It's also the day I started planting seeds for the coming spring. Broccoli, Cabbage, and some cauliflower seed are now all tucked into their new dirt home. I know it's pretty early for some folks BUT .... The "garden guy" on the Saturday radio said it's time to start seed if I want plants that are ready to be set in the garden come early spring. And who am I to argue??? LOL Give me a reason to stick some seed in dirt and watch me go.
I need to get the greenhouse all "back in order" too. I've got all sorts of empty containers for seed starters setting around. I'm still not sure how I feel about the egg cartons that I used last year. They worked out for the most part. I just need to do some adjusting on them to get better water absorption. I've also been wondering how the "baggie method" would work in the greenhouse. I've got some pepper seed I might try to start like that since peppers really need a warm soil to germinate well. I might have to do an experiment and see.
It seems like a good time to take stock of what seed I have and what I might need. I've already got the Baker Creek seed catalog all dog eared. So far it's the only one that has come. It seems by this time last year I'd already received several. I'm sure they'll start coming in soon.
Oh and it's time for tomato seed to be put in some dirt as well. Like I said if I want plants that are ready to be planted outside come early spring it's time to start piddling around in the greenhouse. I might be a couple of weeks early with the tomato's but I can't see what it could hurt to get them started. Another thought is that if for some reason I don't get good germination from them then I'll still have time to start more seed and hopefully have it ready to plant when the time comes. As usual I'm pretty much playing it by ear. Last year the greenhouse wasn't quite ready for starting the tomato's and so a new learning experience begins.
It's not too early. I always start my Tomatoes about the end of January. I have such poor luck with broccoli and cauliflower I may not even bother this year.
ReplyDeleteI've not had good luck with the broccoli and cauliflower either. I have a hard time even getting the cauliflower to sprout. I've not given up with it just yet though. The thought of all that yummy goodness keeps me trying for a better result. Madness? I keep striving for a different result....
DeleteI would have thought it was too early but my green house is used as a tool shed so I'm not speaking from experience.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! Sounds like you need a new tool shed.
DeleteSCI,
ReplyDeleteI will be pulling my little greenhouse out and setting it up, and starting my seeds too. Last season cauliflower and broccoli were a bust for me. I had seedlings, and some sort of critter loved eating all of them. I don't think it was a sorta bug because of the way it was eaten.
My catalogs are dog eared too. I did purchase several seeds from Baker Creek the day before yesterday. Here's to great gardens this spring!!!!
Sandy,
DeleteI wonder what the deal is with cauliflower? I hear about more failures than success. Is there something we are missing here? The last time I planted broccoli it didn't really produce well. I figure that was due to my planting it late.
I'm going to be planting some of those Albino pepper's and try my hand at some Hatch Chili's you sent . That should be fun. (and reminds me I need to drop something in the mail *wink*)
Hugs to you and yours,
Sci
My kale came back! Have you ever heard of that? I've got to separate the mother plant because I've got about twenty shoots coming up and each is about 5 inches tall. Weirdest thing I've ever seen!
ReplyDeletelotta joy,
DeleteKale is a biannual if you just let it be! How cool that you've got all those baby's coming up. I've never planted kale before. To be honest ... the only time I've even been around it was waiting tables. We'd use it to "dress up" a plate. I might have to try and grow some to see what it tastes like cooked!
(And you know you've seen weirder stuff!!! hahahaha)
Sci
I agree, it's not too early. My cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach and onions are all coming up. I started planting December 29th inside in a south window. It's fun to see someone else start up and learn different ways to grow seedlings. Thanks, Sci!
ReplyDeleteFern
Fern,
DeleteNow I feel like I'm running late! I guess I could have started the cole crop stuff a bit earlier. I wanted to thank you for all the cool stuff you write about. I am always learning something new. Knowledge is is a wonderful thing.
Sci
I've had my seed catalogs for probably a month and I live in Wisconsin. I would go to web sites and request some new catalogs. I'm so excited for planting I ordered and received my seed already. Kale will come back the second year if you cut it off and don't pull out the roots. I love your blog, Sci!
ReplyDeleteReading all these tales of the garden has my mouth just watering for some garden fresh goodies! I can taste those peppers and 'maters already!
ReplyDeleteDarn,you are all beating me! Been the mid 70's in AZ this week,but the low 40's at night,been afraid to plant anything yet.Still trying to figure out my oranges,want to make like a Tang drink mix.Any suggestion?
ReplyDeleteIs that a pic of your greenhouse? Did you make it yourself or was it a kit? Looks like the extra wire makes it very sturdy. Care to share pics/plans/etc.?
ReplyDelete