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It's time

3/12/2020

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Spring is right around the corner, I believe about seven days until the vernal equinox. The first time I heard that word, I decided to write a story. Of course, that was long time ago, the story is long gone, but I never forget the sound of those words.

Being a spring baby, I love spring. Being a gardener, I love spring. Being a bird watcher, I love spring. I just love spring. It's a time of new growth, awakenings and the scent of soil waking up. And, while I am praying for not-so-much rain, I do love that smell.

On Thursday, March 12's Main Street Eats, we will talk a bit about seed starting. It's time. If you have the inclination to roll your own pots, here is a video that will show you how. It's a fun project for the children in your life, and a great recycling lesson also.

​Here are another few tips to get those transplants off to a good start.
  1. Keep records to allow for better planning: Record when seeds are sown, the germination date and success rate, and when seedlings are ready for transplanting each year. It doesn't hurt to record your weather either.
  2.  Store seed properly to maintain viability Once you are ready to sow, you can test the viability of many, but not all, seeds by soaking them in water for a few hours. The seeds that are still living will sink to the bottom, while the dead ones will float on the surface. This test generally works better for larger seeds, but there are no absolutes. Also, you can wet some paper towel, wrap 10 seeds and place in plastic bag to stay moist. Let it breathe a little. If five seeds sprout... you have 50% viability. 
  3. Containers for seeds: Recycled plastic containers, like empty yogurt or margarine tubs, work well, too, provided you’ve poked holes in the bottom for drainage. If the two nest together with a little space at the bottom, poke holes in one container place over the top and fill with soil. Wet, plant seeds, cover with plastic cling wrap and place somewhere warm.
  4. Paper Pots: Roll your own with the video under "inspiration."
  5.  Tamp seeds down to make direct contact with the soil. Cover only lightly with soil.
  6.  Prevent disease by providing air flow and drainage: Plants need air, songs and love to germinate. They like to be damp, but not soaked. They like a breeze but not wind.
  7. Cover trays with plastic wrap to keep the moisture level constant: However, remove that plastic and get those tiny seedlings under the full spectrum lights immediately.
  8. Keep seeds warm to encourage germination: Don't put them in the oven. Invest in a heat mat if your house is still cold.
  9. Turn seedlings daily to keep stems strong: Watch those beauties - they know how to "walk towards the light," and if you turn them daily they will grow straighter and stronger.
  10. Petting and blowing: Yes. they need that wind, so if you don't have windows open yet (we don't), blow across them, pet them or turn on a gently fan.
  11. Feed them well: You only need to do this after they are a couple inches tall and have more than four leaves. Once the true leaves emerge, it is time to begin a half-strength liquid fertilizer regimen on a weekly basis.
  12.  Harden off before planting outdoors

Happy planting. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask questions using the comments section below.
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January 19th, 2019

1/19/2019

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It's never too early to begin planning your garden. Instead of bemoaning the cold and snow, start thinking spring. Here is a short video of hints and tips for transplants and seeds using some common household items.

I have already placed and received two orders of seeds. I might have enough but without a doubt there's more to be found with all the seed catalogs that continue to come in the mail.

Have a question about your garden. Ask away. I would be happy to help.
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Just a word of warning about ice cream cones

1/14/2019

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green seedling with seven or more leaves in a paper pot.Planting seedlings in rolled paper pots is a successful way to recycle, add compost-able matter to your garden and save a little money on plastic pots.
Sounds ominous... but it's not.
It's coming on time to be planting our little seedlings. You will find many voices of advice out there on social media. Yes, voices of reason, but also all those "hacks" you see to make your gardening more simple. Well, here's what I think.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHaaaaaa.

My spouse spends more time on Facebook than I do and so he sends me things like recipes and hints and tips to make my life easier.

We all do it in February or March whether full bore hundreds of seeds or just a windowsill garden. Some of the hacks for seedlings include egg cartons, egg shells, paper pots, etc. etc. His latest post was about planting seeds in ice cream cones. Oh, yes... they are inexpensive, but with all the rest of those crazy ideas, they are never quite thought through. Imagine this. An ice cream cone poses several problems.
It won't stand up on its own
What happens when a cone gets wet? Even only melted ice cream will create a huge mess, and you will never be able to get those cones out of the tray and into your garden in one piece.

So take this little tidbit of advice and watch the video on "pot rolling" on the home page of this website. And, stay tuned for more planting advice and photos as winter slips into spring - "Yippee the season of gardens."

Got questions, please don't hesitate to comment on this post, I will respond as soon as possible.




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    Sue B. Balcom

    Writing, or maybe talking, comes naturally to me and under the guidance of a great newspaper editor I have acquired skills that led me to author four books.
    I now return to my two loves market gardening and weaving.

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