Lets Get Planting!

Hello Lovelies

Today I felt such inspiration and excitement about spring. Planting the first round of brassicas, the harvest and the much anticipated warmth that spring brings. Finding excitement this time of year can be difficult. The gray weather the rain and lack of life in the garden. But today I spent so time in my lifeless garden. Sweeping off the brick lined beds, envisioning all the beautiful things that will soon grace this space, and it filled my heart. The chickens have wintered over in the new market garden preparing the soil and spreading straw. They’ve done a marvelous job so much so they’ll be moving to their new home beside the green house! This year its my goal to share the wonder that is gardening with our community. The chickens will be preparing the future spot of our community garden! Gardening can be so healing for the soul. But not everyone has the space or opportunity to start their own so we wanted to make that space available!

With all this planting to do lets start some seeds! If your wanting to grow things such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and lettuce now is the time! You’ll want to start all your

cool weather crops 12 weeks before your last projected frost date. They'll be ready for the garden in 4-6 weeks depending on growth. At that time you'll be ready to start your spring and summer crops. Such as peppers & tomatoes! Theres no rules to what you can and can’t start early although some things do better then others. A verity of Melons can be started early as can squash and okra for a jump on the growing season. But be sure to not start them to early or they’ll ll out grow their pots!

When starting seeds I like to use a seed starting blend or peat moss mixed with a potting soil. If you've read my post on "Whats In Your Dirt" you’ll know the importance of using the proper soil. I like to use reusable seed trays or cups that have a bottom tray and humidity dome. I found its best to water from the bottom. Fill your seed trays with dirt and pack it firm. Plant your seed and cover lightly with dirt. Fill your bottom tray with water but don't over fill. The water will absorb from the bottom up and your seeds will grow roots in search of the water making them much stronger. when watering from the top you could possibly push your seeds down causing them to rot or not water them enough.

Its very important for seedlings to have enough heat and humidity to germinate properly. The above picture is of sprouting De Cilo Broccoli still under its humidity dome. Using a heat mat will also help germination. Seedling heat mats stay at a lower temperature then a heating pad its just enough to make a nice humid environment. I find them very helpful for starting early spring seeds.

The seed has enough stored energy to sprout without light but once they’re up you’ll need supplemental light such as grow lights. What are grow lights? Grow lights are different then your regular light bulb. Light beats down on the earth, directly or indirectly supporting all kinds of plants. Traditional light bulbs don't help plants because of two problems: spectrum and heat.

Light bulbs produce a lot of heat and will scorch plants if they get too close. Photosynthesis in different plants, at different stages, uses different wavelengths of light. Anything not the right wavelength can't be absorbed. Foliage is usually produced by blue shades of light for wide foliage, while the red and orange shades often spur fruit and flower production.

Incandescent bulbs commonly used in homes give off more yellow and orange light, starving leafy plants. Fluorescent bulbs are good for younger plants, that aren't ready to make fruit or flowers yet (although these bulbs can provide the full spectrum of light needed to grow).

Now lets make them strong! Once their tall enough its to remove the humidity dome its time to put a fan on them. The fan should be set far back enough to give the sprouts a gentle breeze. This will make the roots grow deeper and stronger to keep the sprout upright. Then they’ll be ready for the garden!!!

Happy Planting!!