Sow some seeds to chase away winter blues

(Adams Lawn and Garden Show offers a respite from winter/Karl Rabe, Journal photo)

Had enough of the snow, sleet and winter rain? This has been a trying week in the Hudson Valley and the entire Northeast. I know I'm ready for spring, which is sadly still weeks away.

One way to get a taste of spring is to start sowing some seeds for spring plantings. I paid a visit to Adams Fairacre Farms recently to buy seed packets, but really to browse through the garden center. If you head to any of Adams three locations in the valley this week, you'll get a real taste of spring with the store's annual Lawn and Garden Show. There are literally thousands of perennial bulbs in bloom, plantings and landscaping that will make you feel transported to warmer climes.

I picked up some seed packets last week, drawn by the lush photos and colors stacked in racks. The Taste of Italy seeds got my attention so I bought some fagioli to plant in late spring.

Just look at all the variety of seeds. I was transfixed on the spot, lost in a summer reverie.

Thompson Morgan had lush packets of flowers and more.

These packs look good enough to eat.

I could get lost among these racks.

I started some Italian parsley and leeks. They take a while to grow, so it's time to get them going to set out in early spring.

Make sure to use seed starting mix to plant the seeds. I like to use recycled mushroom containers as planters, poking holes in the bottom for drainage. It feels good to get my hands in the dirt again.

Moisten the containers, put them in plastic bags to create a mini-greenhouse and place them in a sunny windowsill to germinate.

So chase away the winter blues by savoring a sneak peek of spring.