Sitting on the couch this afternoon, watching the snow fall, attempting to get warm enough under my heated blanket to get up and do some work, I received a Facebook message from my sister. It was a picture of her dirty hands and the pot that she had planted with parsley seeds, all the way from Iowa. That picture was all the motivation I needed to go downstairs and start on my own seeds. The first of March this year means the first of the seeds. It was predominately herb day in the house, as I was able to get Genovese Basil, Lime Basil, Wild Zaatar Oregano, Oregano Vulgare, Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, and Ground Cherries into trays and on top of warming mats. The plan for them, over the next few days, is to allow the growing medium to remain warm and damp and dark until the seeds begin to sprout. Then, on come the lights and we start growing them in earnest. Vegetables next up on the agenda (Tuesday or Wednesday evening, whenever my sister Alycia comes home for spring break) are the early spring veggies, such as Calabrese Broccoli, Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts, and various cabbages.
Finally, finally, my fingers are dirty. I use a seed starting medium called Eco-coir (purchased at http://www.gardenersupply.com). It's ground up, leftover coconut shells. We use a starting medium as opposed to actual soil because these tiny seeds need a soft place to start that allows for a lot of air circulation and ability for the roots to develop freely. You might think that ground up coconut shells is an odd choice for seed starting, as many times, people use mixes containing peat moss. While an excellent medium for starting seeds, it is an unsustainable choice where the planet is concerned (great article here: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/questioning-peat-moss). We have settled on the Eco-coir after a few years of trial and error and are really loving it. So back to the planting. The thing to keep in mind when using a starting medium is that they don't often have much in terms of nutrients to offer the plants. Because of this, I'll only be using the Eco-coir and small starting pods just until the plants are large enough to transfer to a cup that has rich potting soil in it. Starting plants indoors requires several steps before the plants are ready to go outside, but is so very worth it when you can start the interesting and tasty seeds that work best for you. The time commitment can be more than some are ready for, but the are some real cost savings to be had. Besides which, in the dead of winter, there is something so soul-satisfying about watching tiny life poke through a fluffy bed starter. Gives you hope that the cold will recede, the snow will melt, and once again, you'll get to put your face to the sun and breathe in the sweet smells of summer. I just can't wait.
Allison
Finally, finally, my fingers are dirty. I use a seed starting medium called Eco-coir (purchased at http://www.gardenersupply.com). It's ground up, leftover coconut shells. We use a starting medium as opposed to actual soil because these tiny seeds need a soft place to start that allows for a lot of air circulation and ability for the roots to develop freely. You might think that ground up coconut shells is an odd choice for seed starting, as many times, people use mixes containing peat moss. While an excellent medium for starting seeds, it is an unsustainable choice where the planet is concerned (great article here: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/questioning-peat-moss). We have settled on the Eco-coir after a few years of trial and error and are really loving it. So back to the planting. The thing to keep in mind when using a starting medium is that they don't often have much in terms of nutrients to offer the plants. Because of this, I'll only be using the Eco-coir and small starting pods just until the plants are large enough to transfer to a cup that has rich potting soil in it. Starting plants indoors requires several steps before the plants are ready to go outside, but is so very worth it when you can start the interesting and tasty seeds that work best for you. The time commitment can be more than some are ready for, but the are some real cost savings to be had. Besides which, in the dead of winter, there is something so soul-satisfying about watching tiny life poke through a fluffy bed starter. Gives you hope that the cold will recede, the snow will melt, and once again, you'll get to put your face to the sun and breathe in the sweet smells of summer. I just can't wait.
Allison