Fearless Faith

It is once again time for gardeners to wake from their wintry slumber and purposefully step into that spring rite known as planting season. Plastic trays, peat pots, mulch and soil amendments are all part of the conversations which, once started, can become all-consuming. A growing stack of seed catalogs attests to the urgency of the matter. This is known as the horticulturalist’s “everything is possible” stage and woe to those who give it short shrift.

When did it get to be so involved? For years, potting soil and a good attitude were basic garden ingredients. A cold frame made out of old sto...