Confession: I actually started this project a little sooner than I started blogging about it because, well, the thought of starting a blog didn't occur to me until after I already did some work. However, not a whole lot of progress has been made so you really didn't miss out on much. Regardless, here is a little update on what has been going on behind the scenes.
The Good News:
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| I have sprouts! |
I hear sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow, so I'm not sure how much of a triumph this really is, but considering how my last attempt at growing sunflowers went, I'm pretty excited. (Long story short, I grew them directly into the ground (vs a pot), and nothing came of it.) These sunflower seeds are apparently inported from Holland, so I wasn't very optimistic they would grow well here.
NOTE: If transferring sunflowers be sure to do so quickly as the roots grow quick and need a large space to thrive in.
NOTE: If transferring sunflowers be sure to do so quickly as the roots grow quick and need a large space to thrive in.
The Bad News:
This might as well be my before and after photo.
Also after three weeks my poor little veggies and herbs have not produced the slightest sight of a sprout. The funny thing is that the package on these seeds say "guaranteed to grow"--I'm still waiting. I used the same exact method for all of the seeds so I dont know why absolutely nothing is sprouting. The soil on my little crates are very dense and hard. You can see I threw a bit of composting soil on top in a last attempt to save them.
I'm going to give it another week. If I don't see anything by next Tuesday I think I'm going to start from scratch as I don't want to waste too much time. Suggestions?
Anywho, I have tons more to say but I want to keep these blogs somewhat short and sweet of normal length. Catch you soon, and be sure to follow me so you don't miss out on a cool thing called Companion Gardening.
Which kinds of veggies are you starting? I have done lots of veggie-seed starting, so I might have some suggestions, depending on the type of seeds you are starting. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSome general tips for veggies seeds is to not plant them very deep (most seeds only 1/4 inch, beans and peas 1/2 inch), and to spoil them during the first 2 weeks, with water every day so they stay very moist.
Eggplant and pepper seeds are hard to sprout, so if you are trying those then I usually only get a 25% sprout rate from them!
Welcome to Blotanical! I'm looking forward to seeing how your garden progresses. Hope the next round of seed-sowing is more successful...
ReplyDeleteKristin, thanks for the tips! I am actually starting pepper seeds, I hear this plant overall is very finicky, maybe I'll buy a couple seedlings at the store for now since we're nearing May. I also have chives and green onions along with basil, and parsley (parsley takes longer so I'm not too concerned).
ReplyDeleteIf I start from scratch, maybe I should use pure potting soil to prevent the soil from hardening? I didn't have this issue with my sunflowers, only with the little crates, I wonder why...
Hi Mark, thanks for the welcome, and I sure hope so too! I've watered this daily and everything. Round 2 here I come!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of blogging! and Blotanical as well. Potting soil and not too deep on the seeds would be an important boost to your little seeds. I'll check back again to see how it's going.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteL.O.V.E. the way your grandpa gardens... my kind of guy. (He sounds a lot like my Dad who was my inspiration.)
Thanks Carolyn! I think the combination of the clay dirt + deep seeds is what ruined it.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you on his behalf. I think that's what is means to be a true green thumb; but that's not to say I'm going to have as much as he has. lol :)
All the seeds you mentioned can be a little bit finicky to start (I have been starting seeds for years and always have trouble starting peppers). Your basil should sprout well but can take a while and needs to be planted very shallow.
ReplyDeleteIf you are really pumped about starting your own plants in your little seed-starter pots, I would recommend the tried-and-true Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Tomatoes, which are very good at sprouting. Good seeds to start in the ground that always grow well are beans, peas, and radish. Good luck!
Sounds like you are starting some fun plants, and I look forward to reading more about how your garden develops!!
Thanks for stopping by. I am happily following you now.
ReplyDeletePeppers need warmth to sprout, on top the fridge works.
I'm way up north so I sprout everything atop the fridge.
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