lessons learned for next year #6

thanks ... I'm really bad at the "articles"
I really should take more time to sit and read them... and BOOKMARK them, for reference.

If someone who has the 'vision' for the Sticky thread d-mails me specifics for an assignment I will be happy to help out.

(I could do the FAQ's if no one else is...)

exellent Jill - needs to be linked into the sticky thread.

Thanks, Anita... At the risk of blowing my own horn, LOL, I just posted the link on the thread where we're gathering links. I also posted links to an earlier article Mitch did and to a wonderful piece from Dea on winter sowing poppy seeds. :-)

OK -- i'd like some opinions here....

I've been going thru the old threads and i'm up to #5 already [Grams' doing #2]

after the first thread, most of it is chatter anyways, not too much to save ... I think out of Thread #4, i only grabbed 2 messages .... BUT with the way I'm formatting it ... i've got 14 pgs in WORD. [thread #1 was 7.5 pgs, thread #3 was 5.5]

also -- what i'm seeing is... a lot of repeated stuff over the year and a half of these threads

so -- should i just really narrow it down to the basics:

use paint pen
good soil
dont use too many seeds
cut back on contains - since too many to plant out
wash out milk jugs so they dont stink

etcetera -etcetera -etcetera - etcetera

even though there is a lot of fun stuff to read, much is being repeated and can be found in the original threads.


I just dont want to snip too much, but then again.... we don't need the Resource Thread too long with Lessons Learned.

input ?? i just don't want it to seem like i;m taking over this project....

Terese

I vote for keeping it as streamlined as possible. My sincere thanks to everyone who is working on this. I wish I had more time to help:(
Mike

This will help with all those repeat questions. I know I've posted a question about it and then later found the same question a ways back in the forum.
This will help those of us new to WS and it will keep those of you who answer those questions from repeating yourself 1000 times!

OK -- over the past few days, i've been brainstorming on this lil project,

this is what i've come up with -- any and all comments welcome

I was thinking the thread would be entitled Winter Sowing Resources [to the point]

sub categories: [in no particular order]

What is Winter Sowing? with brief description [link to Critter's article and any others we can find]
F.A.Q.s brief description, then link to the particular thread
W.S Tips and Tricks brief description, link to thread
Containers brief description, link to thread [Jan started already
Resource Links brief description, link to thread [I started already]
Labeling brief description, link to thread
Record Keeping [Excel, Journals on Daves, Personal web sites] brief description, link to thread
Lessons Learned -- here is was thinking to put the HUGE consolidated lessons learned. just not sure how big it's gonna be yet.

I've sent grampapa my clippings of 5 of the 6 Lessons Learned - and she can decide what to do with them... or ask for a general consensus.

any comments on what is oosted above ... and any takers on helping??

I'm not sure if we don't just want to start threads on these other topics, or just post the basics in the Resource Thread.
Some of it is pretty straight forward.

Terese

Sounds well thought out!

I'd like to see those resource links organized and posted into the sticky thread, if possible... rather than just having a link to the resource thread.

That way, all the good "germination database" links that are being posted on the links suggestions thread can go under one heading, "wintersowing method" links could go under another heading, "favorite seed sources" etc.

The only reason to just do a link in the sticky to a resource thread would be if the "sticky" thread was going to be set up by admin and not monitored by a volunteer... in that case, admin woudn't want any "outside" links in the sticky... so the only way to include outside resources would be to have a separate thread for outside resource links and then put a link to that thread in the sticky. But I don't think that's the way we're going.

I was planning on adding the outside links into the sticky. If that's ok with everyone.

One post for inside resources such as the w/s database, critter's article,etc.
One post for outside resources such as Tom Clothier's site
One post for recommended retail seed sources, such as ValueSeeds
One post for links to 'favorite' posts internal to the winter sowing forum, which will start with these that we are setting up right now...the subcat ones. then if any other valuable discussions come up they can be added

Any of these posts can be added to (by me, at your request. I will have to have admin unlock the thread)

how does this sound?

Terese has done an amazing amount of work on boiling down the existing stickies. I'll finish it up ASAP

Looks pretty good to me, too. Critter and Claypa thoughts to keep things succinct and incorporate the links and tags sounds good to me too.

I'll do the FAQs if you want. But maybe FAQs are not needed with the way it's organized.

If we do want/need to include them, I pretty much know what the FAQs are and then we can adjust or add to them as required. (Just tell me to get started or not on them and if you want them in a special format.)

I was just tossing that FAQ thing out there, because i know when i'm reseraching something new, i always look for an FAQ.

if you google the term, GW site comes up as does SW.org, and so does Critters new article.

I do believe that WS is so simple, that an FAQ may not even be needed .... as all the pertinent info will already be on the info pages ... at least i believe so.

OK. Sounds good. If in the end, you decide a FAQ is wanted, I'll be happy to organize it. We can always add it.

I just tagged two good 'Wintersowing for Cold Zones' threads I found in the Canadian gardening forum. Lots of good details from experienced wintersowers there.

I think critter's article can stand in as an FAQ. no sense repeating. tabasco, thanks for the offer.

for anyones Lesson's Learned,.... had anyone found seeds that just did not work [do well winter sowing] ?

Ugg -- i just feel so disorganized this year... maybe because i have so many seeds and they are not organized yet --- i will be wandering over to the "organizing seeds" thread next.

I'm just feeing so over whelmed.

Hi, tcs--Please don't feel overwhelmed! If you have too much going on, just stop.

You can save the seeds from year to year (most of them anyway will be just fine). Just put them in baggies by types of seeds or planting times. Whatever suits your style.

I think most seeds work well with wintersowing if some thought is used when planting them. Especially timing.

In our zones, If the seeds are tender annuals I think they do better if planted later so the seeds don't rot and the changeable spring weather doesn't freeze the seedlings out.

If you choose a nice spot for all of your containers--a bit protected from really bright hot sun, for instance--they will have a better chance of getting along without a lot of extra attention from the you and fewer risks to their survival.

If those sorts of issues are dealt with, according to your zone and your microclimates, then I think most wintersowing works. Tropicals wouldn't be a good choice probably (around here). And some annuals might work better for you if you just direct seeded them into the garden, depending on your own requirements and schedule and garden conditions.

I like wintersowing a lot but it can get a bit out of hand in terms of numbers of seeds and containers sitting around your yard! And when it's time to plant the seedlings out, it can be a big chore. But when the garden's in bloom it's all so worthwhile! Don't you think?!

T -- i do think I am going to direct sow a lot of seeds this year.

as for WS, i'm up to 39 containers, 2/3 of'em milk jugs .. but i have run out.

right now, my boxes of containers have a western exposure, but with them in boxes, a month or so from now, they should still be protected from the hot sun.... but with them being in boxes.. they will be easier to move if need be. There is another spot that gets a lot more shade -- but currently it's a mound of ice.

Well, I started using the large zip loc freezer bags with a few slits in them filled with some potting mix and then placed them in a large clear rubbermaid bin that I drilled holes in (tops, sides and bottoms). Those zip loc 'containers' were easy to come-by and I filled lots of them. Now I hope it works out. I also used 4 inch 'peat pots' in large vented rubbermaid containers...(I think I will have to plant the peat pot seedlings out early on because the peat pots have a reputation for drying out so quickly. They will be difficult to keep watered once springtime arrives.)

LOL I think I got a little carried away with the number and variety of seeds. Our 'blizzard' yesterday put them under 12 inches of snow and they are all snuggled in. So I hope they are happy.

Here are a few of my rubbermaid containers (pic from last week)...

You should be good with those ziplocs. I used them last year when I ran out of milk jugs and they worked just as good as the jugs. I just put them in cardboard boxes and they held up surprisingly well. I think the rubbermaid will be better.

I'm glad somebody else (I'd bet a LOT of somebodys LOL) is getting carried away. I have SO many different kinds of seeds from swapping this winter that I just can't decide what to sow. So far I have 96 bags w/s and another 25 things inside and I don't feel like I've made a dent. I have a list of stuff to direct sow. any annuals that will grow that way are on their own ;0)

So glad to know someone else doesn't know what to plant next. I stand and look at them , my mind caves in and I just go sit down!!!All of you generous good people should be ashamed, putting me in that situation. LOL Love it, but I am afraid that when the time comes I'll have to many of one kind and not enough of another.

AHHHHHH grampapa count me in as one of those that's getting carried away , I'm on container # 149 and still more seeds coming in from swaps and newbie seeds and those that have sent me seeds already : 0 Oh my !!!!!!!

I peek everyday , just a couple I see green : ). got a lot of containers down by the garden and now I'm loading up the deck so I can see them more often.

Thing is , there will be the time for planting, lol Oh My Goodness, Might have to camp out cuz there will no coming inside . Plants all over the place. I got it bad and this is my first year to winter sow.
Havin a blast while going crazy with WSing 8 )

I'm getting more coffee cans then milk jugs. So far haven't needed to use the 200 some 5 gal buckets yet !!!!!!!


Ain't this a purdy sight , containers all over : )

One more thing to add to my WS addiction. I told my DD the other day if anything should happen to me to please take care of my WS. Didn't mention my dh but my winter sowing , now is that bad or what :/ I need help!!!!!

I also told her of the code book, without this code book , well ya know!!!!

I just got the containers labled w/ numbers only and everything else is in the code book.

Heres my code book, without it I would have many plants that I would have to wait awhile to see what they were.

I had to click before I realized that was an illustration on the cover and not an actual dirty trowel lying on your book! LOL

Grampapa--yes, I think I got the idea for the zip locs from one of your posts. Seems like a reasonable and inexpensive container idea, so thanks so much for sharing!

Linda, looks like you have quite a system there! I can see why you put the code book in your 'Will'. Very important piece of your legacy!

Now, about your containers--did you say they were coffee cans? I hadn't thought of using cans for containers--I suppose you drill holes in the bottom? And so are they covered with saran wrap? Are there slits in the saran wrap to allow for moisture to come in, or how will that work for them? Just wondering? I sound like I'm cross examining you but I'm just interested in new ideas for containers that are easy to maintain.

I can't wait to see photos of your garden next year! You must have about 10 acres to plant for gardens! LOL

I'm completely out of milk jugs and orange juice containers now. Still have many seeds to sow. These container ideas y'all are using, Linda's coffee cans with plastic wrap and the zop lock baggies sound like winners. I'll start some of those tomorrow.

Lorraine, LOL. I know exactly what you mean about not knowing what to sow next. I just sorta look at my journal and decide which alphbet letter is the skippiest and then dig through my seed box for seeds starting with that letter. Don't laugh. grin, at least it's a system.

Looks like those "Folgers" cans are those plastic ones. Great idea.

anyone has images of their "ziploc" setups?
I know Jan put hers into a big Rubbermaid container... but does anyone just set them on the ground, or say in a laundry basket?

I'm interested in knowing how to help them stay put too. I wouldn't want the dirt to shift and mess up the seedlings. I'll put mine in a laundry basket.

I've used the bottles that liquid detergent comes in. It has about the same amount as the gallon jugs. I just cut it off, put plastic on top and of course holes in the bottom. Wonder how many methods there are.

Hi everyone just back from outside, burning the field, wow , kinda scary there for a bit.

Yes the cans are plastic and did I luck out, there my Moms cans, pre drilled ( sister drilled them last year and stuck them in the ground next to Moms tomatoes and filled with water and let it slow drain) Ok sense maters are not out yet. I am using until my ws is done then they go back over to Moms for her maters. Thing is theres many more cans and she isn't going to put out a 100 maters this year, so I will have many cans but will have to drill myself :/

She tossed the lids tho on most of them, but she is saving the lids now that she knows I can use them. I cut a big hole in the lid just leaving the rim and put heavy clear plastic, then snap the lid rim back on and put some slices for vents in the top of plastic. works great , plus they are easy to pick up, they have kind of a built in handle. And they will last a very long time.

I use a heavy rubber bands to hold the plastic for those that don't have a rim lid, works good too. I use the paint pin to number the cans and when its time to go plant i'll carry my code book out and off I go.

I got some cheap mini blinds for lables when I plant in the garden until I get something more fancy.

I can not wait tell I save seeds and be able to share them with you all. : )

awesome idea for using the cans to water the tomatoes !! gotta love garden fresh maters.

I ran out of containers, so I bought a bunch of those aluminum loaf pans that you bake bannana bread in. Gallon ziplocks are a little too small to fit around the loaf pan, so instead I'm sowing directly into a ziplock bag that I've put inside a loaf pan. (Drainage holes in the bottom of both, of course) Makes the ziplock nice and stable. -I just have to remember not to pick it up by the top of the bag; wouldn't want to use my bottoms!

This message was edited Mar 9, 2008 7:07 PM

What a cool idea Susan ! I didn't think about the loaf pans, I did get some roasting pans and used them , but they aren't as deep. Off to walmart I go

I thought the trowel was real! I guess I need that second cup of coffee!. I'm curious to see everyone's results with their containers. We have to make a point of the pros and cons come time for transplanting.

Hi Lorraine, I'm happy the loaf pan idea could help you out! -To make them a little deeper, roll up the lips on the sides, and that gets them to a near perfect 3 inch depth. Today, I stopped by the dollar store, and they had loaf pans with plastic domes, 2 for a dollar. Oh my gosh, you would have thought I had won the lottery!

Are you serious. Let's see. What time does the dollar store close. You'll probably be touring the country grabbin all of them, so I'll get out early and get some./
Which dollar store? Family General or the other one.? Thanks very much for being creative and finding such neat stuff

I think I've probably hit them all before you by now (-: ...but the store I found them in was "99 cents only"
http://www.99only.com/

Happy shopping!

Ha, ha! I can just see us doing a run on the loaf pans at the 99 cent stores across the country! Sounds like a good idea!

Susan, We may run into you in CA soon. We are heading out to SF on March 25 for a few days! My DH wants to go to the Acapulco for old times sake (from navy days)!

I wintersowed some more today. Used gallon zip locs filled with Miracle Gro Potting Mix and set the bags into one of my bins (cut with vents, etc.). Hope it works out. I can't remember what I WSed--I made labels but I didn't make a list and I know I will be sorry...

My stack of WS bins is growing:

Oh NO -- T, you just may have a bunch of noids.

Talking about the ziplock baggies motivated me enough last night to start using them too. I winter sowed seven that just did fit into a laundry basket. The loaf pans sounds interesting too. So the soil is loose inside the pan then the pan fits inside the baggie? Is that how that system works? I'll need to check out my dollar stores. I'd like to find those mentioned with the dome top. That sounds like the cat's meow, right there I tell ya.

"Well, I'm sure I'll recognize each of those little seedlings when the time comes!" (Famous last words!!)

Maybe I'll go out today and make some notes on what's what. It's bright and sunny and all the snow is melted.

And more seeds to go in. I'm starting a few of my annuals now.