Remember these?
Now they’re these:
I used a small flat that used to hold some snapdragons to plant my tomato seeds. It’s still a little cool, so they’re living on my kitchen counter until it warms up and they’re big enough to harden and move outside. Because of the short growing season in Minnesota, I’ve always purchased my tomato plants as 3-4 inch plants. I’m hoping my first year of growing them from seed is successful!
This, on the other hand…
I planted arugula seeds in November. Though they sprouted they’ve been languishing as tiny little plants, not even big enough to count as microgreens. This is particularly vexing because I looooooooooove arugula. Love. It.
So the other day I brought the arugula back inside and planted more seeds. I added a little compost, some water, and in a few days:
Sprouts! We are lucky to have lots of windows, so I’m leaving them on the counter assuming it will be enough light until the plants indicate differently.
A lot of the ladybugs have flown away, but some are sticking around and the aphid population seems to be lower. I’ll give them a little more time and check in again.
I can’t believe it’s almost March. Is anyone else starting seeds this year?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Plants not only need sufficiant light in terms of brightness, they also need long hours of light. When used to start seedlings I supplemented the window light with several hours of artificial light…long after the day had faded into dusk. Never use a direct sun window…they’ll fry. If the plants are long and leggy? Not enough hours. I never start seeds anymore, but for heirloom tomatoes, I’m tempted!!! Good luck!
You are absolutely right. The counter has ample indirect light (the windows are actually in the dining room with just a small north-facing window in the kitchen itself). Now that I have some sprouts, I’ll move a lamp over there for some fake after hours sun. =)
Seeds just seemed like a fun project, plus we now have such a long growing season that I can plant a second round if I need to. Thank you!
You know I’ve got seeds. 😉
I may call a friend down the street who has planted in years past to see when she starts her seeds just so I’m not behind on it. 😛
I’m hoping to start mine this weekend. I love watching seeds sprout!
I wish I could start seeds but the TN weather won’t permit them outside and inside my cat and puppy won’t permit it. I just depend on my mom to grow seeds for me because she had a greenhouse at work. which rocks.
Ooh, lucky!
I learned that my cats like arugula sprouts, and that I like emergency tulle seedling covers.
I’ll be starting seeds soon. I have two seedling indigo plants growing right now. Since planting them in the dead of winter, I’ve had to move them around the house as the light has shifted with the winter/spring. Fortunately, the cats moved away and so I don’t have any ‘samplers’ any more.
I’ll probably be starting my seeds this weekend or next. I have, however, given up on starting herbs from seed. I can usually get them to germinate, but they usually wither shortly after transplanting. You’ll have to post your secrets. ; )
Do you have a ladder to rescue any more that try to flee? 😉