Still Waiting for Spring!

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and we are still in need of heat in the house!   Common, really?!!!   Next week better start warming up because the following week I will be in Florida and there is alot of vege garden work that needs to be done, and plants put in!

Checked yesterday (4/18 - Happy Birthday Johnny!) and realized that my snow pea seeds have done nothing, dug up where they were planted....zilch!  So I have some seeds from the new packet presprouting, by then the ground should be a little more receptive and warm.  Found radish seeds sprouting in that same bed and the spinach, well they are coming up slow too because of the cold.......sleet and snow the other night did not help!

In my herb bed I found turnip seedlings starting, as well as a couple of spinach seedlings....here is one lonely one...

In the one part of the main bed I was able to prepare earlier, here are a couple of broccoli plants that have survived the cold nights we are still getting....

Very happy with the baby bok choi plants, who have also been surviving the cold nights!

Why all the netting your may ask?   Well even though I have a small chicken wire fence around my beds, the squirrels enjoy digging everything up.  So far I have kept them at bay.  Once plants are large enough I can remove the plastic netting.

There are signs of spring in the garden, the daffodils have been putting on a fantastic show for me.  Here are some for your enjoyment, as well as my nice white hyacinth!  These doubles are my favorite, but all daffodils have been perfect this year too!  Even at my campsite!

So here I sit still waiting for warmer weather, hoping to get outside today to work on the garden bed (without freezing) in between preparing for tomorrow's Easter feast.  As you can see from the next picture, things are growing way too well and I MUST PLANT OUTSIDE very very soon!

Everyone have a blessed Easter and will be chatting with you soon!

Deb

What, What?!!!!

Would you believe I woke up this morning to a coating of snow/sleet on the ground?   What the heck happened to my spring?   Thankfully anything outside in the garden was not affected.  The hanging baskets and sunflower seedlings in my flimsy greenhouse are holding up.  Getting very cold again tonight....really?!

Just a short post tonight.  Had to transplant all my peppers to individual pots and better soil.   They are growing so very very slowly.  Will be putting them upstairs in my bedroom window, which is south facing and always very warm, good for peppers.  The tomatoes that I moved to bigger pots last week, wow have they taken off!   Hoping by this time next week the weather is steady because they have to go outside.  Matter of fact I am going to Florida on the 26th, so I really need to get all the vege garden bed up and running by end of next week.   So many plants to get outside!

One thing I did find, which I was surprised at, was one of the lemon seeds I planted for the fun of it has sprouted!  Should be interesting to see in time how far I can get it to grow.

No new seeds started, mostly because I am out of room. Had to repot the shasta daisy and nasturtium seedlings that I have for my campground garden because the wind knocked them off the shelf they were on in the greenhouse.  Lost all but two marigolds, but have tons of that seed and they grow fast.  Still so mad that they fell.   GRRRRRR

So ends today's chat.  Have a good evening everyone....I will be back in a few days with some pictures!

deb

Cool rainy spring so far.....

As I am writing tonight, we are expecting rain later......it sprinkled after dinner, a cold rain.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a high of maybe 49 and rain, rain, rain.  Weekend looks good though.   Seems that we will be getting rain every third day or so.  Daytime temps will (after tomorrow) be in the low 50's at least so that is somewhat a start to spring.

What has been happening in my garden?  Have not planted any seeds of plants that I would like to get started because, quite frankly, still out of room!  LOL!!   The adventures of my mammouth sunflower seeds is that four days ago I potted up another 5 sprouted seeds, and one doubled up pot.  I tossed out one of the seeds because it started to rot.  There are still about 10 seeds left, not sure if they will sprout or not, but letting them sit for another week.    Alot of the sunflowers from the sampler pack that I planted are sprouting, those are for the campground garden bed.   Some shasta daisies and nasturtiums are up (also for campground gardening).  My newest planted lettuce seeds are also coming up.  I have been taking some trays outside these past few days as it has been partly cloudy and cool so I knew they would not dry up.  Yes they are inside at night.

Today I planted two hanging planters (campground too) with the sprouted sweet pea seeds.  Alot of morning glory seeds are up but the nights are still too cold to leave them out overnight.  May be another week or so for them.

Worked on my herb bed section of the garden today.  Was able to move alot of the saffron crocus from the side bed to this permanent herb bed.  I have more that can be moved, but no more room in that bed.  Hoping for a large crop of saffron threads this year.  Will have to find another spot for them or just give them away.  Planted my chive plant too, cold won't hurt that.  The old thyme plant is still going strong and found my french tarragon plant coming back to life!   In that bed also was planted more spinach seeds (around the three garlic I planted last fall), turnip and parsnip seeds.  With the parsnips I used a technique I saw years ago.  I used a stick to wiggle a long hole where I wanted each parsnip to grow.  Then I filled it with vermiculite (can use light weight planting soil), added seed, and covered with soil.  This is supposed to aid the root in growing long and straight.  Will see at end of season when they are fully grown.  So there are 18 parsnips planted and 9 turnips.  Didn't bother watering any of the newly planted items because the soil is damp and it is going to rain for the next 24 hours.    I also replanted four snow pea seeds because they have not sprouted, and the one I had inside in a pot did not sprout either, just rotted.  Bought a brand new pack of seed today.......may just plant them on Monday as I am not sure the old ones (three yrs old) are still viable....they were last year.   Hmm, maybe will plant three or four seeds in the sweet pea hanging baskets so when they are done the snow peas will grow.......not really sure if I want to do that.  I do have other places at the trailer where I can plant peas......will depend on my mood tomorrow.

Last weekend attended an herb growing seminar.  Not really anything I didn't know, but I enjoyed seeing the farm it was at.   Too bad it was raining that day.  :-(    I bought myself a couple of bay laurel plants, a couple of scented geraniums and an oregano that was labeled "hot and spicy"....we will see!

I am sure there is something I am forgetting to put down.  Oh yeah, my chinese giant pepper has sprouted, no hope for the last three large peppers.   Speaking of which, they are growing slowly but that is ok.  I did have to transplant my supersteak tomato into a larger pot.  The other ones will be transplanted to bigger pots next week.

That is all for today folks.  Keep thinking spring and keep planting!

Deb

Spring is finally here!

At least for now, cautiously optimistic.  Highs are to be in the 50's and lows in the 40's for a good week, once we get through the next three days and were told to expect almost 3" of rain.  I will take it over snow!

  Crocus today

So far today the rain has held off around these parts, has been mostly cloudy and windy and according to the weather channel is currently 63 degrees.  If it was not cloudy and windy it would feel that warm.  Despite that this morning I decided to finally put things in the ground.  I had started snow pea seeds in peat pots, that have not yet sprouted but put the whole thing in the ground.  Am hoping they have started at least putting out a root and this will give them a head start.  Ripped off the top half inch or so of the pot before planting.  Have 4 seeds on each side of the net (2 per peat pot), that will give me more than enough snow peas... I always get more than I can use.  Picture of my planting them is below:

While I was outside I also planted radish and spinach seeds in their assigned spots.   Figuring the rain will give them a good start and crossing my fingers the weather stays consistent now.

I have been busy doing other plantings.  Two days ago I took some old Manmmoth Sunflower seeds and decided to try to pre-sprout them.  Out of 28 seeds, 7 of them already sprouted as of today - and I planted those in dirt.  Here is a pic of them with their little roots:

I think when the time comes I am going to pre-sprout the corn seeds to give them a headstart too.

I also planted a pack of mixed sunflowers for campground use.  They are just in regular cell packs, no rush on them growing. 

Last nite I got a burst of energy and moved seedlings to individual pots.  I transplanted 16 pots (2 per pot) of african daisy seedlings 7 dahlia seedlings (plus one double pot), and about 10 snapdragon pots.  These have been the most successful of all my seedlings.   I am looking at the tomato seedlings, they will need to be moved to larger pots in another couple of weeks.  The pepper seedlings are growing slowly, but that is because the room is cool.  Today I finally found one "big dipper" seedling starting to pop up.  Yeah!  My word they take so long to sprout!

Keep saying that I really need more room for plants and wish I had a greenhouse.......

I have more plants than space on the rack!

Am even growing plants up in my sewing room:

yes that is my sewing machine on the right

I am very happy with all that I have growing.  The list of seeds sprouted recently are the celosia (red velvet, fireglow and yellow....amigo red is slow to start, only 3 so far), portulacas, gerbera daisy, penstemon, heuchera, coreopsis (only 3 early sunrise so far), two of my new lettuces - buttercrunch and green towers, and believe it or not some of the hibiscus seeds that I saved from my back yard plants and one of the peanuts I had planted is sprouting!   

It is definitely time to start moving some flower seeds to their respective permanent places.  The morning glory are really taking off so they have to be put in hanging baskets along with the sweet peas.  Maybe will mix half and half in the baskets so I always have something blooming.   Impatiens and petunias also need to be put in larger pots....again running out of room!  LOL!!!

That is all for now,whew!  Hoping the weather stays good for me so I can get bok choi outside next week and continue working on the main garden bed.  Ordered myself a leaf shredder to be able to tackle the mess called my yard, provide mulch for the garden beds, and hopefully help the compost heap break down faster (yes that has to be moved too).

Enjoy the warmer weather everyone, until next time!

Deb

Could this be the last snowstorm of the season (again....)

After a beautiful Friday and Saturday, came a cold and gray Sunday.  Today was beautifully sunny, not out of the low 30's!  Tomorrow and Wednesday snow  - again!  They predict we get 2-4", which is what they said last time and we got 7".   Where is my spring?

Because I went away to the campground on Thursday, it has been days since I logged in here.  So many things are starting to grow.  The "split personality" morning glories are all up, with the other morning glory seeds starting to show life.  Still waiting for my main crop of peppers to come up, the hot ones are up and growing.   When I came home last night saw that the heuchera, penstemon, some of the celosias  and the portulaca are all up - need to get another plant light up.   The gerbera daisies are all up to, so excited about them.  The flavored thymes are also getting going.

Today I received new lettuce seed and replanted them:  buttercrunch, four seasons and a romaine.   Have snow pea seeds soaking overnight, tomorrow will be planting them in peat pots.  This weekend promises to be spring like finally.   Think tomorrow I may start presprouting spinach seed to give them a little head start.

I also bought more flower seeds over the weekend, painted daisy and regular white ones.   This week I have to start my zinnia, marigold and sunflower seeds........maybe I need two additional lights up!    Yikes!

Promise next time will come up with some pictures.   Lots to show!   Heck it will be snowing so I might as well work on seeds and plants!  LOL!!!

Keep warm tonight my friends, sounds like spring is only a few days away!

Deb

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY !!

It is St Patrick's Day, spring is just 3 days away and what do I wake up to?  7" of snow!   This time of year is "traditionally" time to plant peas, I can't even see the garden at this point.  End of week will be closer to normal averages, HOWEVER next week (starting monday) will be arctic cold again.  Why do I feel I will never ever get into my garden this year?  Wish there was a way to heat my garden so I can start growing peas and spinach.  :-(

Being I was away this weekend (camping season starts) was not able to say that several new items have sprouted.  My african daisies sprouted on Friday as well as the final bit of thai basil.....well except for one lousy cell, maybe I missed putting seed in there.  Yesterday found that the grape tomato has sprouted.  No peppers have sprouted yet, but I know those buggers take forever.  No rush at this point because it seems we will never have spring.   

Tomorrow am going to start soaking morning glory seeds to be planted on Wednesday.  Want to use these in hanging baskets both at home and at the trailer.  Time to start zinnia also, but sort of out of room and have not decided how many I really need.  Heck will start them tomorrow.  Nothing else has sprouted yet, maybe tomorrow something will come up.

Think tomorrow I also will be transplanting the mini lettuces and the few spinach I got to sprout indoors into a large saucer planter, which is supposed to be for use at my campsite, again until spring comes it will be stuck indoors.  But moving them to the planter will free up a little space under the lights.  Fear I will have to bring some plants upstairs to my bedroom, which gets south western sun.  Hate to do that because plants become leggy, but have no choice at this point.  Wish I had room for more lights.  I have a PVC stand we made years ago for lights, but that is in the greenhouse.  I do have more lights, wonder if I can figure a way to set them up indoors.......unless I finally clear out my craft room there is no room for that.....darn.

Ok now I know what I need to do ...  clean!  LOL!!!

Here's hoping the nice weather at the end of this week keeps out the cold for next week......and that the first day of spring comes and stays!  Keep warm my friends!

Deb

So much for spring

We got up to a good 60 degrees again today, but this taste of spring is short lived......a line of thunderstorms coming in another couple of hours followed by the arctic cold again, only 28 tomorrow.  Really?!  Will the real spring please stand up!

What's happening plant wise today?  My genovese basil are sprouting and I think I saw one or two purple basils....will check tomorrow.  Of my flavored basils, only the Siam (Thai) basil has not sprouted.  Has only been 7 days, if they don't come up in another week, will buy new seeds, these were from 2011.

This morning I was looking at the mini bok choi seedlings in the self watering cells (which is not working well because I am using cloth instead of wicking material that I need to find) and they were looking long, so I planted them in the final four cells in the large cell pack the geraniums are in (pictured below).

Hoping they will get alot bigger and stronger, not that we will be planting anything outside anytime soon.  

Speaking of outside, although I covered the freshly turned garden bed with wire yesterday, the damned squirrels found a way in a dug a real big hole............not even gardening yet and already those critters are pissing me off !!!

What seeds did I plant today?  The mini bell peppers that I totally forgot about, these are for pots for my campsite.  I found a very large plastic box with a mesh bottom in my yard (had wood in it), realized I can use that for a garden box at the campground!  Whoohooo!!

Also planted thyme seeds (common, french, lemon & orange), oregano, marjoram, penstemon and the Villa Roma sweet pea seeds I started soaking yesterday.  Also for the hell of it, had saved three raw peanut seeds and today finally planted them.  Not sure if they will even grow, but I had the extra spots so why not.  The wisteria seeds I was not sure about, all four of them have sprouted so there is hope for the peanuts.

There is so much more I will be starting from seed in the next few weeks, but really am out of room!   That is a good thing as it means I am successful this year.......although success will be proven once all these plants grow and mature, provided someday the weather straightens out.......sigh......

So here we sit waiting for thunderstorms and bitter cold temperatures.....wish I was waiting for thunderstorms and WARM temperatures!   

Until next time, keep planting!

deb

Wow, today felt like spring!

It is 6pm and currently 64 degrees outside.............this felt so very good.  Most of the day was a bit cloudy but I don't care....it was warm out!  Too bad by Thursday it will be 28 degrees again....  sigh.....

BUT my crocus finally started to sprout!  So good to see flowers again.  :-)

Here is what I have been up to .....  alot!!   Last night I decided to move the geranium seedlings to bigger pots.  Am so pleased with them.

Today I planted alot of flower seeds, celosia (4 types), coreopsis, gazania, portulaca and nicotiana.  Also planted the angel trumpet seeds.  Was thrilled my last tomato, Totem, sprouted as well as the dill.   Have a second type of sweet pea, Villla, that I started soaking today.  Many of my specialty basils have started to sprout, as you can see below:
 

Yes they are hard to see because they are small, but most of them have sprouted....very happy.

I actually got outside today and did some more raking.  Raked out the front garden bed which was looking very ratty.  Also decided to work on the small bed the tomatos will go in this year.  Added some fertilizer, flipped the soil and measured out the squares.  Also put up the trellis for the snow peas - this year going to grow them right.  Then I went crazy and planted 10 radish seeds just because.  If they grow, they grow, but will use them to tell me when I can plant more root crops and the snow peas.....the picture below shows what it looks like.  The beds look so nice when they are first done in the spring; hoping for lots of crops and flowers in this picture by July.

This bed will eventually have 6 tomato plants.  Smaller blocks will hold lettuce and spinach to be followed by marigolds.  Once the snow peas are done, the trellis comes down it will be replaced by cosmos - need flowers in the vegetable gardens to attract bees.   If everything comes up and grows the way I have it envisioned in my mind, it will be beautiful.

Unfortunately tomorrow promises to be rainy with very cold air coming overnight and possible snow flurries, wind gusts, ugh.  The weekend may get back up to 50, just wish the warm weather will stay.  So I will be starting more seeds tomorrow just to keep gardening.  Hopefully in another couple of weeks I can safely plant my snow peas and more radish, as well as the spinach.

Have a good evening everyone......keep those hands busy!

Deb

Tomato Time!

This morning I found the four tomato seeds I planted have sprouted!  Let the gardening season begin!!

Yes I know you can hardly see the one, but they are coming up.  At this point (a couple hours later) two of them have already opened to reveal seed leaves.  

This morning found the fourth wisteria seed had sprouted.....silly to grow that from seed as it takes several years for it to make flowers, but at least I can have it cover the fence for some privacy.  May take one of them and grow as a bonsai - have seen them and they are beautiful.  Not sure will do that, but what the heck.

This morning planted hibiscus seed I saved from last year's garden to see if they are viable.  Only planted them in vermiculite as not to waste my seed starting soil (have to buy ANOTHER bag).  Will be interested to see if they actually grow.

Today I need to start some flower seed - gazania, portulaca, celosias, nicotiana and coreopsis.  Just received a package with gerbera daisy and penstemon seed.....gerbera needs to be planted today as it needs 8 weeks.  Not sure about the penstemon as it says to direct sow....will probably  do those too because it takes 10-12 days to sprout.   Realized I need to also plant thymes, oregano and marjoram seed.   OMG I am so out of space already.  Hoping to get my grape tomato seeds today to get them started, and more flower seed will be coming too!  Wish I could use the greenhouse but the outside temperatures are still going into the 20's at night.   Oh for a real greenhouse!

Sitting waiting for two phone calls, apparently the phone is not cooperating.  Will see.

Here's to more seed starting today!

deb

March 9th, it's sunny, spring like weather promised for the next couple of days!

I am so excited that the next couple of days will be in the 50's, more normal a temperature than what we have had.  Of course we are expecting rain/snow for Thursday, but then it is supposed to get back to the high 40's, low 50's for the weekend.  Will take it!!

So what is happening in my gardening world.   Well this morning was again transplanting calendula and blue sage seedlings....even gave away alot to my daughter yesterday.....am sure between here and my camp site will be able to find places for them.  Have lots of ideas where they are going.  Calendula is also good for the vege garden, so some may find their way near there.

More spinach have sprouted, but nothing more on the old lettuce seeds.  Going to take them and try to pre-sprout to see if they are viable anymore.  If not could always get more at the stores.  No tomato or basil seeds have sprouted yet, but it has not been that long since planting.   I planted my peppers today.  Some of the seeds were very old, like from 2005 (habanero and chinese giant) so I planted out all the seeds hoping for just a couple to sprout.  The cheap bell pepper mixed color ones I planted out all of those seeds even though they are only a couple of years old.  If they grow will be putting them in the flower beds and pots.  It will probably be a good 2+ weeks before any of them sprout.  

Was looking at the begonia seedlings.....out of 10 seeds ended up with only 6 but that is ok.  I moved them to a regular pot from the small tray they were in.  They are still so very small but I see some leaves starting to grow larger.....despite that, as you can see in the picture below, they are not really that big...and yes that is a toothpick next to them

It is approx 6 weeks before last frost date, am sure there are flowers I need to start, but right now have to wait as I am running out of space under the lights.  Thinking of making up flower pots with my saved coleus and geraniums......speaking of which the geranium seedlings (growing fantastic), need to be potted up to the next size.   Pretty sure I need to start sweet peas this week if I want any decent growth for early spring hanging baskets......need them big so the squirrels won't attack them.   Great, need to get a sewing job finished and now thinking I should just keep potting up plants!  LOL!!!!

Tomorrow I have a phone interview for a job, not too hopeful on this one only because it may not be the hours/days/pay I am looking for.  But we will see.  Darn, work will interfere with my hobbies!  LOL!!!  Seriously wish me luck......although I enjoy not working, someone needs to so we can pay the bills!  

Well off to get something done.  Will have to think about all the repotting I need to do and just go up and sew something.

Oh yeah, went to Philly Flower Show yesterday.   Disappointed in the vendors, too much jewelry, only one seed vendor and the herb plant selection was awful.  However the Horticultural Society sells plants (don't remember them ever doing that) and I found what I was looking for with them.  All in all a fun day though.

Have a wonderful day everyone, enjoy the warm weather!

Deb

Update:  as the day went on decided to do more, am soaking sweet pea seeds for planting tomorrow; planted seeds of African daisy; and planted purple palace huchera.  An old sweet potato sent up a slip, so planted that, hoping for more!  Oh and decided to try to prosperous the old lettuce seeds (Ashley, intersecting and great lakes)

The sun was shining!

Today the sun was shining and it was almost 40 degrees, which felt good. especially after the snow on Monday.

Let's catch up on what I have been doing plant wise.  Remember the old calendula an blue sage seeds I was presprouting ?  Well despite the fact they are few years old, they are sprouting like crazy!  Putting 2 sprouts per cell of the blue sage and 1 per cell for the calendula........have a good 3 dozen planted each and there are so many more sprouting!   Good thing my daughter wants some!

Today I planted seeds of my tomatoes - totem (for campground), Supersteak, Big Mamma (roma type), Rainbow and Purple Cherokee.  Am still waiting for the grape tomato seeds, hope they come tomorrow.  I am not seeding peppers until next week because the spring is taking a long time getting here and the ground will take a long time to warm up this year.  I also planted 8 different basils.  The green genovese seeds are very old (2005) so planted very thickly.  If they do not come in the same time frame as all the other ones, will purchase fresh seed.  Basil grow pretty fast so that won't be a problem.  Also planted a small pot of dill.  Still need to plant the various thymes I have.

What's sprouting?  Spinach (only a couple), the wisteria I brought back from the farm, impatiens, broccoli and another lavender (they take forever to sprout), petunias, and eucalyptus (the sprouts come up red and turn green).  Have so many seedlings that I really need to get in there and try to move things around.  A little disappointed in the older lettuce seeds, only one in the rows of the older seed has sprouted.   That room is very cool so that may be the reason.  I am thinking of taking that flat (which is a self watering one) and moving it upstairs to my sewing room and put the craft light (day light type bulb) on a timer.  I really need more room on the plant stand!  Sometimes one can be too successful! LOL!!   Let's hope this means my garden will be very successful.

Weather still is not what it should be.  We should average high 40's, not high 30's.   I am afraid that it will be a cool spring pushing back the planting times.....then we will go right into summer.   We will see.  Maybe the weather gods will bless us with good weather when spring does arrive (March 22nd).  I am just tired of being cold!

So that is what is happening today.  Am sure I will be reporting back with more planting of those sprouted seeds!  LOL!!!

Keep warm my friends, think spring!

Deb

March 1st.......spring still not in sight!

Happy March 1st!  Waking up this morning to a balmy 5 degrees outside......yes, just 5 !!!   In two days we are looking at another big snowstorm, maybe something again come Thursday.   Yes we are all totally done with winter!

A couple of days ago I spoke about putting calendula seed in paper toweling to pre-sprout. Well after I did my blog I decided to put blue sage seed in paper toweling also to pre-sprout them.   Hoping I get something from both because I plan on putting those plants in my campground site garden.

Because only 1 sage seed sprouted, planted a few more.  Not that I use alot of sage, but am sure I can either sell or give away any extra plants.  I did see that the petunia seeds are sprouting very nicely!  This morning saw another lettuce seedling coming up, ashley red leaf.  Those older seeds will take a while to sprout.  Looks like the old mountain phlox seeds were too old, they never sprouted.  Not surprised.  Still have alot of other older seeds that I will plant here and there to see what is still viable.

Was just checking the temps in the room I have my plant stand in.  Seems to be going no lower than 60 degrees - being the room is not directly heated I am good with that.  This will keep the seedlings from growing way too fast.  The lights are on from 6am to about midnight, which also helps keep the temp pretty decent.

We are going up to check on our trailer in PA despite the cold temps.  With more snow coming that way too, want to make sure any remaining snow on it, especially slide outs, is taken off.  Yes we are crazy, but need a day trip!  LOL!!!   Besides I may find more seed to buy (yes did buy more online the other day).  Speaking of buying, bought some strawberry plants and shallot bulbs at Walmart of all places, but they are pretty fresh and the selection was still good.  Now to figure out where to put a strawberry planter in the yard!  LOL!!!

Time for coffee........have a wonderful day everyone, keep warm and keep planting!!!!

Deb

No spring until the end of March......

The weatherman I regularly listen to gave his prediction for the weather in this area.  He does not expect normal or even slightly above normal temps until at least the third week in March.  Looks like we may have to take a snow shovel with us when we open the trailer on March 22nd!  LOL!!

As I sit here looking out the back door, it is sunny, then cloudy, then snow flurries (sometimes with the sun shining), sunny, cloudy...............well you get the idea.   To brighten my spirits with all this cold (btw, getting colder next week), I worked on some of my garden plants.

Moved the parsley, snapdragons, and dahlia to individual cells from the community pot each was in.

I ended up putting a dozen of each in this tray, but still had more seedlings!  Not being one to waste a seedling (you never know when you need one), I planted the leftovers out into individual pots.

I ended up with a 13th dahlia, 9 more snapdragons and 5 more parsley.  The snaps and parsley I planted two into each pot/cell.   Who knows, maybe I will have extras and will be able to sell some!

So then I decided to plant 8 spinach seed in a community pot.  My plan for the vege garden is to plant spinach seeds indoors, each two weeks apart, hoping to extend the spinach harvest.   I also planted seeds for 4 broccoli.   Usually don't have luck with broccoli, so only doing 4 for spring season (my plan only calls for 2).  If it works, will be sure to start broccoli seed mid-summer for a fall crop.

What's sprouting here:

The sprouts all the way to the right are my mini bok choi....center is Tom Thumb lettuce and to the right, which you can barely see, is Petit Rouge lettuce.  Both these small lettuces I want to use in a flower pot at my trailer.  These are new seeds, so not surprised they are already sprouting.  The other lettuces planted at the same time are older seeds, crossing fingers they come up.  Thrilled to see the tiny petunia seeds sprouting (not pictured).

I have an old packet of calendula seeds that I want to get started and use primarily at the campground.  So what I did is put them in damp paper towel to pre-sprout before I waste soil and pots on them.  Am thinking that the blue sage plants would be good at the trailer site also, hummingbirds are supposed to like them...another bunch of seeds to start tomorrow!  LOL!!  Bought seed packs of short sunflowers yesterday for one of my site gardens.   If I can get them to grow, will look real neat!

In the next few day, maybe tomorrow, will start the tomato and pepper seeds.  I have so many seedlings up and running that I am going to have to find a place for my houseplants I have on the rack.  The converted garage room is a very cool room, so newly planted seeds need to go on center rack where I have a heating coil until they sprout.  The coolness will keep things from growing too fast.  Wish my greenhouse (which is a glorified tent really) was a real one with heat.   But with all this bitter cold (like single digits), even a heated greenhouse would be tough  to use.

It seems like every time I go to the store for seeds, come home and remember something else I wanted to look for.  Sweet Peas!   went to start some today and found I don't have any!   Seed packs are like potato chips, can't help myself!  LOL!!!

So off to do a little housework and see what else I can do to move plants around.  Keep warm my friends, til next time !

Deb

Our quick taste of spring is over

Yesterday and today were in the mid to high 50's and it felt so good, got to sit outside in the sun for a little while.   Well reality bites and we go back to cold temps and possible snow for at least the next 10 days.

So today I finally started more seeds....5 different lettuces, baby bok choy, eucalyptus, more impatient and more petunias and eggplant.   Think tomorrow will start some spinach and when they go in the ground (if it ever warms up) will also plant seed for a continuous supply.   Want to get peppers started too.  Need to finalize garden plan so I know exactly how many and what variety I need to start.

Played around with the tomato bed plan and can get 6 plants in instead of just four.  Really want to make and freeze tomato sauce this year.

Seedlings are all still growing well, had to turn on second bank of lights so I could put my bigger plants on the low shelf with the seedlings on upper rack for easier access to them.

So here I sit waiting for spring.  So keep warm everyone, talk to you soon


Deb

February's Warm Up

With all the freezing weather we have had this winter, today's and tomorrow's warmer weather (although very brief) is a welcome change.  Only 9:30 in the morning and already it is 49 degrees and very foggy.  Now that may not seem warm to folks in the southern states, but believe me it feels like summer to us right now!  Reality hits mid next week when we go back to about 10 degrees below average.  I feel like I will never get out into my garden this year....

What's happening today on the seed starting rack?  Here are some pictures -

  

Rosemary seedlings

Celery seedlings (happy to see these, though the seeds were too old)

That bunch of seedlings is flat leaf parsley - looks like a bumper crop this year!  I may have enough to be able to sell some.  Next to the baby geranium pack is a lone sage seedling, let's hope there are more coming!

  Leek seedlings!

Dahlia seedlings.  I planted four rows of four, hoping to get 100% germination on these. 

 In a few more days will find out if it will happen.  Fingers crossed!

So you can see things are growing well.  I am contemplating growing alot of baby bok choi for possible sale.   Bought some broccoli, petunia and more impatien seeds the other day.  Like potato chips, can't help buying just one more seed pack!  LOL!!

Today I plan on planting seeds of lettuce, and maybe the new pack of impatiens and petunias.  Also realized I have to fire up the second set of plant lights.  Will be putting my established plants (brought in for winter) under the lights on the lower rack so I won't have to bend so far to work on the seedlings!  LOL!!!

So for now just looking out the door at the fog, waiting for possible thunderstorms today........dreaming of being able to get outside and actually plant something!  Yes I am pushing the limit starting so many seeds early, but they are growing slowly and not getting leggy at all, which is good.  Think I better start putting the snapdragons and parsley in individual cell packs soon so they can start getting stronger....maybe next week.  

Have a great day my gardening friends!

Deb

another quick update

Today planted impatien seeds and the four wisteria seeds I found on the old vine at Fernbrook Farms last Wednesday (had them soaking in water since then).

Also pleased to see that a half dozen dahlia seeds have broke through the surface!  LOL!!

More tomorrow!

Deb

quick update

Today I see my first sage and first leek seedlings!   Had an old envelope of about 12 petunia seeds, planted in a pot to see if they will grow.   Waiting for my son to come back from the store with new impatien seeds that I want to start tonight.

Been toying with the idea of putting some snow pea seeds in a large pot for an extra early head start, may do that tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, another storm coming but we will be getting rain....thankfully!

Keep Warm!

deb

More snow........

Yesterday we got just under an inch of snow, more coming for Monday/Tuesday - although from what I see on the news today we will luck out with just rain again.  So many folks I know with feet of snow on the ground, and I sit here complaining about a lousy inch.......best thing is by end of week will be around 50 degrees!  Whooohooo!   Can a warming trend finally be starting?  Hope so.

Have been happy with my seed starting venture.  Here are some pics of seedlings that have popped up in the past day or so....

Finally the lavender has started to sprout, and very excited the parsley sprouted so fast!  Viscaria is a flowering plant, they were old seeds and surprised they actually sprouted.

Look at how well my geranium plants are doing!  A 12 pack of potential beauty!

Shown here are my onion starts (left) and the snapdragon seedlings (right).  Again, so happy they are doing well!

Now the seedlings that have been growing for a couple of weeks seem small, that is exactly what I want to happen.  The goal is stocky plants, not leggy ones.  Looking at the snapdragon seedlings, in another week or so I will take them from this communal pot to individual cells (like the geraniums are in).  I just want them to get a bit stronger before moving them.  

Again looking forward to some warmer weather at the end of this week.  In the meantime I am finalizing my vege garden plans (measured garden last week, not as big as I thought) for seed starting.  Tomato and pepper seeds won't be started for at least another 4-6 weeks as they don't get planted until the end of April or beginning of May, depending on the weather and temps.   I do plan on starting some lettuce plants early so when it is outdoor planting time can put them in and start seed outdoors at the same time for some succession planting.   I think the spring vege I am most looking to is snow pea pods (too bad there is no way to preserve them as they do not freeze or can well at or).  Nothing better than picking the pea pods and putting them straight into the wok!

Speaking of cooking veges, my daughter - Christine Wendland - recently published a cookbook she created when doing cooking demonstrations at a local farm.  It is called "Tuesdays at Fernbrook", and is available as an e-book.    Amazing recipes!

Well will have to think of what I may want to plant today.........the bright sun outside always gets me wanting to plant something, despite the snow and cold outside!

Keep well my friends, keep warm !

Deb

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Who doesn't love to be loved?  And who doesn't love gardening, warm weather, birds singing....until these darned winter storms stop and the weather pattern changes, we are screwed!

So what is new in my gardening world today?  Today planted seeds of lemon grass and Thalia.  Saw a couple of sprouts in the pot with rosemary seeds.  Totally gave up on flowering maple and the two types of viola seeds, guess they were too old.  Also trying something I read, sprinkled cinnamon on top of soil to supposedly keep fungus from forming, will see.


Still just waiting for the weather to straighten out, so want to get outside.  Til next time, think spring!

Deb

ARGH....................more snow!

Last night we got about 2" of snow, with a possible big storm coming in on Wednesday night... not a very happy gardener!  I WANT SPRING ALREADY!!!

Ok enough whining.....  not much happening on the plant front.  The chamomile seeds I planted the other day have sprouted.  Happy to report the heating coil I was worried about seems to be working fine, although the pots seem to dry out quicker than normal.  This will be a great help when it is time to start the tomato and pepper seeds.

Went outside the other day (before snow) to remeasure my vege garden area.  Man is my memory bad, is smaller than I thought it was. But that is ok, there will be alot of intercropping and rotation cropping this year.   

Am hoping that this year I can grow the little tiny pumpkins to use in the fall for decorations, I like to paint and sell them.  As long as the squirrels keep out of my garden this year things should be ok.

Well back to my painting.  Almost done a large order and need to get some flower pots painted up for sale.

Keep warm everyone!

Deb

Let's get started!

Still cold out, but luckily the last two storms were nothing but very cold rain for us here in Barnegat.

So now I know it is time for me to get some seeds started.  Yesterday I planted seeds of parsley, celery, sage....and some older seeds that I am not sure will sprout - chamomile, foxglove, mountain phlox, black pansy and viscaria.

Realized I did not have any rosemary seed......hit Walmart this morning and planted some of those seeds today!   Also have a soil warming coil that was given to me a couple of years ago, so put that under the pots to see if it makes a difference.  Not sure how old the coil is so will be keeping watch on it.  Want to keep it on 24/7 because the side room is cool with all the cold weather we have been having and the lights are only on 18 hrs a day (plants do need dark sometime).   So we will see if heating coil makes a difference.

Everyone I know is so tired of this winter, hoping that by the end of February there is some sort of warming trend.  Would really like to get up to our travel trailer in PA to check on things.  And am already figuring what seeds I can use up there - that soil is not very good and thinking all those calendula seeds I have will create color and attract the hummingbirds.  Also going to be making hanging baskets with mostly herbs and a basket with some lettuce plants for the spring.  Hoping my dragon wing begonias will make a beautiful hanging basket for the hummers too!   Will attempt morning glory and sweet pea combo also.   

Well off to do some sewing and crafting, and dream of gardening.  Keep warm everyone!

Deb

Here we sit, February 4th, waiting for our second storm of the week.  Luckily all we received in my neighborhood was rain the last storm, next one will be the same.  HOWEVER, on Sunday night there is potential of  a n'oreaster......with snow.    Ok, so ready for spring!

Today I finally got the light stand up and running.  It is in our converted garage room that is cooler than the main part of the house, but not that bad.  Put plastic around the side that faces the sliding doors to help keep it warm.  

Not too much happening under there right now.  I have baby onions, baby snapdragons and the geranium seedlings were put into individual cells.  So disappointed in the two violas and the flowering maple seeds, guess they were too old and none of them ever sprouted.  Will just keep the pots there until I need the room.  My two measly lavender seedlings didn't last either.  I did go out and get fresh lavender seed.  Also started a pot of common thyme for my daughter over the weekend.   

One bunch of seedlings I am excited about are the dragon wing begonia.  The seeds finally sprouted but are so tiny, smaller than the head of a pin!  You have to look real good to see the tiny leaves on three of them in this picture.  I even enlarged the picture but it is still tough to find.   Hopefully now they are under the plant lights they will start growing a bit faster.  

Now I can really sit and start getting more seeds planted.  Looks like the only thing I will be doing this week will be things like leeks, some herbs and maybe more flowers.   Won't be til March for starting my main veges like tomatoes and peppers.

So here is my notes for another day.   Let's hope the storm on the weekend will be the last of the big winter storms this year.

In the meantime keep warm my friends!

Deb

oh my,can't wait for spring....

I can't stand being so cold!  Well the house is a normal 70-72 degrees but I am at the end of a cold that started two days ago.   So I am sitting here with chills, not very happy!

January 26th, month is almost over.  I have been happy to see my seedlings popping up that were planted last week.

Here are my geranium seedlings.  Happy to report all 13 seeds have sprouted.  Misspoke myself last time, these will be planted in individual cells when the first true leaves come out, not the second.  

These are yellow onion seedlings popping up, will put these here and there around the vege bed.

Was happy to see this, it is (common) lavender finally sprouting.  The seeds were a few years old and not sure if they were viable.   Hoping for a few more in the weeks to come.  Probably will get fresh lavender seed if no more pop up.

Last picture for today is snapdragon seedlings.  I put a ton of these seeds in this pot, again because they were old.  Will let them grow to a few inches before I even attempt to separate them.

So when I need a touch of spring I go and look at all of these.  My big grow light setup is in the converted garage room where it is alot cooler than where they are now, but I have some soil heating coils.....not sure if will use it or not.  Plants I have indoors to overwinter are on the shelf, just didn't put on the lights yet as it gets sun most of the day and they are ok.  Seedlings, however, are a different story and will need the lights on.  I keep my lights on about 16 hrs a day.  Not too worried about them growing fast, which is why I am not too concerned about the cool room......time will tell.

Next week I should start some herbs, which I was thinking of doing this week but with all the cold snowy weather around here, decided to put it off.  So worried the spring will be very cool and don't want to hold plants indoors any longer than necessary.   My little greenhouse (more like a plastic tent) is not heated and the plants need to be hardened off some before I put them outside in there.  Again, that is a good 2 months away at least.

Off to get something else warm in me and maybe some food (really don't feel like eating).  Being sick is such a pain!  LOL!!

Keep warm my friends and think spring!

Deb

So outside today is is snowing like crazy, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this today

These are geranium seedlings, my first ones for 2014.  The seeds were put overnight (18th) in wet paper towel to crack the seedlings, and the seeds were planted in soil on the 19th.  Only three days to sprout!!!!    Once they get two sets of true leaves (what you are seeing are the seed leaves), they will be potted into individual pots.    This makes all the snow tolerable today!

Keep warm my friends!

Deb

Ok, just had to start seeds today.  Not that this is a bad thing, except for yellow onion seed the rest were flowers.  What went in the dirt today?
Begonia-dragon wing pink
Flowering maple
Blue bronze viola
Dwarf snapdragons
Viola-blue/yellow

So the gardening season has officially begun, there is soil undert fingernails!!!
Sorry, planting makes me happy.   Now the long wait for something to sprout, which will be most likely a good two weeks, sigh....

Until next time!

Deb

Welcome to Gardening at the Litter Homestead!

"Gardening is cheaper than therapy.....and you get flowers!"

Welcome to my new blog, one that will be following me through my 2014 garden.  Love the peony pictured above?  That was from last year's garden.  That flower was bigger than my hand, just gorgeous!

Today is January 18th, can't believe the month is half over already.  But now I am excited because seed starting time is close.  Yes I am one of those who loves to start EVERYTHING from seed.  

For those who have never started your own veges and flowers from seed, it is a very rewarding (and at times frustrating) hobby.  Besides you know you are not getting transplants that contain any chemicals......have seen recent articles saying not to buy transplants from anyone but a local farm market because many of them have chemicals already in the transplant that are not good.   For those of you wanting to try, there are so many great websites (Organicgardening.com is one) to help you learn about seed starting.  Supplies are not expensive at all, and once you realized how many different varieties of flowers and veges you can start that would not be offered in the stores or markets, well it it addicting!  LOL!

Timing is important in seed starting.  I found a wonderful seed starting chart on the website for Johnny's Selected Seeds (http://www.johnnyseeds.com/t-interactivetools.aspx?source=W_GrowGuide_122013).....just plop in your average last frost date (April 25th around these parts) and it does the rest!  You can find your average frost dates through the USDA website or your local County Extension office or website.  

As far as garden planning, I found that I liked the Square Foot Gardening system of planting.  You can find the book at any library or online, they even have their own website  (http://squarefootgardening.org/).  Basically you figure your planting in one square foot, depending on the plant is how many of each plant you put in that square foot, ex. 1 tomato plant or 9 spinach plants or 16 radishes.......check out the website for more information.  Really makes sense and you will be amazed how much produce you can grow in a 4 sq.ft. garden!

Enough gabbing........what is on tap for this weekend?  It is about 14 weeks to my last average frost date, not too much I can get started.  I am going to be starting geranium and begonia seeds tomorrow as they need time to grow.  May even start some onions.  Herb seeds can be started anytime as they make good indoor winter plants....I actually planted lavender seeds on the 13th because I wanted to plant something!  LOL!!!

 You will find it hard not to start alot of seeds, but when they are started too early, you end up with not the best plants.  And the way this winter has been so cold, am afraid we are going to have a chilly spring.  

Well off to do some more planning....I have already made a list of the seeds I still have and just got my new seed order in yesterday!  :-)  Just can't wait to get outside and get my hands in the soil! 

Until next time.....

Debbie