posted
The other string is getting pretty big so I thought we had better start another. I guess My plan for today is to see what 6 week seeds I have that I want to start indoors. I notice recently that I have more seeds that aren't on my germination table so they need to be researched. I sure am doing a lot of studying for being out of school lol.
I hope you all enjoy your day and that your gardens are everything you want them to be.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.51.215
posted
Well I went and ordered all my seeds...ordered way more than I had initially planned. I found Thai basil!! Yay!! I love Thai food and many recipes call for Thai basil. I ordered that amongst many many other seeds. I just cant wait Tammy!! Good luck with yours!
posted
Tammy, if you love fresh veggies and fresh herbs, I'm sure you'd love Thai food!! It's very pure, very healthy...though I spice it up so heavily with chili peppers that most wouldn't eat off my plate...but to each his own.
posted
Thai is a little "lighter" than our version of Chinese food - some is quite delicious but I haven't been able to eat it since developing nut allergies because they use a lot of peanut.
posted
Chinese and Thai are similiar in their ways of using a wide variety of vegetables but the flavours are completely different. When I cook Thai, I never have to open a jar or a shaker..it's all fresh. Examples of common Thai ingredients are lemon grass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilis, lime juice, cilantro, cooconut milk, thai basil, mint and as Bev mentioned..peanuts. I love how you can interchange each vegetable and meat with most recipes. I don't eat meat but when I decide I'm going to treat myself, I'll pick up shrimp or salmon...other than that..it's all veggies! I think Obywan (Terry) has a kaffir lime tree...perhaps he can some seeds for us??
I didn't have any fruits last year, but my kaffir lime tree bloomed over Christmas and now I think I can see the baby limes coming!!! So, maybe later this year, I'll get some mature limes. (and seeds)
* * * * Terry
May the force be with you Plants: 1370 | From: Copper Hill, Virginia | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 207.69.138.136
posted
Do you have any thai recipies that you could put down in the recipe section. I think I would like to try some. It sounds wonderful and I like peanuts. I don't know how I would get the other ingredients but who knows lol. Maybe I'll get lucky.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.75.79
posted
I see this one too Tammy. Good idea. Will be keeping an eye on both.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Well today as I watered all of my seed trays I noticed that I had one of the wild garlic bulblets up and 5 chinese lanters. They are very tall and slender and I hope they don't circum to damp off. I acidently drowned a bunch of my petunias. I'm finding it very hard to keep things watered without lossing some of the seedlings. I really wonder if the starter seed mixtures are a good idea. They dry out so quickly. I know they are light but really very few of my seeds call for a "light" potting soi. I think next year I'm going to use a regular potting soil with an extra dollop of water-keep. Fighting the watering thing is a pain.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.72.216
posted
Tammy, the first year I started my own seeds, I used all the "proper" trays, starting soil, etc. That was the first and last time. I always use regular potting soil and there's been times when I didn't have any trays or egg cartons and just started them directly into syrofoam cups..they sprouted just as quick as when I did it all the "right" way. I always buy eggs in the styrofoam cartons, I don't like the paper ones, they dry out too quickly for me. BTW..I transplanted all my herbs into larger pots...and switched to dryer soil...they are taking off!!!
posted
When I start my seeds *even in the greenhouse* I use those trays I get from the vegetable sections in the grocery stores **I do NOT use the one's from meat, it's just me, and raw meat juice* but I love the veggie one's... and I put those under the six pack containers that I use... They don't have a huge area to have extra water, but seems just enough to keep it moist.. (*also, I do buy smoked pork chops and they come in a big non~melting plastic container, and I will throw those into the dishwasher and sanitise them real good before I use those*)
****And Tammy.... YOU GOT YOUR CHINESE LANTERN SEEDS TO SPROUT?????????????????? I am very glad to hear that.. You had some trouble with them before didn't you? That's good news!!!!!!
Andddddd where do you keep you seeds? Just outta curiousity? Inside your home?
******Christina,
quote: BTW..I transplanted all my herbs into larger pots...and switched to dryer soil...they are taking off!!!
Congrats..... I am very glad to here that...
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
I think I may have a problem. All of my hibiscus are doing great! Those that have sprouted, that is. The problem is that they are now almost as tall as the seed tray dome they are in. What the heck am I supposed to do with them if they get bigger than the tray. They still only have 1 set of leaves and I was really hoping to keep them where they are for a couple more weeks?
Any ideas?
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
put the dome up on sticks and use plastic wrap to tent the sides? I really don't know that's just the kind of jury rig I have going all over my house because the cartons dry out so fast overwise. I'll have to come up with a better plan next year.
I think I'll build little popsicle stick frames for all the trays next time lol. Then the trick will be finding a place to store them when the christmas decorations come up and I need space!!! lol. I say that so often.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.195.138
posted
Some one suggested this, somewhere's.. but they have those disposible cake pans in the baking section, they come with a lid.. Might try one or two *they come in a 2 pack here* and see if when you put your trays in those and snap the lid close, it might work?? Dunno??
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
As long as they are taller, it would work, I guess. It does not need to be big, as long as I can fit a 6 pack into it. This tray will come apart into individual 6-packs which is great if one thing takes off a lot faster than the others as is the case with what has sprouted verses what has yet to sprout.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
The nosey neighbor brought me some of those crocuses that you grow in little vases and water indoors. I don't know how well it will work but I did plant them the other day and they do seem to be getting started with stems so who knows. I hope they do grow because there is a white one and one that is a white and purple mix. And that's two kinds that I don't already have.
I'm running out of the starter potting soil because I've added soil to several of my regular plants that had lost quite a bit of soil.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.153.60
posted
Tammy, I'll post an easy Thai style recipe as soon as I get a chance. I'm having a dinner party Tuesday night, so it will probably be after that. I made a new dish out of my Southeast Asian cookbook last week that was real easy. The actual cooking took less time than the preparation.
* * * * Terry
May the force be with you Plants: 1370 | From: Copper Hill, Virginia | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 207.69.137.37
quote:Originally posted by weezie13: Some one suggested this, somewhere's.. but they have those disposible cake pans in the baking section, they come with a lid..
The dollar store also has these and are cheaper and they have pretty deep ones with lids, they do work well.
posted
Thanks Obywan I look forward to seeing it. With all the egg cartons I saved this year I'd feel awful about buying something for seedlings now lol. But maybe next year I'll do that instead.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.248.223.75
loz
guest
posted
I bought a great big seed starting thing at the Dollar General for 3.50
It has room for 74 seeds, and came with the plastic greenhouse lid to keep them warm. It's nicer than the one I bought at Walmart actually.
Most years I end up buying new ones because the previous years ones I end up tearing by accident.
Seeded: 68.236.255.149
posted
I HAVE to hit the dollar store. My hibiscus are all touching the top of the dome now and need to come out of there, but I need another dome for them to live in for a while more.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Triss I always thought that once they sprout, you take them out of the dome and put them under light?
If I'm wrong, I just use saran wrap and toothpicks...anything to hold it up really. I don't buy the trays anymore..I find it unnecessary, I always use egg cartons and saran wrap...works the same..as long as it's holding in the warmth and the moisture, that's all you need to worry about.
posted
I just thought they could use more time under the dome. Maybe I could just do lights then and I would be ok. I will try one set just out and still up on the fridge for the warmt and see what happens. thansk for that Christina.
Yes Carly I am growing 72 pots of hibiscus from seed. So far I am at 50% germination. I am thrilled!
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Christina...once most of the seeds I am trying sprout, have sprouted...I remove the cover what ever it might be and place under lights, then when they get their first/second set of "true" leaves then I transplant each little seedling to its own little pot...and then back under the lights. Now I suppose that of course it might depend upon the seedlings being grown. And of course everyone has their own way of growing seedlings, so what I do is not necessarily the way someone else does it. So just use everyone's way of doing things to develop your our way or as a guide line...Does that make sense?????
posted
Comfrey..I do exactly what you do. Doesn't matter whether it's a vegetable or flower, I treat them the same..as soon as I see a little green sprout, I get them under the light..and I mean right under!! Maybe leave a 2 inch gap between the sprout and the light and within' a couple hours, they poke right up and start growing.
posted
Once a seedling has green it needs the light, covered or not, Here is a quote from The Seed Starters Handbook about this: "A Seedling that must wave around in search of light grows weak & spindly" So placing it under the lights soon as you have seedlings emerging is important to have a healthy happy plant. And 2 inches is the correct amount of space in my opinion also in most cases if you have the space you can place your germination container under the light before seeds sprout, the light not only gives off a small amount of heat, but also speeds in germination in "most causes" There are a few things that don't like light during germination, onion and chive seeds do not germinate properly when under lights.
Gotta ask, how do you like that book?? I have had my eye on that book for years now.. no extra $$ to grab books...
Does it have good pictures of seeds and sprouts?? That's what I'm interested in, for what the seeds look like *it's hard for beginners to know what a seed looks like* and for what the sprouts look like, the first leaves thru the dirt and then the first "true~leaves"....
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Well I Have had this book for many many years and it was what I used as a guide when I first began seed starting. As far as pictures it has a few but in the copy I have they are all black and white...My copy is 1977, so if a newer printing has been produced it may have more and or better pictures in it. It does have sections on alot of indiviual veggies, but nothing about flowers really if gives reference to some, So it mainly covers veggies. But for a beginner it is a very good book to learn from about seed starting. It also gives you more then one way to do things and ALOT of suggestions on materials, potting mixes and stuff like that. I does show a few seeds thru sprout stage, but only as examples.
posted
I have that book. No, Weezie, they don't generally have pictures of the seeds and sprouts. Most the pictures or drawings are of the older plants, or flowers or fruits. Also, not all the varieties of vegetables are pictured. Still, it's an excellent reference.
* * * * Terry
May the force be with you Plants: 1370 | From: Copper Hill, Virginia | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 207.69.139.10
i went to water my seed trays this moring and i have "sprouts" i now have tomatoes and petunias that have sprouts, they look soooo little but healthy so far so good with the , they have left the trays alone, i am hoping this trend continues, i think the window sill is to shallow for thier butts anyway good luck everyone with your plants Penny
Plants: 30858 | From: Ontario | Registered: Sep 2005
| Seeded: 64.229.27.189
posted
That is great Penny! I have found with cats, I have three indoors, that "I can use the window sill" if I leave one end empty or the middle empty with enough room for the cat to get up there and look out. They aren't interested in the plants as long as they are able to look out.
posted
me too, i try to leave a window for them to look out of, but this window in the laundry room has a shallow sill, so hopefully that one wont be their choice to look out of. it is exciting to see those darn sprouts and hopefully tomorrow the ground hog delivers good news!!!! penny
Plants: 30858 | From: Ontario | Registered: Sep 2005
| Seeded: 64.229.27.189
posted
Well I have mine under the lights now. Just a few inches away from them. Starting to see some true leaves start to emerge. I am excited!
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
loz
guest
posted
I have seeds popping up.....just some of my cosmos but it's always exciting to see the first ones emerge!
Seeded: 70.106.53.208
posted
Very exciting Loz. I don't think I am going to start my cosmos inside. They did so well just ebing tossed in the garden last year, that I will do the same this year. I am going to start zinnias next though, flower wise.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
loz
guest
posted
Yeh, usually I start a ton of cosmos outside too in the long planters...I just couldn't wait...plus I have that mini greenhouse thing for outside....I'll put it up outside in March......
I just love seeing the little plant poking it's way up through the dirt!
Seeded: 70.106.53.208
posted
Congrats on the cosmos Loz!! I always start mine indoors too...they always bloom good and early that way...I'm hasty. All I had pop up today was my dill...but like you said..I just love seeing the little sprout poking through.
posted
WhoaHoo you all are getting me excited just reading your posts about things sprouting and seed starting in general...I am still going to wait until my scheduled dates I have set for myself, its kind of like a test to see if I can time everything just right for planting outdoors without them getting way too big indoors and spending more time tending them then is really necessary. Sounds as if everyone is doing great!!!!!
posted
Well the wild garlic that started as bulblets went outside today. It out grew the pot I had it in, in no time lol. So of course today I started the wild garlic from seed, 36 of them to be exact. That way I have some this year and some next year so on and so on. Which is just the perfect plan to me lol.
I also transplanted the malva zebrina in pots because they were outgrowing the egg cartons. I guess I'll have to do the same with the pink variation next week lol. I have a bunch of volunteers popping up here and there that I can't identify as a seedling. But I have to say that the lowe's seed starting medium certainly was not sterile (shame of Lowe's).
I am officially out of window space as of today. The full spectrum light had to be brought into play today to handle the last tray of seedlings. But that's good. The malva when they get just alittle bit bigger can take an early stand outside. I've heard they are very hardy so we'll see how that goes.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.123.4
posted
Sounds like Spring at your house Tammy!! WTG!!
I'm with Comfrey for waiting longer...it's a bit early here yet to start too many things. Herbs seem to be fine in the house. I have all the necessary lightening to keep them good and strong in doors but my veggies won't be started until mid March. I wonder if I'll be able to make it that long???
quote: The malva when they get just alittle bit bigger can take an early stand outside. I've heard they are very hardy so we'll see how that goes.
I would say that about the plants that were started by seeds/mother nature outdoors...then left to stand into fall...
I can't atest that to the new seedlings started indoors..*I never did it that way, so let us know how they do..*
Tammy, if you have any more of those Malva seeds, do an experiment... go throw them outside, somewhere's and give them a go there.. and see which way is easier for you... mine sprout on their own in say May *but the seed over winters outdoors until spring* and are on their own all summer..
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
well i started more seeds last night, i got a bunch from Francine and cant wait to see when they sprout, you should have your's anyday Triss and i hope they are what you want. i have some more Tomatoe sprouts and lobelia coming up, its so exciting to see it when they start sprouting, i too have run out of space, so no more buying seeds, but i have left a few blank spots on my trays just in case Penny
Plants: 30858 | From: Ontario | Registered: Sep 2005
| Seeded: 64.229.27.189
quote:Originally posted by ChristinaC: I wonder if I'll be able to make it that long???
I have been wondering the samething Christina...LOL
quote:Originally posted by penny in ontario: i too have run out of space, so no more buying seeds, but i have left a few blank spots on my trays just in case
We never have enough space and we always seem to find just another little spot for that something special!!!!
posted
Woohoo I have crocuses and daffodils comming up big time now. Even two tulips that I was quite sure were dead are comming up. This is going to be such a cool year I can hardly wait. I ended up getting 5 impatiens seedlings and a number of larkspur also. The celosia haven't even attempted to come up yet and neither have the coral bells but I'm still hoping and watering. Who knows I might get lucky and they will come up later.
The avocado that grew roots back over a month ago I think has finally several months after planting decided to put up a stem. I had all but given up hope but it's there. And I am very happy with that. I love avocados and although it isn't likely I'll be here to enjoy them someone will.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.201.191
loz
guest
posted
That's great Tammy! That's what makes it feel the most like spring to me, all the bulbs pushing their way up!
My crocuses are sprouting up in full force, but no daffs yet. I planted a ton of bulbs last fall so I'm excited to see them all!
I'm glad your avocado is turning out so well for you!
Seeded: 70.16.173.74
posted
Great deal on all the new plants. Mine all survived me being gone for 2 days. I will be planting more this week after I move the rest of the hibiscus into the bathroom.
* * * * We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Plants: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
| Seeded: 66.235.45.83
posted
Today was transplant day. The Malva both varieties the larkspur and the impatiens all got new pots lol. Now I have a little tiny bit of space to plant something else. I just can't decide what that should be. But I'll go through the list and decide on something.
Ok, I decided on the zinnia. I planted 36 seeds of mixed colors and sizes. That will make a nice little back drop for the other flowers as they come up. And I know from last year that they can manage in the clay I have in that area of the garden.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.72.122
Garden Closed
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, they have left the trays alone, i am hoping this trend continues, i think the window sill is to shallow for thier butts anyway ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Penny
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I wonder if I'll be able to make it that long??? 
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