Seed Swap & Chat #51 .... Let the sowing begin...

... Ok, I know the sowing has begun, but i'm running out of ideas for the subject line...

I really need to be sowing more, but my kid never brings me home any milk jugs....

Most of the snow is melted, with all this rain we've been having ... so i may go out today and survey the mud to see what still may be green. I hope my Micro Chip Dianthus makes it, the voles have really destroyed that bed.

OK -- we came from here... http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1070274/

What is everyone up to??

hello all

i wintersowed violas, pansies, agastache, poppies and started some daylily seeds indoors.
my old dog passed away..she would have been 18 this coming spring. this puppy i got last year filled the void and more . she is at least 10 x the old dog's size.

pam sue

This message was edited Jan 24, 2010 8:01 AM

Pam, I am so sorry for the loss of your old dog; having lost JT (a rescue cat as affectionate and glued to us as Charlene's "pocket mule", Charlie is to her) I can imagine how you are feeling right now. Glad to hear that puppy is there for you right now.

Good going on the ws - inspiring to the rest of us -

karen

View from my front door. It's a mess, isn't it??
My mess, my beauty in my eyes.

Oh, Pam, I too am s sorry for the loss of your old friend.
But glad that you have backup, best that you have another
dog or what ever you love to help with the crossingof the Rainbowbridge
Sincere Hugs and Nuzzles from me and the Longears. Now , thats a lot of nuzzles too.
Hang in there.

pamsue... I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a furkid is very hard. glad to hear you have another that has helped fill the void.

Rides.... i bet its stunning in all the other months.

It was covered in Mg. and was so pretty. Want to move things around a bit and it will be beautiful. Had a huge Lantana there on the left. Couldn't even see my little streambed.

morning everyone. I'm at work today, but just wanted to let you know what's happening in dirtworld. I have bunches of seeds outside since mid-december and just noticed that one of the penstemons is germinated. Also, the indian paintbrush looks right about ready to go. I found an article mentioning rocky mountain penstemon as a host for the paintbrush so have the 2 in the same pot. Hoping it goes well. I'll post pics if it does.
Favorite success so far: echinacea tennessee and the caesalpinia gillesii. Worst failure: crape myrtle and incarvillea cheron (from the summerhill coop). Not a peep there.
Starlight, can't believe how organized you are. Are those babies out in the greenhouse or just outside?

I hope you take a pic of the paintbrush and penstemon when they grow.

Colchie... I dont knwo what the second one is but the Crape Myrtle may not germinated for quite awhile. That gonan be oen of them thinsg you sow adn forget about it for a logn time.

My baie s get both. They inside udne r gh with no heat, but on warm sunny days I brign them out then put back in at night.

I may be gettign totally soakign wet her e in a bit depending on what happens. Just got hoem from church and we got 22 mph winds and foudn new plastic I just put on top almost all the way off again. Trie d to get it back on and just as I did had major major wind come and it even upturned 4 big fiv egallon buckets filel d with water and water is heavy. We udner tonadoe watch right now and raisn coming with posible hail and bunche sof lightening.

I may be haulign all them babie s into trailer if this keeps up. I prayign not cuz back is stil all bruised and all that bending carryign and walkign at the minute wil be abear , but wil do what I have to do to save babies.

it crazy cuz the wind s so high blowign oen way one second then a totally differnt one the next second.

PamSue... My heart goe s otu to ya on your furbaby loss. It nto eay, btu glad ya hae somebody to cuddle and snuggle with.

Eides. Yoru mess don't look a mess. Can't wait to see what it looks liek when it gets warm and starts growing. : )

Yep it's hard to be patient when it takes two years for the darn seeds to germinate lol Now I have someone else that has the blue ones that I tried before I'm gonna dmail her and see if I can get some more seeds from her and try them in that spot for the next couple of years :) Do you think Ella when they get big enough I could repot them and stick them in the little greenhouse I have from big lots it's about time to put a cover on one of them for my columbine seeds to stick them out too, of course I'd wait until they get big enough to transplant. I'm a proud mommy! I've never had hellebore seedlings before and want to be a good mommy to them! Some of them are just laying to the side they need to be in the dirt! I have ten of them out there and just two are in the dirt good and standing up.

I only have one of the spiky dianthus outside in a pot I need to move it this year to the ground keep aiming to but life just keeps getting in the way! I've got a couple of seeds to the spiky ones from last year's swap I plan on planting this year I really like those little plants and those red annual ones I got from you last year were so pretty usually I don't mess with annual dianthus but these were so pretty! Right up there with the red petunias I had last year :) I did finally find some seeds to those in the crisper but wondering what is going to come out of them the second time around someone on here said they got some pale red ones out of them so might not be a good idea to replant those I bought some new seeds this year to some read ones they sounded just like the ones I had, the ones I had I didn't have them around any other petunias so the different colors must have been in the genetics?

I've never checked the dirt out at lowes maybe I should when I go to repotting this summer, I know my soil less mix is going to be like gold to me and won't want to use it for repotting this year I'll want to save what I can for planting next winter lol Surely it will still be good next winter I'm afraid it will get that white mold on it sitting in the garage this summer when it gets humid.

AW, sorry about your doggies Pamsue that’s why I got Max too because my other dog was getting so old it does help it’s a shame they don’t live as long as us seems by the time you get them just the way you want them they are gone :( Max will be six years old this May and he has filled the void I hope your new puppy will too :) {{{Hugs}}} for your loss :)

I WS some daylily seeds from bluespiral this year Pamsue and thought of you when I did it it’s my first time doing daylily seeds :)

Bluespiral, did you see that my hellebore seeds came up that you sent me last year :)) I counted the babies this morning and there are ten so I think every seed came up :))

Colchie good to see you reporting in lol I started my crape myrtles under lights and they did good 70 degrees I have three out there planted hoping to see blooms this year they are about four years old now at least :) I want paintbrush here but they aren’t hardy here :(

Rides I’m waiting to see what all your yard looks like next year too it must be really pretty! Almost looks like my front yard except for the trellis and where your big tree is there on the left I have an American holly almost just like my yard of course I don’t have one of those nice trellises like yours! No one to build one for me lol

Sorry this is so long just trying to get caught up Ha! If you all didn't talk so much just miss a day and look what happens LOL

Le. If it warm durign th eday I would, but would stil bring back in at night and when transplantign onyl go uplittle size s at once or they get lost inthe pot, piut , cry and then don't do so well. They liek to have more crowded roots.

I checke d at soil at walmart when Istopped topick up bubble envies before church and the epxert soil that usually a pretty good brand in a pinch, went upfrom 7.47lastyear to 8.97thisyear for the same 2 cu ft. That unrel. Todlthe guy wil be going to lowes and gettign the junglesoil for sure.

It's awful how expensive it's getting now just to sow a 'few' seeds? lol I'm gong to try and find a Lowes here this summer everyone seems to be getting their dirt from them on here but I tell ya the way my luck runs by the time I run out of this they will probably change dirts it happens to me all the time here I couldn't tell you how much time I've spent on trying to find good soil to germinate seeds and to WS in! It get frustrating doesn't it!

I have some six packs I could put the babies in I'll do that thanks :) Don't want to lose these little babies for sure!

Does anyone have any extra six packs they would like to trade for something by any chance I hate sending for them knowing I'd have to buy a whole case and think I have spent enough on soil less mix for this year it took a chunk out of my budget LOL No special amount just as many as I could get :) I know no one has any extras this time of year I'm crazy to even ask LOL I have some of those deep six packs I could trade but I like the ones that are more shallow like 1 1/2" deep. The deep ones are good for petunias :)

>>Yep it's hard to be patient when it takes two years for the darn seeds to germinate lo

Lea -- what took 2 yrs to germinate?? and I would not have the patience for that.
if i wanted it bad enough, i'd buy the plant.

I have 2 Lowes ... dont shop at either... they are each about 20 min from me... one to the north, one to the west.
HD is closer, as is Sams, where i get my Miracle Gro.

That's why the Lowes went out of business HD took their business :) I don't like MG it always has so many sticks in it the last bag I bought out of it was like taking trees out of it it was rediculus!

It was my hellebore seeds from Bluespiral last year La, I've tried them so many times and finally I'm a proud momma of ten sprouts! :) I don't even know why I checked the jug it's right out front behind a shrub I just checked them a couple of weeks ago and nothing! I've let tree seeds sit out for three years and finally threw them away.

Hi all, just catchin' up. Ella, you asked if I get snow. Nope, no snow around here except on very very rare occasions. Had a huge snow storm in '85, I think. It was quite amazing. Had a few flurries about 3 weeks ago, but none stuck.

Tonya

I dont think i've ever had an issue with sticks in MG. I do know there was one prand that i had sticks in... it was awful soil. Who knows, could be where it is produced... who knows, but ya use what works for you.

I may have to take a run out to Lowes one day... I have to go out one day and spend gift cards i got... but there are a few stoes i have to do to in the area of Lowes. also got a card for Barnes and Noble.... need to find a good gardening book.

OH... for those of you who commented on my Padded Cornice question.... here is the end result.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1065305/

i'm taking a break before i finish things up... like making Tie Backs and figuring out what to do with the headboard.

Neal... i did get 2 terra cotta colored pots... just havent done it yet.

They have great gardeing books too at Barnes and Noble.
I've used the Jungle soil and it is very good. Learning to look around , but I love going to Lowes and finding where they put their Plants for Clearence. Have found some pretty good buys.
LeBug, so glad you got new Lenten Rose baby, I got some new Desert Rose seed baby. they are so cute!

Lea,

Please don't feel you need to give up the Smoothies gifted to you.
I'll wait til you offer the seeds in the fall from this years planting !
I honestly have much more than I have room for as it is and
actually feel bad about having opened my big mouth at all.


Pamsue - so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved companion.

Cris I don't do zinnias I may have tried those think they are shorter? But you are welcome to them, I have them in a envelope ready to take to the PO Monday :) The PO was closed by the time I got there Sat.

Sorry Terese I said La when I was telling you I waited two years on the hellebores must have been thinking of La I think I've done that before lol Just notice that ;P

Rides not sure what kind those hellebores are blue didn't say :) I'm happy with any of them though :) Heck I'm happy with anything that sprouts even if it does take two years lol Plant it and forget it think I stuck those two jugs there out in the rain a couple of times this summer I was afraid they weren't getting any rain they are right at the edge of the awning and it stays pretty dry there I'm wondering if my solomon seal (sp of course cause I can't spell lol) will be back this year it keeps getting smaller and smaller each year but I have a big patch of them down in the shade garden I think it gets too much sun there too.

I have some plantedbehind that Bank's rose I was telling you about, Solomon's seal. It is in the shade too.
I just looked and I have Moonvine seeds coming up, so far three. Will try to get you all a pic.

Lea... funny, i saw the La and thought it was a typo or something... i sorta knew you were talking to me, but if not, you still answered my question. *wink*

i've been preparing to WS seeds today... got s15 containers cut, and i've just about got 15 seeds -- with plant tags written out... think i'm at 13, but popped in to ask colchie a question.

**Go COLTS** ... you're so lucky you have a good QB [and a good front line, receiver, running back.... the whole ball of wax]... and i know you dont watch football. but it's the Playoffs!!

Man I wish I lived in zone 8 with you all and could go ahead and plant my head off I'm chomping at the bit LOL I just talked to a friend of mine and growing some moon vine for her this year she missed my plants last year already have her tomato order too!

I got some red wisteria tree seeds from someone on here and courious if I can WS those and if they grow to be a tree or will I have to train it if I do I'll have to get some more poles to train it with in the field I have a purple one by the house and won't do that again runners on the ground constantly just waiting for you to trip on them and I do I'm getting too old for that lol It is looking good though it's been there for about three years now and starting to look like a tree :)

Score is 17 to 27 Colts are coming up the first part of the game was kind of scary LOL

LeBug, Is there freecycle.com in your area? Maybe you could find some of the little pots there.

yea.. the first quarter was not looking good.. .but they dont call him the come back kid for nothing. he is awesome.

the next game will be tougher for me... as i do like the Vikes and Favre... but i do thing if NO won, it would be so great for that city... i think the economic boost would really help them. plus... they are good.

well, got my 15 seeds, tags done... just have to get the soil and hope DH doesnt come home at the end of this game.
he's out playing cards 'wiht the boys'.

Lynn they probably wouldn't have any until spring when everyone starts throwing them away from planting I've asked the recycle place here right out of town to save me pots but they never do but they do stack the gal. ones at the side the little ones they throw them in with the plastics and they are all scrunched up :(

Terese, I don't usually watch ball games Tony is watching the Colts that's his team too so I know what is going on when the Colts are playing :)

well, that interception was the nail in the coffin for the Jets.

Hey, TCS, just read your earlier post about heading out to Barnes and Noble. - Have you read Christopher Lloyd's book "Succession planting for year round pleasure". Great eye candy

By the way, what's the deal with Davesgarden being sold to a media name outfit? How can it be sold unless it was for sale in the first place?

From what i've read... Dave did not even know it was for sale, he was told after the fact. He sold it about 3 yrs ago,. and i read a comment from Trish that if he had known it was for sale, he would have bought it back.
Internet Brands purchased it from Namemedia, who Dave sold to yrs back.... at least that is the way i read it.

I may head out tomorrow and go to the book store... not sure yet, but i'll check out that book.

Lebug... Let me take a look aroud later when it warms up and wind an dweathe r settle s down. I may have some of the regula r 6060 out there. They would need a bath and some may need a pic e of tape on side if it got a crack. I planting in the 606 deep now myself. Mainly I us e them cuz they don't dry out a s fast down her ein the heat and humidity. I have a bunch of the little 2" pots which are smaller than the 606 deep 6 packs .

Yep, and I watching Lowes too a s to when they start bringing in the pallets of soiltoo and start stockign the garden center cuz bags that are ripped are half off. really helps too. I just try and watch how I load so that don't have tons of dirt falling out in back of car.

Been a while sinc e I have bought MG pottign soil. Yep quality of it ha s gone down too. Pullign sticks and chunks. I ha d to take the bag and mix it half an dhalf with a bag of pro mix .

Does anybody have problems germinating Angelonia? I have had soem I sowed back at the end of december. Comemrcial seed in the bagy method and stil have no had the first seed pop?

Star, I haven't started my Angelonia yet, but I found this site with good information. Also, another person stated they misted with warm water every day.
http://www.life123.com/home-garden/flower-guides/flowering-perennials/angelonia-a-heavenly-summer-bloomer.shtml

Wow... we sure have been a quiet bunch... i guess with Dave's new puppy and "what been going on" -- there's not much chatter lately.

I did sow 15 more containers last night.

also, when i took Buddy out back today ... before it got COLD, windy, and snowy... i could not believe my eyes when i saw little growth/foliage on Agastache Pink Pop. I had read it's only hardy to zone 6 ... so i was going to sow more figuring the little guy would not survive the winter.

Originally it had gotten sown very late in the season... had an empty bucket.. with duds, so i put some seeds in there not even recalling what it was... only could tell it was an agastache. around Oct, i found some old notes stating what was sown... then i planted it. luckily the flowers went to seed.

though it was quite swampy back there... there is a lot of 'greenery'. Saw a nice clump of Microchip Dianthus -- i had moved it during the summer and it really took off.... same bunch of seeds of where the voles have destroyed the other huge clump i had.

things will be frozen in no time, as temps are plummeting again... .highs in teens to mid20's, nights will be single digits.

OH.... can't wait for vacation!!!!

I got about 20 containers ready to WS, and then ran out and searched for some soil without fertilizer in it. My Lowes is currently carrying about 12 different bags of soil with fertilizer, and 1 without! Crazy! Anyway, it's in my trunk now, and if I can brave the wind tomorrow, I'll get some things sown finally! Of course, I need more like 100 to 150 I think... but it's a start :)

Pam, sorry for your loss, tis great to have a new kid to bestow all your love on.

Star I saw your post about your bad experience with potting soil. I bought a bag of soil at wallyworld that was just the worst mess I have ever seed. I guess it was as close to their store brand as they have. When I opened it, I thought it looked like an odd color, almost jet black. I dumped some out on the ground and all it was was big clumps of red clay that were covered in some kind of sludge mess to make it look like potting soil. I couldn't believe my eyes. I decided to keep it to show it to everyone I know so they wouldn't make the same mistake. You would think that people would have a little pride wouldn't you.

Rides I love your garden, it looks 'lived in' lol. I'm calling mine the garden of good and evil until spring. I have 13 cats and you sure have to watch where you are walking and keep the hose near the door for washing shoes.

I have gotten all my blessings sorted and put in the right baggie. Now I have to get my containers ready to WS. I have had to wait for a bit due to a warm spell but I think it is over and we are back to freezing temps tonight. I sure am thrilled over all the seeds that came my way. My trough if full and runnin over and I'm ready to garden.

Have to say men are funny. My DH always preferred eating in front of the TV or puter - much to my displeasure mind you. Now that I've got the table covered with seed charts, planting lists, whatever seeds I'm planting and a few pounds of organic potting mix spread all over the tablecloth he wants to know when we can eat in there again. I told him April.

DH did however go out & buy a tiller. I know there's controversy over
using them but when you can't get a pitchfork in the soil cause its so
darn hard-packed there's not much else you can do. I don't think the
folks who owned the house before us ever turned the soil over. What
doesn't have a tree on it is covered with crab grass.

OH Ella... my Cat Grass [Hordeum Vulgare] has germinated.

I got about a 6" pot and sown them on the 21st i think... today is the 25th and the just poked thru. I noticed around dinner time. I have the pot now, under the lamp at my desk. there were 3, now there are 7. wonder how many there will be tomorrow.. I think i sowed 25 seeds. I'll have to see if i wrote it down anywhere... nope. but i do think it was 20-25 seeds.

So how crazy is this? A buddy from work gave me a mango for Christmas, and naturally, had to sprout the seed. It just came up today. There is no limit to the madness