I was wondering about snow peas as well. Some folks at the Pacific NW forum believe planting snow peas on Presidents Day (around Feb. 20) here is too early. They say that even though the peas germinate, they will grow slowly and suffer damage from slugs etc., eventually producing a smaller crop at the same time as you'd get it if you wait a few weeks later. Last year I planted out around President's Day and got a nice crop, didn't see much snail action on my rows, but I don't know if it could have been better or not. I think the average temps are in the low to mid 50s around late February here.

Hi I wanted to give an update since this post. We have been working exceptionally hard on curb appeal. The font has been repainted including the bottom trim with sculpted clay by Behr. New facia and eavestrough were installed. The beds have been dug and mulched. My health has allowed me to keep on top of the weeding this year. We have had so much rain that some plants are struggling while others love it. We edged and sealed the driveway (edged since this photo) we decided not to change the front porch but power washed it and left the fence off. The white lampposts are still there but they have hanging baskets and the single post has been straightened. I have two questions: 1. We never discussed the outbuilding. Today I gave it a little makeover but would like to hear your ideas for it and landscaping around it. 2. We have water running down the hill behind the carport and pooling at the back. What is the best way to direct water around the carport and to the driveway or beside the drive to the road?