Garden of Will & Charlie

My seedlings are finally starting to grow their true leaves - the third and fourth leaves that indicate an ability to photosynthesize.  Flora childhood is so fleeting!  I'm planning to move them to a sunnier location this weekend.

For those of you running a bit behind, it is almost - but not quite - too late to start your seeds indoors.  So get a move on!  Check out these inspirational photos of my good friends, Will and Charlie:

Will, left, age 5, and Charlie, age 3, prepare the "greenhouse" by watering the pods.

Will, whose attention span is significantly longer, adds the seeds.  Can you believe he's never done this before?!  He's already planting like a pro - And so can you!

Planting is done!  Will is extremely confident, while Charlie's expression conveys a cautious optimism that will be familiar to my fellow gardeners...

Great job, boys!  Keep us posted! 

Starting Seeds Indoors

I know that the idea of starting seedlings indoors is intimidating to some people and too much trouble for others.  If that's the way you feel, then you can just stop reading this blog right now.

No no!  Just kidding!  You should keep reading and see how easy it is!

You need three things: 

  

(1)  Dirt.  These pellets are the easiest option - No mess whatsoever.  I bought a box of 36 for $1.99, although I know I bought them in a bag on sale for much less last year.  You don't need any fancy container - That styrofoam thingy that your eggs came in is perfect.

 
(2)  Seeds.  You can buy a packet in person or online in about a gazillion places.  Or you could buy an organic vegetable, remove the seeds, dry them on your counter for a couple of days, voila. 

(3)  Water.

Ain't she a cutie?  I'm using these seed starter boxes that I think will run you about $6.  (Buy them on sale at the end of the season if you can.)  They're great if you're planting 20 or more seeds, and come in a variety of sizes.

Get your pods (or dirt) nice and wet before you add the seeds.  I put two seeds in each pod, usually by making a small indent with a toothpick or pencil, dropping the seeds in, and then using the toothpick to cover the seeds with a small bit of moist soil.   If you're especially forgetful, working with a preschooler, or both, I recommend covering the pods with paper or rags so that only the row you're planting is visible.

Once you've got them all planted in damp soil, cover them with plastic.  If you're not using a container with a lid, simply tent some plastic wrap over them to hold in the warmth and moisture.

You want to place them in INDIRECT sunlight, meaning a bright room, but not in a place where the light will actually be on them (or they'll burn up under the plastic.)  I put mine in a north facing window, which is light all day but never bright.

And if you're planting more than one crop, DON'T FORGET TO LABEL!

Now standing next to your seeds, spread your feet so they're shoulder width apart.  Bend slightly at the knees and at the waist, so that you're leaning over them at a 72 degree angle.  Wait.  As soon as you see a few little sprouts pop up, come and check back with me.