a cosmic planting calendar, plus my hands-on seed-starting roundup

You know me: I'm obsessed with the "whys'" behind what happens in the garden and in nature, and also with the "when" stuff. The when to do what, whether in the popular monthly garden chores, and especially right now: when to sow which seed.

If you're getting started or will soon, I've assembled some advice:

planting by the cosmic calendar?

One sustainable gardening and farming discipline, biodynamics, looks for clarity on "when" to a special calendar that in turn looks to the cosmos. Biodynamic seed farmer Lia Babitch of Turtle Tree Seed offers a 101 on planting by the planets. The system groups plants into roots or leaves or flowers or fruits, and also helps with crop rotation.

Extra: Lia will be one of the experts at Seedy Saturday on March 22, our fourth annual event at the Copake (New York) Grange. Ticket details.

hands-on seed-starting know-how

• My indoor seed-starting regimen relies on a number of trips outdoors for me and the seedlings. The how-to.
• Prevent "damping off" of seedlings Ken Druse's way, without fungicides (and get Ken's recipe for seed-starting mix). Both here.
• If it's tomatoes you're tackling already, here's the lowdown on them.                
• Also: When to start seed (my calculator tool), and how to prevent spindly seedlings.  
• Haven't ordered seed yet? Me, neither. I'm reviewing my recent seed series with top seed farmers/catalogs for inspiration.  

If you missed it last time, my interview with Dan Long on fragrant climbers, from new clematis to roses (like that great orange one below), jasmines and more, also includes a chance to win some for your garden. Learn, and enter the drawing.