Sprouting Seeds
April 3rd, 2008It’s almost one of my favorite times of the year — gardening time. Yes, of course, I garden aquatically all year round, but seldom am I able to actually serve any of my aquatic plants to guests for dinner. Each year, our backyard garden has grown a little bit, stealing grass from our dog’s domain.
It’s kind of how many aquarists (myself included) start with one tank, and soon have so many fish and plants packed into one, that they decide to expand to 2 tanks, and before they know it, they’ve got aquariums spread throughout the house.
For our garden seeds this year, we came across a wonderful non-profit organization called the Seed Savers Exchange. Their mission is to promote the use of heirloom varieties of vegetables in gardens so that these plants are not lost to the myopic selection of seeds that agribusiness generally makes available in big box stores. I believe this fuels the gardener’s version of collectoritis as they offer purple carrots, yellow tomatoes, tons of potatoes, native american vegetables, and on and on.
A few days ago, we planted the seeds in a seed-starting dome, and today I noticed that a number of seeds have sprouted into little plants. The various squash varieties have been the most prolific, but our tomatoes and cucumbers are also on their way. Only the various varieties of peppers we planted have yet to break the surface, but that’s to be expected.
I’m a bit new to starting plants from seed as most of our windowsills are too small for flats, and our dogs and cats are too nosy for other areas. This flat is sitting next to one of my aquariums with a strip light over top. I hope it’s enough light. I can’t wait until it’ll be warm enough (about a month) to transplant these guys. Is anyone else suffering from garden fever?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:41 am
I planted 150ish seeds for about a dozen species of clematis in flats a week or so ago. I plan to train them to climb my hideous wire/chain-link fences. Hopefully by midsummer (more realistically next year) I’ll have an 8-10 foot wall of green & flowers.
I also started a small water garden in a big tub, inspired by the TFH article a month or so ago — but no fish yet.
BTW: I am a PVAS member and have been thinking about joining GWAPA as well. What is it like?
April 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
fishwoodloach, you clematis wall idea sounds fantastic! Last summer, we had a 6-8′ foot of tomatoe vines and fruit, but of course, that won’t overwinter.
Water gardening is a lot of fun too. I’ve been intrigued by some of the folks who grow lilies in large pots filled with water. I built a raised brick pond a couple summers ago, which is basically a 70-80 gallon version of the same thing.
You definitely ought to come to the April GWAPA meeting in Ashburn, Virginia. Hopefully that’s not too far from you. Basically, we gather in people’s houses, check out the host’s tanks, hear a presentation of some sort, and conclude with a plant auction. The people are friendly, and the meetings are a lot of fun. ‘Hope to see you there!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I bought my seeds from victoryseeds.com this year. We are growing old type watermelon, muskmelon and tomatoes this year. I started them last month in my Aerogarden, transplanted them outside last week in our little 3×3 raised bed. We also planted a hummingbird and butterfly garden with zone wildflowers from victory seeds.
And the first hummingbird arrived yesterday! He didn’t stay, but I’m excited anyway.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
That sounds like a nice little garden! I’ve always been so enamored with veggies, that I usually end up not having enough space for flower gardens, so I always enjoy seeing when other people have them. I love hummingbirds, and occasionally see them in the garden. I see hummingbird moths too sometimes. I’m jealous that your growing season has already began. We’re still 3-4 weeks away from the last frost date. 🙁
September 15th, 2012 at 12:59 am
Thanks for posting the pic of the Raddish flower. From this I was able to identify the plant I planted, that grew 6ft high, I thought must have been parsnip, but it’s raddish.