This weekend I planted 250+ seeds in seed trays, pots, and even “up-cycled” plastic lettuce containers from the store.
It took me – according to my husband – over three hours. I had no idea! I was working in the basement at his workbench and the time just flew by! I think I achieved a sort of Zen.
So, what did I plant? Some typical plants and some experiments. In a nutshell:
- Basil – 4 (planted all four in a window pot I plan to keep indoors)
- Black Turtle Bean – 4 (will also direct sow in May when the garden area is ready).
- Light Red Kidney Bean – 6 (will also direct sow in May)
- Hank’s Xtra Special Baking Bean – 4 (will also direct sow in May)
- Fuerer Kegel Beet – 10 (will also direct sow in May) – I thought I was planting the Ruby Queen Beets… I made an error and realized after I planted. Oh well!
- Di Ciccio Broccoli – 6
- Brussels Sprouts – 6
- Tall Utah Celery – 20 (actually more than 20… those seeds are tiny and I know several ended up in the tray cells)
- Top Hat Sweet Corn – 24 (will also direct sow in May)
- Double Yield Cucumber – 12
- Dill – 4
- American Flag Leek – 25 (will also direct sow in May)
- French Green Lentils – 4
- Sparky French Mix Marigold – 13-26 inside (will also direct sow in May)
- Clear Dawn Onion – 40 (will also direct sow in May)
- Bridge to Paris Pepper – 10
- Joe’s Long Cayenne Pepper – 10
- Sweet Pimento Pepper – 10
- Spinach – at least 6, maybe 9?
- New Yorker Tomato – 6
- Firminio’s Plum Tomato – 20
- Black Beauty Zucchini – 4
Garbanzo Beans – 3 seeds planted in one pot. This is an experiment since this plant prefers a very different environment than NYS. 🙂 My plan is to grow this plant in a pot outside in the direct sun. I’ll need to keep the soil well-drained, so planting in the ground here is out. I’m not sure a raised bed would do the trick. And I LOVE chick peas. LOVE them.
Scarlet Nantes Carrots – I haven’t planted them yet, but I am thinking of trying this: Indoor Carrot Growing
New Seed Trays
Also new this year: I’m trying out these hexagon shaped seed planting cells. The company that makes them claims that they are better for roots when you are transplanting them. I’ll let you know if I see a marked difference.
But Wait, There’s More!
This is not the full plan for the garden this year. We do anticipate starting some more seedlings (squash, for example) for transplanting. Also, there might be others that we direct sow.
Tonight I ordered three pounds of organic seed potatoes from Wood Prairie Farm. They will be shipped to me in May:
- Organic Certified Dark Red Norland Seed Potatoes – 1 Lb.
- Organic Certified King Harry Seed Potatoes – 1 Lb.
- Organic Certified Yukon Gold Seed Potatoes – 1 Lb.
Also, I have seeds that I want to use for my Medicinal Herb Garden (seeds from Strictly Medicinals) outside:
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita)
- Clover, Red (Trifolium pratense)
- Echinacea purpurea
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
- Sage, White (I’ve so missed having a Sage plant!)
- Tulsi, Temperate – Holy Basil (Ocimum africanum) (might do in a container)
- Valerian, Official (Valeriana officinalis)
Is it crazy, too ambitious to try to do “all this”?
I don’t know. But it’s a labor of love. Right now, it’s costly, but if we create a big enough garden, compost enough to not have to buy, save our own seeds… Perhaps it won’t cost as much when we retire. We shall see.
Thanks for stopping by!
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