I have been so excited to see something start growing from the seeds I have planted. As I speak it is snowing outside but the seeds are marching on to becoming plants in spite of it!
Let’s start with the inside seeds. As you might recall, they were planted on Feb 17 which if I can still count at this point in the day was 20 days ago. They seemed to sprout really fast this year and I’m wondering what is in the soil I used.
On the left we have the peppers, the middle are the Brandywine tomatoes and on the right is the basil.
It seems that all the seeds I planted have sprouted. And no, I didn’t mean to plant so much basil in just two pots. I must have spilled a bit when I got to those. They will get thinned out soon enough, it’s just hard for me to throw any away. All either have started or are close to starting on their first true leaves. I am still using the plastic covered sterno rack as greenhouse to keep the moisture in since it’s so dry in our house. They are due for a drink now but it will only be the second time I have had to water them since planting.
And now for the experiment – the winter sowing! I wasn’t really sure what to expect or when to expect it with these seeds. The arugula was the first to sprout. The seeds are outside the office window and I went to check on them. So I am outside and started yelling to TB who was inside with the windows closed because I was so excited. Another moment for the neighbors to shake their heads. That was on Feb 27 and this is what they look like now.
I was only checking the cold weather plants like the lettuces since I figured that would be the only thing to come up for awhile. Some of the bibb lettuce has tiny sprouts too although nothing for the spinach. On a lark I checked the others. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? Bachelor Buttons!
Bachelor Buttons are blue flowers that I am trying for the first time this year. I had read they were great at reseeding themselves so they should work well for winter sowing.
I have more containers and plan to start more winter sowing as long as I haven’t run out of potting soil. I will keep you updated!
Looks great!! I’m a first time gardener and I have no idea what I’m doing. But I do know I’m in zone 8 and I can’t wait until April to transplant my seedlings. I’m really excited to see your full grown garden and I can take all the advice I can get!
Jennifer – This is my 3rd year and I make it up as I go along. I try to stay organic and don’t use chemicals. That basically means I throw compose into the soil, shove the plant in and let Mother Nature do the rest. Just keep trying things. I still for the life of me can’t figure out broccoli! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. Kelly