(a little diary of gardening for myself, and maybe you!)
Last year, we started seeds on March 18th.
This year, we started seeds on February 27th for two primary reasons. First, I realized last year that some seed packets recommended 8 to 10 weeks (or even 12 to 24 weeks) and we were a little past that. Secondly, we had a pretty mild late spring, and could easily have gotten a few more weeks of growing on the front end for tomatoes and things, if I started things inside sooner. We are three weeks ahead of last year and I think it's going to work out pretty well.
Unfortunately, when I went to get all my old seeds and seed starting supplies, I discovered that every single packet had been nibbled on! Most of the seeds were gone, those that were left were in jumble at the bottom of the box. We suspect mice in the shed. There were a couple of plastic baggies of seeds I had saved, and there were one or two packets with internal foil packets that had not been completely demolished. Otherwise, everything I had from the past ten years was completely gone.
Fortunately, the seeds I ordered last year, and what I've added over the last few months, were inside and unharmed!
Last year, we let our beds rest, mostly (the dill really seized on this opportunity) and we planted everything in pots. I'm really looking forward to digging into the beds again this year!
Things that went really well last year include:
-repotting seeds about four weeks to allow for growth and new soil/nutrients (also via Jess)
-basil, tomatoes, lettuce and pepper starts
-transplanting tomatoes deep (in soil) outside (also via Jess at R&R)
-it was nice to have very little to worry about, especially when we were out of town for a week
Problems last year:
-squirrels getting into everything
-blossom end rot on tomatoes, especially the San Marzanos
-zucchini didn't grow well in pots after the first month or so
-none of the jack-be-little pumpkins turned orange - not even after picking!
-apparently everyone else that took some of my tomato plants ended up with lots of fruit, so... what did I do different?
-I missed having peas
Neutral or unknown affect
-planting tomatoes with eggs (via Jess)
-taking down the garden fence - it did not keep out the squirrels, it was mainly for an older dog, and little boys with soccer balls; maybe it deterred the squirrels a bit?
March 19th:
CUCUMBERS
Seeds started on Feb. 27th. Two varieties - Chicago Pickling and Early Fortune; I also threw in a few old seeds I found, but they did not germinate at all. The cucumbers were up and sprouted in 2 or 3 days! They should start well in the garden; I started a few inside because I usually grow plant starts, and I will see which does better. I am planning to grow them on trellises. There was 100% germination of the new seeds! Roots were very quickly reaching out from the bottom, so I knew they needed to be repotted quickly. When I repotted the cucumber starts at 2 weeks (Mar. 12th), I threw out the soil for the old seeds.
If I had it to do over again, I would start these at the end of April, as they are taking up a lot of space and probably will be a bit in the way for the tomatoes. Although, I am hoping to have plenty to make pickles!
BASIL
The basil germinated very well, and I think I will start some more in May, when everything else is moved outside. I find that I let my basil get long and woody too soon, so progressive planting may work really well.
TOMATOES
Seeds started on Feb. 27th. Varieties started: Black Strawberry (cherry), Brandywine and Beefsteak (classic large), Martino's and San Marzano (sauce/roma). I also found five seeds left in the bottom of an envelope that said Honeybunch - a cherry hybrid that I have previously loved, and saved! The first seedling was up after four days, a few more at five, and many by two weeks. I'm not sure how many seeds were started so not sure of specific germination. The Honeybunch all germinated! After two weeks, the roots are just starting to peek out from the bottom. Whenever I next have time for repotting, I will do that, but it's going to be a tight squeeze under the grow lights.
PEPPERS
Seeds started on Feb. 27th. The peppers were the last to show. I have started two sweet varieties - Txorixero and Criolla, and one hot - Cayenne Slim. I am thinking about drying the cayenne to grind up. We'll see in the fall. Last year, I grew Leysa, and they were beautiful.
PUMPKINS
Because of the seed massacre in my shed, my only pumpkins on hand were the seeds extracted from a jack-o-lantern purchase from a local market in October. As I was paying for my goods, the lady checking me out commented on the pumpkin, "I hear they have great seeds! At least, that's what I heard about last year's crop." I decided to save a handful, and glad I did. Those also germinated 100%. I need to clear a spot for them to spread out in the garden.
LAVENDER
I put two different varieties in the fridge in jars of water overnight, for stratification. I recalled that worked well a year or two ago. This year, it appears I have one of each coming up. I'm not sure what went wrong, probably should have reinvestigated stratification before I started. However, since they are perennial, they are always worth starting more.
We also planted a line of snap peas, Carouby de Maussane, in the garden. I don't expect to see them up before the end of April. However, I'm pleased to see my bulbs - ornamental alliums, tulips, etc. peeking up in the yard, and my columbines and penstemon are fighting the snows-sun-snow pattern to greet the season!
What are you planting this year?
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