Seed starting 2008
oh, like I could keep this kind of fun to myself.
http://www.valueseeds.com/
They're basically selling overstock or older seeds from one of the big seed companies (I forget which one -- is it T&M?). So something like parsnips (which I think needs to be fairly fresh seed) might not germinate well, but most things from them should be just fine.
and sometimes the first thing on the list will be super cheap, like 9 cents or something. I got a packet of salad mix that way. YAY Also got tempted into some stuff I didn't need, and a couple duds- BOO like Cosmos sensation that got pretty blah comments in plantfiles.
I think I had 'Sensation' mix out back one year (still get a few volunteers now & then) -- I really liked it! My biggest complaint is that it grew much taller than the 2-3 ft. marked on the packet. At 5-6 feet tall, they were taller than then baby fruit trees we'd planted back there, and that looked a little peculiar.
Besides many other seeds that have already sprouted, I am most excited that my Moon Vine seeds are up. I just hope they grow well enough inside until planting time.
I have one of my 3' lights set up to take care of the sprouters.
Sally--should I now take the Columbine seeded pots out of the fridge and see if they have had enough striation? They have been in there about 3-4 weeks now. Also, some other self-seeding biennials.
Cold is cold--that is why I chose to put them in my fridge.....so, no lectures from you more serious winter-sowers. This is all new to me and i am just doing it as conditions and time permits.....
Gita
Oh, good lawd. The poached eggZ would make sense if it were T&M ... and, gosh, they have such poopie germination rates to begin with, imo. lol! I'm all over this! Thanks for not passing on the info.! lol
gita- yes lets take the columbine seeds out and try them under the lights, with a crossing of fingers.
I got rid of the cosmos I had several yrs ago cuz they were also so tall and late flowering.
Those fridge seeds can also just go outside, now, Gita, if you run out of room under the lights. :-)
Wrightie, I think more people have had good results than not with the stuff from Valueseeds... look them up in Garden Watchdog.
Oh, that's okay, I don't need to look them up. I wasn't implying that they are suspicious.
I got the poached egg seeds from Parks, they are white with the yellow centers. I looked at Valuseeds and their PEs are all yellow. This year I ordered from Parks, T&M and Burpee. Each company did not carry all the seeds I wanted, so I had to place orders with each one.
the lady says-"Each company did not carry all the seeds I wanted, so I had to place orders with each one. "
thats her story and she's sticking to it!!!!
I am losing hope on my black EEs- they are pretty dried up and the one I potted a week or more ago hasn't shown life yet. They are in the sun on the windowsill, while its sunny. C'mon, baby...And my caladiums bulbs are really small dry things. Is there hope, or did they not make enough new bulb to survive winter?
I hafta come here with my head hung in shame - no sowing yet for me - once I felt better I started taking on more work and have had NO time to do much of anything :( (good excuse, eh?) I WILL start sowing this weekend - and I WILL start cleaning up in the front/back - I have so much stuff peeking up right now and I need to get rid of the old debris from last year - DH is pretty good at helping - if he wants to help this weekend is another matter :-)
Right now I am settling in to work for the day - finished my cup of coffee, Thor is balancing on the desk - he is afraid of the cleaning ladies and the vacuum - so he feels safe with the mommy person I think - I am sure he'll help with the sowing as well - he loves to play in dirt :-) I can only imagine the havoc he'd play in the soil and seeds if allowed :-) His very favorite plants are the banana plants - I had to cover the top with gravel to stop him from digging in the soil :-)
Heres to wishing everyone a happy, sowing and growing weekend :-)
Bec (and Thor the wonder kitty)
Gita, I have been wondering if I should sow my MG and Moon Vine seeds I can't wait to start them but I have visions of them vined together in a huge tangled mass. Does anyone have any idea when would be a good time to start them.
Holly,
Well--as for the MG seeds--IF they would have dropped down on their own last Fall, they would be outside in the dirt and would come up all on their own--right? I am bracing for all the volunteers I will gave this Spring in the spot where I grew my Grandpa Otts MG. I know that 100's of seeds fell as I was "messing around" with the plant every time I collected seeds.
Maybe you could sow the MG's in a pot and put them outside--like Jill suggested I do with my Columbines.....
I did my Moon Vine seeds in the wet paper towels in a baggie for about 5 days or so. They swelled up a bit--as beans would when you soaked them. I planted 4 seeds. Two are up. These don't mess around! They just push a pile of soil mix up as they come out and them unfurl the first leaves that are about 1 1/2" big. I just hope that it will grow nicely under the lights and bide it's time until I can put it outside....
Holly--did you give me the "kindas black" MG? Those were the first seeds up and are now a gangly 3" tall. I seeded everything on 3/2.
Gonna go check on my fridge seeds today. They are in very small pots at this time. Will try and find a very warm, protected spot somewhere outside and put them all out like Jill said. Sure feels WEIRD putting anything out this time of year!
Gita
I started morning glories about this far ahead last year, but I wasn't good about keeping up with the pinching or the training (up a little trellis or trio of skewers), and I did end up with a huge tangled mass! It took a while to unwind them for planting...
Soaking MG seeds until they swell will help them germinate. I think I used 1/4 part hydrogen peroxide in the soak (3 % solution) and that plumped them up pretty quickly. Any stragglers got nicked, soaked a little more, and if they still didn't swell I just sowed them anyway (and they came up). I only fussed this much with my Japanese MG seeds since I had small numbers of those seeds.
I think Beth & Karen (Bluespiral) are hard at work on a resource sticky for the MG forum -- I hope it goes up soon!
Beckie, I'm glad you're feeling well enough to work again. Try not to overdo! :-) And take a break now and then... it only takes a few minutes to sow a pinch of seeds... :-) *HUGS*
Gita, are you going to cover your pots a la winter sowing method, or are you relying on your placement to provide a little extra protection? The columbine should work either way; with the other seed, it might depend on how tender the seedlings are. You'll probably get some, though, but maybe not as many? I'm not sure.
I don't know, Jill.....By cover--do you mean with a plastic dome of some kind? Or--just some leaves? I don't think leaves would be all that great--they would shut out light. Maybe I should buy a clear plastic tote--as some people use? See--I really hate fussing over things like this.......I look at all this (at this time) as an experiment.
Just went downstairs and looked----only one pot has all the seedlings sprouted--the "Godetta". That is the packet of seeds I showed you and asked you if you know what they are--and you said you have never seen them....
Many of the small pots' soil tops were a bit moldy, as I had them in plastic bags. Looked like two of the Cardinal Climber seeds were up too--but also looked moldy.
I will leave them all sit on my counter down there until I find out what I can do...
Could I just move all these little pots now upstairs to a warmer spot and see if they start sprouting--having had their little "winter"?
IF they do sprout up indoors, will it then be safe to put them outside in a few weeks-say?
AGGGHHHHHHHH!
Thanks, Gita
hey gita- "See--I really hate fussing over things like this...I look at all this (at this time) as an experiment." I would put them next to a wall or fence or railing, or bricks- that would keep 99 percent of the miscellaneous asteroids and wild pigs from squashing them.
Only if they sprout and we get heavy frost would I worry.
Thanks, Sally! Just read your article too. made me think I should send some seeds of garlic Chives to my sister in Alaska. Didn't know they were hardy to z3! She has quite a vegetable harden--all fenced in, of course, so the moose won't eat everything.....:o)
I DO have a pile of bricks I can stack against the house on the S. exposure ans put all these little pots there--They ARE little! Maybe 1 1/2" or 2" at the most! I just wanted to try and see if a few things would come through this way....
Gita
By "cover" I meant the winter sowing method of using closed, vented containers -- or putting pots inside such a container. Did I get those Ikea storage boxes when I visited you? DH drilled holes in the lids for me plus a few holes near the bottom for drainage... and I'm putting pots into them for winter sowing.
Gita- you could totally do a pregnant onion article..... or tell me al about them, give me pics and I'll split it with ya!
maybe the moose wouldn't eat the chives- I've never seen a single bite out of mine
Geeeeeesssss, Sally, I leave for work and the minute I'm gone you start talking about me....I couldn't help it if Parks ran out of Nicotiana Marshmellow and Burpee just happened to have some left.....and my finger just happened to slip on the mouse and a packet of Impatiens African Blondie ended up on my order slip, and I hit send before I realized it.
Bec, do take it easy and rest. That is why I only plant a few seeds at a time, when I have had enough I find my easy chair put my feet up, watch TV and pet my doggies (the four legged ones not my feet) lol
Sally! Now---WHY would you ever see a Moose eating your chives in Glen Burnie???????
Send me a D-MAIL ABOUT JUST HOW "INVOLVED" IT IS TO DO AN ARTICLE. (sorry about the capitals.....) or--call me!
I guess not too many people know about the "pregnant onion"......I also have the "Climbing Onion".....
Frankly, I am NOT up to doing a lot of additional research on anything.....Like--links to references-etc....How involved was it for you???
Here is where my self-confidence takes a "dive"! Otherwise--I am a bull in a china shop.....
Hate it! Gita
If you're writing from your own experience, or including information that's "common knowledge," you don't need to include a reference -- although it's always nice if you have a link where people can look "for more information on thus & such."
Loading the text and photos into the article editor software takes a little doing... it's not rocket science, and Dave wrote a pretty good tutorial on using the system, but it's not just a matter of emailing him a Word file.
Articles should be a minimum of 500 words and must include at least one photo (the "thumbnail" image at the top). Although Dave removed the upper limit of 1000 words, I still try to keep my articles under 1000 words because I figure they're meant to be read over a cup of coffee... and especially with info-dense how to articles, if I went on much longer than that I think people's eyes would start to glaze over, LOL. I generally start out with nearly twice that length and edit it down, which makes for a concise article with only the information and examples that I think are most necessary to include.
The first thing to do if you're interested in writing is to Dmail Dave and let him know. He'll give you access to the links you need (including the writer's forum), and then you can download and sign the contract (necessary before submitting your first article.
HTH!
You ladies (and gents :) are incredible. "Hanging my head in shame" also :( I've always been lazy starting any seeds - the endless packets of seeds stored here, there and everywhere are proof! However, with all the inspiration from reading your posts, I'm hoping I'll actually get some of the some seeds from the swap started this week.
Gitagal, I'm not sure how I missed getting the seeds for your yellow Datura at the swap, but if you have any left I would love to have some!
Finally had an opportunity to get out in the gardens yesterday - OMG what a wreck :( We had a friend do a lot of tree pruning back in December and decided since it was so darned cold, we'd just leave the mess until it was warmer to drag the brush away - mistake! On a more encouraging note, I cut a few stalks of black Bamboo yesterday for a structure I'm hoping to create in the gardens. "Stuck" them in the soil to get an idea of placement and dimensions - then the winds picked up :( At least they were vertical long enough for me to envision what the structure might look like! As soon as I get started on the project, I'll start a new thread with pictures :)
Jill,
Jill,
My eyes "glaze over" after about 30 seconds.....I have a short attention span...unfortunately. Part of my HDAD personality...
rcn,
I have plenty of Yellow Datura Seeds--wait till you have one blooming--you will have hundreds of seeds! Did you want the purple ones too? D-mail me if you need more information on these. I just wrote (one more time!) a long how-to for someone else. Be glad to c/p it for you. I will check to see if you are in the address exchange. Let me know about the purple ones....
Gita
Gita, you have mail! Forgot though, I'd love to have the "long how-to" :)
Today I sowed:
Zinnia Magellan mix (left overs from last year)
Swan River Daisy Mix (from a seed RR 2007)
Blue Hibiscus (seed RR 2007)
Sweet Pickles Peppers _ Thanks Jill
Sweet Pepper Gypsy _ Thanks Jill
Delphinium Centurion Rose
Foxgloves are starting to sprout
Salvia Artemis are growning 2nd leaves.
I have to start taking pictures soon.
Since I haven't sown the first seed, I will just have to wait on your pictures. ha-ha I do really want to begin some coleus inside pretty soon in order to plant outside in summer. I grew some beauties last year.
My crocus and other early bloomers outside are looking great though. I walked around the beds earlier today and had so much fun.
The elephant ear bulbs that I potted up recently look to be about six inches tall. They are doing really well.
Ruby
Got some of these into six packs Monday. Purple millet still had no joy, so I stirred it up a little and added some more seed and H2O. Lo and behold, sprouts the next day, ha ha.
a tiny sign on life in black elephant ear, whew. other caladiums still need fingers crossed. cannas sprout quickly, decided to give a headstart since they were sad clearance things last fall.
critter- new green on the adenium! and potted my peruvian daffs and they are responding immediately.
Cool! Maybe I need to give my adeniums a little shot of kelp or something to wake them up!
We now have 100% representation of what we planted seeds to get. The peppers showed this AM and were last to show.
Meanwhile in the cuttings department......even some things I never knew and still don't appear to be putting out roots.
Off on the side (not really counted) is a coffee can wherein I planted begonia seed. There is no movement there yet. I've been here before and consider it 150% luck if those seed germinate and make plantlets. I did this just because the seed was getting old.
2008 SEED, CUTTINGS AND MORE
Yahooo!
Good growing, Doc!
A dozen or more fruit showing. Just oodles of bloom. Think it is a Kumquat. Anyone know for sure....please speak up. I bought it unlabeled.
Fronting the display.....one peach colored Christmas Catcus and a bi-colored violet. All of the cuttings in the first pix came from the seed and plant swap hosted by Critterologist just a few weeks ago.
This message was edited Mar 19, 2008 1:36 PM
You go Doc and Sally! Just got back from lunch with 8 more packs of seeds including 2 more kinds of Nasturium (what's up with me and them this year?) 'Fraid I won't get to play until Sunday after I have my Easter Dinner for my family on Saturday. Critter, Rick just used the coupon you gave me for Honey Baked Ham. Thanks! Ham samwiches for dinner tonight!
Kumquat fruits are slightly oval in shape, I think. Might be a Calmondin Orange. They seem to be pretty common... fruit might be very sour, but should be edible.
I'm trying to remember... there's also some other plant that looks sort of like an orange but isn't, and I think the fruits might even be toxic. Anybody know the one I'm trying to pull out of the depths of memory? Doc's looks like a "real" citrus, though.
That's a very nice display Doc. I still haven't gotten around to planting anything other than the Pansies which are doing well. Right now I am making seat cushions for a friends new house and would be surprised if I get around to anything much before I get them finished. I like those stack-able pots you have there. I just just checking them out at a flower show the other week. Would have probably come home with a couple but I had already bought myself a badly needed new pair of hand clippers.
Ric did get around to fixing the water line upstairs for me so I won't have to carry water upstairs like I did last year. There is an old bathroom up there that isn't used anymore but the sink and shower are gone so there was no way for me to access the water lines.
doc,
I was going to say "Calamondin orange" too-------Jill beat me to it!
Anyone????? What should young seedlings be fertilizes with? So far, i have only used water.....Need to go buy my gallon of liquid sea weed ($$$$$), but it will last me at least 3 years. I always use kelp meal when I plant things too. That isn't cheap either. it used to be available in 40lb. bags, but now it is sold in 4lb bags (Espoma) for about $8! Oh well--anything for my "babies"....
I need to take a picture of my seed set-up as well and show you all. Seems it is working very well. I am pleased! The whole set-up cost me almost $100, but so be it! Next year, it will all be free.....
Sally--your seedlings look great! That reminds me--I need to pot up my cannas as well. Need to get them growing sooner....Maybe also my Dahlia tubers--but i don't like the Dahlia variety I had. Too tall and too leggy.
Bobbie--WHAT is the secret to growing Nasturtiums??? I have tried them several times and they all get that yellow-leaf stuff--all dried up and ugly. I know it must be a sucking insect of some kind, but what to do---what to do?
My Moon Vine's seedlings are growing gung-Ho! Wooohooo!!!!! I hope they keep it up!
Getting in the Spring mood just talking about all this.....
Gita