Holly, I know what you mean about not starting earlier, I looked at some notes from last year and I am behind about 2 weeks.
My thoughts on the Lupines and Foxglove...It takes 2 years for them to bloom any ways, so starting them now will at least give them one year of plant growth. Last year I started canterberry bells and had some nice plants to set out at the end of summer, this year they should bloom! I also have 2 different foxgloves that i need to start, Pams Choice and Chocolate. That will be on my to-do list for tomarrow or Saturday.
Brent I like the looks of that Blue Bedder may have to try it next year.
Seed starting 2008
Brent,
Here is your Salvia that I got from you at hart's swap. Is it the one you called "Blue Bedder"?
It was just by chance that later in fall, i noticed that a lot of the lower blooms had become dried seed pods, so I gathered a bunch of seeds. Gave some to Jill at the seed swap and, also to someone else.???
I sprinkled a few seeds in the cell packs where i am planting seeds. if they come up--fine! if not--no big deal. Being perennial, I am not expecting any miracles....
Gita
Brent! Good to hear from you! Gita did give me some seeds from your Salvia, and I don't remember what kind you had at the swap either, just that it was a perennial. ?
Oh Becky, I'm so sorry to hear you're having a bout with pneumonia! Take good care of yourself, lady! Your cow pots are here (they arrived the Monday after the swap, naturally), so let me know if you & Chantell want to come up for a "play date" or if I should just pop some in the mail to you.
I am so far behind in my sowing. I hope it's still cold enough out to winter sow! LOL, fortunately I don't think I have many things that actually needed the cold stratification of winter sowing, so any time I get them out there this month should be OK. I was "winter sowing" in March last year, too, and I guess you all know I had plenty of spring seedlings!
I have a few things started downstairs that are ready to transplant this week... and I just put 105 daylily seeds from Dori (notmartha) in one of those fabulous plug trays from Debbie!
Lobelia is up and growing well, ready for clump transplanting -- hopefully tomorrow, since I need a couple of pictures before I can submit my article on "Seed Starting 101 -- Sowing & Clump Transplanting". LOL, I'm hoping Dave can get it approved quickly so I can pop it into the schedule next week!
Speaking of articles, Wrightie's comment on botanical names made me think to mention that there's an article today by Elizabeth (shearson) on the history of botanical names... and I had one yesterday (Tuesday) on the importance of using Latin names: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/707/.
Also, for anybody growing irises, you might find some useful info in my article on Thursday... I searched out some good links and consulted a couple of experts on the best ways to deal with iris borers, and about half the article deals with eradicating or preventing them.
Hopefully I'll get some transplanting done tomorrow, and then I'll be back with photos!
I
Yep Gita...that is Blue Bedder...such a nice plant and a fast grower as well.
For those growing indoors...here is a very helpful article written by a very knowledgeable lady: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/277/
I am giving growing seeds inside a try this year. Last night I started some flats of annuals and veggies (coleus, vinca, impatient, petunia, tomatoes, and peppers). Nothing too exotic as far as seeds and my setup is just a couple flats with clear covers sitting in front of a south facing window.
- Brent
ROFLOL! Brent, I clicked on that link, of course... :-)
I've winter sowed my salvias the past couple of years, but I think I had better results when I started them inside (maybe I just paid more attention to them and got them planted out in a more timely fashion)... so this year I'm saving room for a flat of salvias (maybe a few veronicas too) under the lights.
I meant to be doing a lot of sowing this week, but we've both come down with the crud again... and poor Jim (DH) has to travel on Sunday (conference & customer meetings in Amsterdam, and no time to sightsee).
Today I sowed;
Foxglove-Chocolate
Foxglove-Pam's Choice
Carolina Allspice/Sweet Shrub
Blue Poppy- These are old seed I got from a Round Robin last year...sowed 1- 6 pack to see what happens.
And guess what ! I have babies- Salvia Artemis sowed on Sunday !
I did manage to pot up a few clumps of early-sowed basil and a couple more 'Micro Tom' tomato seedlings (miniature windowsill variety that helped keep my itchy fingers away from the rest of the tomato seeds last month). I've got a flat of cell packs filled with potting mix so I can up-pot some mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) and polka-dot plant seedlings, plus a few heliotrope that I hope I started early enough this year. Half a dozen Vigna caracalla (snail vine) seeds had sprouted in their baggie, so they got potted up too. I'm so slow today! Usually I'd have managed to get 4 times as much done in that amount of time. Oh well, anything I get planted will help!
Jill,
Since you like to grow al kinds of Herbs and Veggies.......have you ever heard of the seed company called "Kitazawa Seed Co."? On the catalogue cover it says---"Your Source for Asian Vegetable Seeds"....kitazawaseed.com.
All the weird names we hear in Asian recipes, and wonder what all these veggies are--this will show you a picture of them.
You being as enlightened as you are--I am sure you know of this catalogue. Just thought I would pass it on to you---just in case you did not.
Gita
Nope, never heard of it! I appreciate the link. Not many of the "weird" veggies we've tried have made it to our "must grow every year" list... asparagus beans were deemed barely edible in stir-fry... rat-tail radishes never did perform well (maybe we'll try those again) and neither did asparagus pea (? I think that was the name)... but each year I have to try something I haven't grown before, just for the heck of it!
Then again, some people think it's odd that I grow so many different kinds & colors of tomatoes and hot peppers... so I guess "weird" is in the eye of the beholder.
I will be growing Pineapple Tomatillos aka Ground Cherries again this year... seedlings didn't make it last year, and I really missed them!
Hmmm ... thanks for posting that seed company, Gita. That may be right up may alley. Gonna go check it out.
DRAT! Their website is not loading ... and here I was getting all excited for veg' that I haven't had in years.
This message was edited Mar 5, 2008 7:23 PM
Welcome back Brent. Yep, I used to get loads of good info from you and so I missed seeing you while you were away. I too have the Blue Bedder that I received from you at Hart's swap. Mine did very well too. I hope that it will come back.
Gosh, you folks are putting me to shame. I do have "wintersow" on my list of things to do today. I am having someone come over to paint my bathroom cabinets, so I will hopefully be outside playing in the dirt while she works inside. I need to go in shortly and choose what I am going to plant.
I have a commercial size plastic wrap roll. We bought it for my son's wedding food last year and used hardly any of it. I plan to use it to cover the hard plastic kiddie pools that I sowing in. This is my first attempt even though I have had all the supplies for two years now. So......happy planting to you and me.
Have a good day all. Oh yeah, looks like another beautiful day in Virginia.
Ruby
Becky, I hope you're feeling better soon.
Critter, here's another source for Asian seeds:
http://www.evergreenseeds.com/
Chris, foxglove "Foxy" is supposed to bloom the first year from seed. The seeds aren't hard to find either. I think Walmart has it in with their Burpee seeds.
Here's a terrific book for seed starting. It's one of the few that actually tells you crucial things like whether they need light or darkness for germination, optimum germination temperature, whether you need to stratify or scarify.
http://www.amazon.com/Gardeners-Guide-Growing-Flowers-Bloom/dp/1580175171
The Thompson and Morgan website is another good source for the same type of info.
Holey smokes.................my Big Zac's germed and emerged in four and a half days. Never have I had such swift action. The percentage is near 100%. I hope it is a good sign.
I was using Organic Miracale Gro potting soil with 80 degree heating pad. My heating pad is a human use type I got for a buck in a yard sale. It does it''s thing on the lowest heat setting.
*ouch* I always worry when somebody I like posts about using a heating pad or electric blanket under their seeds... I know all the warning tags on every product have reached a height of silliness that makes us ignore them all most of the time, but I don't mess with electrical stuff. Heating pads aren't designed to be used 24/7 (the new ones have auto shut-offs), aren't meant to be put under stuff, and aren't meant to be used around potentially wet areas. I know, I know, you've probably used it for years and haven't burned your house down... yet. But I don't think it's worth the risk.
I did include a couple of inexpensive (and safer) DIY alternatives to using "real" seedling heat mats in the article I wrote about them. I especially like the one using Christmas rope lights...
doc- I know some of that joy- once had parsley spout in three days or something equally amazing. My basil and Bronze fennel are joining the race...
I just potted up some early basil seedlings! (Coming soon, to an article on a computer near you... LOL)
Here's a preview of the "clump transplanting" photo tutorial:
Break out a row of seedlings
Handling them by their leaves (not tender stems), gently massage the roots to break them apart into clumps.
Put moist potting mix in your pot, make a hole with your finger, and gently lower the clump of seedlings into place.
Set them lower than they were growing in the seed starting tray.
Lightly tamp down the potting mix around the seedlings and water in.
Put your newly up-potted seedlings under the lights, as close to the fluorescent tube as possible.
I need to look up Big Zac; I don't even know what that is. Sounds impressive though! :)
Jenn, I got my Raab seeds from Seeds of Change(.com!) they are still my favorite supplier...always great quality-if I have to buy!!
Good Luck,
Kyrina
Hart, Don't you tempt me.....I still have a seed order form Parks that is on it's way, and a small order from Burpee.
I have an older addition of "From Seed to Bloom" by the same author, I got it from Amazon too as a used book, I love it!!!
I also find the info at the T&M site very helpful.
Gita! 2 of your Datura- Yellow, From 2-23 Swap, have germinated. I am excited! Do you have a picture of one in bloom?
Oh Boy! I'm finally getting my plant lights! I'm following the plans that you posted a while back Ladygardener. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=3071006
I was only going to make it a single level, but after my husband saw the plans, he encouraged me to make it 2 levels like it was shown. He knows me too well and knows that I would outgrow it in no time. Got all my materials yesterday, so off I go now to build it. I'll post pictures.
Have fun with that, Miata! I made mine out of a baker's rack and those same lights. I couldn't be happier with it.
quote miatablu-I was only going to make it a single level, but after my husband saw the plans, he encouraged me to make it 2 levels~~ See? Isn't he just THE nicest guy?
mini mole mounds in my hibiscus and cassia pots today!
miata, I hope you are pleased with the results, it will last forever. DH made me 2 units and I have been using them for at least 15 years in the basement. I have lost track of time.
Sally I had to read your statement 2x "mini mole mounds in my hibiscus and cassia pots today!" I started wondering what moles were doing in your pots. LOL
ladygardener,
Thanks for reminding me about the Datura seeds....Mine have now been on top of the fridge in a baggie in wet paper towels. I better go see--I bet they all have germinated.
Did you just get the Yellow Datura seeds? NOT any Purple/white ones???? They are both very pretty. Be glad to send you the purple ones if you like.
Miata,
I have been trying to get all I need for my 3' shelf. Between 2 trips to Lowes and one to HD, I finally have all the light materials I need. Didn't think that it would be so hard to find 3' shop lights?
Ouch! On the price for the 3' bulbs! $6.48 each!!! And--NO--they do not come in multi packs. Geesh--HD has a 10-pack of 4' shop light bulbs on sale for $9.99 this ad.
The black shelving I got at Target was only $25. A good deal. I really like it.
So--you are going to build your own shelf? Well--I know "Hunk Man" will help you....Show us a picture when all done, please?
OK! Here is a picture of the Double Purple/White Datura Metel---
Another view.....
Here is the Yellow one....
Here is another picture.
Of both of them, the Yellow one was a lot more prolific in making seed pods.
ladygardener--if you have never grown a Datura, do you need some more advice? You can D-mail me and I will be happy to chat with you.
Here is my small and simple set up. I have another similar with three bulbs for years when I need more. As I grow older my efforts are diminished.
Growing here I have: Parsley
Rosemary
Sweet Marjoram
Purple, Lemon - Lime and Green Basil
Spearamint
Peppers
Two Matters...Big ZAC and Porterhouse Hybred
Mixed Begonias
This and a flat or two of flowers with the Onion seedling Candy will be my garden more or less wrapped on the edges of my giant pumpkin patch and patio.
Gita, I got some purple seeds from Holly, Holly chime in here are they the same as Gita's?
I have grown the common Single white ones before, Do you grow your yellow ones from seed every year or overwinter the plants?
I have the 6 packs on a heat mat right now and covered. Waiting for more to germinate.
Keep the posts coming I'm stuck inside today, you are nuts getting out in this weather.
Docgipe, Let me know how your rosemary does. I have tried to over winter a few plants over the years but my house is just to dry. Never tried growing it from seed.
lady,
Out weather is nothing like in your picture! We have had a lot of rain lately, but the temps. have been actually fairly "mild"...like in the high 40's--50's. SO tempting to go outside and do SOMETHING! But--everything is so water-logged!
I want to put down some grass seed. I want to rake leaves and clean up all the beds and the corners and under everything--as all the high winds have blown leaves all over the place. But--it seems to be always raining when I have some time to do that!
Hey! I raked ALL my leaves up--4 different times! Then--every time we had high winds--I got everyone else's--all over my garden......:o(
Lady-g....,
The Yellow Daturas I grew last year were the first time I had them. The Purple/white ones I had had for 2 years before that. I got the seeds (for the Yellow ones) in the mail from someone....EVERY one of them germinated! Check out the "Mid Atlantic Forum" and go to the "Growing from Seed" (or something like that) Post. I just posted pictures there of both of my Daturas. Have posted these many times over--all over the place. I bet you have seen them.
The common, white ones, grow differently. They are, sort of, "wild"....trailing...."all over the place". Self-seed and live through the winter--no sweat!
The Yellow and Purple ones grow as an upright, branching, individual plant. Allow a 3'x3' area for each plant. YES! They will grow THAT big the first year from seed!
PLEASE! If you need more specific information on any of these, D-mail me!
Gita
Lookie here---this is from seed the same year!
Hooray, Miata! Now I have somebody to give extra seedlings to after I pot them up... LOL. I sowed some basils this afternoon, and I've got hot pepper seeds soaking now. I'm trying to finalize my tomato grow-out list so I can sow them next week... it's sooo hard to choose!
Lady, I'm not sure about the purple Datura. They were given to me I never saw the flowers in full bloom. What was still attached to the seed pods looked like they might have been white with dark purple veins. I think like the pictures Gita posted but I'm not 100% sure what they really looked like.
Those double yellow I got from Gita last year really grew fast. I could hardly believe that those little plants I put out in May could grow into that large plant in just one season and they really put on a pretty show lots of blooms.
ladygardener1..............I got tired of paying $5.50 for the big box green grocers Rose Mary. First year three years ago I started it inside and went to big pots outside. Last year I did the same but found a friend with a greenhouse who sat it in a cold high humidity house for rights of the picking. That worked well. We are still a picking although the fun is about over. I have never had it in our house but believe my one living room is up to 40% humidity for me and our toys. That will likely work. To do that in a dry house like you say you have you may need a fish tank or other small greenhouse with humidity control. 60 degrees is enough to keep it growing.
Three of my five seedling pots have emerged in about a week at 80 degrees over a heat mat.
lady-G,
I am in zone 7b. Just wanted to tell you that my neighbor has a Rosemary "bush" in her back yard. It is hardy and all woody and keeps on trucking.....Now--about 3' high.
When i was in Seattle 2 years ago to visit my daughter, the street she lives on has all these small trees on the curb. Around each tree are plantings of Rosemary. I mean--like a Boxwood would grow! ALl high and green and forever perennial. Of course--EVERYTHING grows in Seattle. I was amazed when I walked over to see what all that green was on the roadside!
Doc, maybe you do not realize that the Rosemary, once established, is very perennial???
I cannot see it thriving in a house! No matter what you do with the temps and humidity. I think it likes it COOL!
What is your zone? It is not given by your name. I think, if you planted your Rosemary outside in a southern exposure, and, maybe protected a bit, you will have a small shrub in no time flat!
Gita