It’s planting time

Cherie started her seeds in the basement in trays sitting on heat mats under grow lights. She is hardening the seedlings so they can go into the raised beds. We are now far enough into the season that our night temperatures are over 50°F. We’ll be in the high 70°s and low 80°s during the days for the next couple of weeks. Rule of thumb for gardeners in Sioux Falls is to not plant anything until after Mother’s Day. That’s Sunday.

In addition to her heirloom tomatoes (Cherokee Purple, Queen of the night, Terra Cotta, Pony Express and Tie Dye tomatoes), she has sprouted the seedlings for this year’s peppers. And it is an impressive list.

2025 peppers

Orange spice jalapeño

Lemon spice jalapeño

Red Macedonian

Carolina Reaper

Habanero

Jalapeño

Chocolate Bhutlah

Death Spiral, a variant of the Naga Bubblegum Red

Yellow bell

Red bell

Green bell

Lots of unique flavors and heat levels from mild up into the super hot category. I hope to be able to make some really kick ass salsas and a variety of fermented hot sauces. There is no guarantee that all or even any of these plants will do well and give up some nice and plentiful fruit but each spring starts with that hope.

I will keep you all updated as the season progresses.