Flowers - Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

"What a desolate place would be a world without a flower!  It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.  Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and are not our starts the flowers of the heaven."
-  A.J. Balfour 

I planted more annual and perennial flowers today, all requiring 10 weeks of growth before the spring plant out date of mid May.  I am hoping for a dozen seedlings from each 3" pot. This year I am trying to not overseed each container; I must be more trusting that the seeds are viable.

The seeds sown today were as follows:

Baby's Breath (Covent Garden, Gypsophilia elegans): American Seed, 2015. Planted two 3" pots. Expected germination time, N/A. Characteristics: annual, needs darkness to germinate according to packet, but internet says light is needed, dainty, small, misty white flowers, blooms in summer, 18" tall, use as filler in floral bouquets, can be invasive, pick off seed heads, cut and come again, good for successive plantings.
See: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62/#b

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta): Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted two 3" pots. Expected germination time, 10-15 days. Characteristics: perennial, needs light to germinate, bright yellow blooms, good in mass plantings, cut flower.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/germinate-blackeyed-susan-seeds-43284.html

Chamomile (German, Matricaria recutita): Burpee, 2015. Planted one 3" pot.  Expected germination time, N/A. Days to maturity, 56. Characteristics: annual, needs darkness to germinate,-like flowers, used for tea, full sun, 24" tall, aromatic daisy, self-seeds, invasive habit (container planting best), used in tea, potpourri, continually blooming until first frost, member of the Asteraceae family,
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-german-chamomile-bloom-seed-81857.html

Coreopsis (Early Sunrise, Grandiflora): Seed swap, 2009. Planted two 3" pots.  Expected germination time, N/A.  Characteristics: perennial, needs light to germinate (sprinkled more on top of soil after recognizing my mistake of planting 1/4" deep), also known as Double Butter Daisy and Tickseed, 20" tall, full sun/partial shade, golden, semi-double yellow flowers, prolific, blooms early summer to mid fall, easy to grow, All-American Selections Award winner in 1989.
See: http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/COES.html

Coreopsis (Full Moon): Seed swap, 2009. Planted two 3" pots.  Expected germination time, N/A. Characteristics: perennial, needs light to germinate (sprinkled more on top of soil after recognizing my mistake of planting 1/4" deep), 18"-24" tall, showy hybrid, large, canary yellow flowers, 3" flowers, long blooming, blooms early summer into early fall, easy to grow, cut flowers.
See: http://www.waltersgardens.com/plants/view/?plant=1627

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea, Variety, N/A): Seed swap, 2009. Planted two 3" pots.  Expected germination time, N/A.  Characteristics: biennial, needs light to germinate (sprinkled more on top of soil after recognizing my mistake of planting 1/4" deep), bell-shaped flowers, blooms early to mid-summer, good in mass plantings, 2'-5' tall, easily self-seeds.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-foxglove-seeds-72729.html

Grecian Rose (Red Dragon, Geum chiloense): Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted two 3" pots.  Expected germination time, 10-14 days. Characteristics: perennial, needs darkness to germinate, frilly scarlet-red to orange blooms, flashy, blooms first year, deadhead regularly, 16-20" tall, sun/dappled sun, summer blooms.
See: http://myfolia.com/plants/3427-grecian-rose-geum-geum-chiloense/varieties/103328-red-dragon

Purple Coneflower (Echinacaea purpurea): Harvested, 2014. Planted three 3" pots.  Expected germination time, N/A. Seeds originally purchased from Burpee, 2013. Characteristics: perennial, needs darkness to germinate, member of Asteraceae family, butterfly magnet, easy to grow, flowers are large orange, gold spiky centers with strong rose pink petals, blooms in July and August, drought tolerant, good in mass plantings, full sun/partial shade, 2'-4' tall.
See: http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plantName/Echinacea-purpurea-

Snapdragons (Tetra Ruffled Supreme Mix, Antirrhinum majus): Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted two 3" pots with pelletized seeds. Expected germination time, 3-8 days. Characteristics: perennial, needs light to germinate, (sprinkled more on top of soil after recognizing my mistake of planting 1/4" deep), full sun, 24"-30" tall, blooms spring through fall, full spectrum of color, good for cutting gardens, containers or borders.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/germinate-giant-tetra-snapdragon-seeds-44684.html

Postscript #1 - One seedling has germinated in the Salvia Blue Bedder container (sown on February 25, 2 days)
Postscript #2 - A few of the vinca seeds in the twenty-five pot seed tray have germinated (sowed on February 17, 11 days).

Zone Data

Zone data is very useful, but certainly not foolproof. It provides a framework from which gardeners can base planting decisions. More importantly, however, we need to know our own gardens and their microclimates. 

My gardens are well protected by stockade fencing.  They benefit from heat radiated by nearby patios and enjoy mostly southern exposure. In addition, I protect tender plants with fleece blankets for light frosts and overwinter perennials with considerable mulch. I also utilize a hoophouse which adds four weeks of frost-free protection. I estimate that my first damaging frost comes later than most gardens in the area. But even with the best of planning and preemptive measures, it is easy to misjudge when to plant and harvest spring and fall crops. Even a seasoned gardener loses plants over winter that were supposedly hardy to their zone.

Some resources are as follows:

• A primary reference is the USDA Plant Hardiness Map found at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/. The map was updated in both 1990 and 2012 and reflects recent data sets.  A new feature allows you to easily determine zones by entering a zip code. The zonal boundaries in central Massachusetts shifted in 2012 from Zone 5b to 6a. The minimum temperature ranges for Zones 5 and 6 are:

                             Zone 5a      −20 °F to −15 °F
                             Zone 5b      −15 °F to −10 °F

                             Zone 6a      −10 °F to −5 °F

                             Zone 6b      −5 °F to −0 °F

           See:  http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/AboutWhatsNew.aspx

• According to the Old Farmer's Almanac (http://www.almanac.com/content/frost-chart-united-states/MA/Westborough) we similarly fall into Zone 6a. Using Medway, MA as our climate station, the chart shows a 50% probability of a last spring frost on May 10 and a 50% probability of a first fall frost on September 25. This range allows for a growing season of 138 frost-free days.  

• Recently found an excellent website, Weatherspark.com, that provides an immense data base for your area.  It may be found at https://weatherspark.com/. 

• The website http://veggieharvest.com/calendars/zone-6.html gives "whole zone" data for the various zones.  For instance, Zone 6 has frost free and first frost dates of May 15 and October 15, respectively.  I'm interpolating that each half zone equates to approximately two weeks. I usually follow this range and consider our growing season to have 145 frost-free days. 

• According to Sunset Climate Zone maps, http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zones-northeast we fall into Zone 38.  Here is a description of that zone: Zone 38 - New England Interior and Lowland Maine. Growing season, May to early October. Summers feature reliable rainfall and lack oppressive humidity of lower-elevation, more southerly areas.  Winter lows dip to -10 degrees to -20 degrees F, with periodic colder temperatures due to influxes of arctic air. 

• Another resource is a heat zone map found at http://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/gardening-maps/heat-zone-map.

Time to Do Some Thinning

The Sweet William container received a second thinning this morning; the seedling count is now down to thirty-five.  Again, the goal is to transplant twenty-five seedlings into the perennial bed.  You may not notice the difference between the "before" and "after" photos, but I did remove about twenty seedlings.

The BEFORE

The AFTER

I've also thinned rosemary seedlings.  It's easier to see the difference between these "before" and "after" shots. I want to add four more rosemary plants to the herb garden.  I might need six if last year's plants don't survive this winter.  Even if this is the case, I will still have plenty to share!

The BEFORE

The AFTER

To Miracle Grow or Not Miracle Grow

The Sweet William seedlings are now two weeks old, 1/2"-3/4" tall, and although they do not have their second set of true leaves, I decided to give them a very dilute feed of Miracle Grow fertilizer. (This is the second time I've used Miracle Grow this growing season; five days ago I fed the geraniums.) Even though I won't use Miracle Grow in the hoop house and other outdoor garden beds, I've conceded to its indoor use. My seed starting mix contains a very small nutrient component and it is the easiest way for me to feed the large number of seedlings I grow under lights.

Long-term use of synthetic fertilizers, such as Miracle Grow, in the garden is detrimental to the health of soil. The accumulation of ammonium phosphates over time destroys the organisms in the soil which are vital to a healthy garden. Instead, I fertilize with loads of compost and use other natural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In addition, I don't apply insecticides; rather I cover crops with fleece and netting, pick off insects by hand, and spray off insects with soap and water. In regards to herbicides, I hand pull weeds, smother weeds with thick layers of mulch and, on rare occasion, use a white vinegar solution.

We should "feed the soil, not the plants" and "work with nature."

Postscript #1 - Today the following seeds have germinated:

• Pansy, Swiss Giants (sowed February 16, ten days)
• Rossa di Milano onions (sowed February 19, seven days).
• Lobelia, Crystal Palace (sowed February 17, nine days)
• Delphinium (pulled out of refrigerator February 17, nine days)
• Verbena (7 more)
• White Hibiscus (1 more)

Planting More Flower Seeds

Coreopsis in the garden

Today I planted the following seeds: 

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted ~60 seeds in one 4"x8" container, 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time: N/A. Characteristics: perennial, full sun, plant in masses, up to 3' tall, yellow blossoms, blooms in first year, freely self-seeds. Some sources recommend pre-chilling seeds and needs light to germinate, both of which I did not do.  These factors in combination with the fact that I was using old seeds may not result in a good germination rate.  

See: http://www.almanac.com/plant/black-eyed-susans

Impatiens (Dwarf Pink Baby, Enana rosa palido): Ferry Morse, 2015.  Planted twenty-five 2" pots, 1 or 2 seeds per pots, 1/8" deep. Expected germination time: 15-18 days.  Days to maturity, 50-60.  Characteristics: annual, shade/partial shade, 12" height, pink blossoms, plant 12"-18" apart.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Impatiens-Dwarf-Pink-Baby-Seed-1059/100208725

Salvia (Blue Bedder, Salvia farinacea): Ferry-Morse, 2015.  Planted ~40 seeds in one 4"x8" container, pressed down seeds (need light to germinate). Expected germination time, 7-14 days: heirloom, annual (tender perennial in zones 8 and above), self-seeds, easy to grow, full sun/part sun, vibrant deep blue flowers, color may intensify in the fall, grey/green foliage, upright habit, suitable as cut flower, 30" tall, plant mid-garden, twice the size of ordinary blue salvia (Victoria), also known as mealycup sage, native to Texas and Mexico, fast growing, f12 week bloom duration, 9"-12" spacing, prune out spent flowers. Good in containers, in cut flower bed, plant in masses, use as filler in garden bed, attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
See: http://www.burpee.com/flowers/salvia-flowers/salvia-blue-bedder-prod000356.html

Salvia (Scarlet, Salvia coccinea): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted ~100 seeds in one 4"x8" container, pressed down seeds to barely cover (need light to germinate). Characteristics: annual, mint family, red spires 2'-3' tall.
See: http://home.howstuffworks.com/define-salvia-scarlet-sage.htm

Snapdragons (Tall Deluxe Mixed Colors, Antirrhinum majus?): Harvested, 2014; originally, the seeds were sent to me through an online seed swap, 2009.  Planted ~100 seeds in one 4"x8" container, barely covering seeds (need light to germinate). Characteristics: annual, large blossoms in shades of white, yellow, red and pink, space 10 inches apart, bloom between late spring and early summer. 

See: http://myfolia.com/plants/737-snapdragon-antirrhinum-majus

Trumpet Vine (Yellow, Datura??): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted 16 seeds in one 4"x8" container, 1/4"-1/2" deep. Characteristics: annual in Zone 6a, self-seeding, 3-4' tall, poisonous (be aware for children/pets).
See: http://parkseed.com/ballerina-yellow-angels-trumpet-seeds/p/00379-PK-P1/

Postscript #1 - One white hibiscus and two verbena have germinated.

Making the Morning Rounds

Without fail, I make daily rounds to check the seedlings. It's an important routine and, fortunate for me, I find it relaxing and fun.  It helps me determine if any containers need watering and if the seedlings need to be either moved under lights, thinned, or transplanted. It is also beneficial to check daily for insects and disease. Since a goal is to get seedlings off to a good start, this routine will pay dividends throughout the growing season.

Covering Your Bases

Seeds with a long germination time, like parsley, are best planted in small groups over three or four weeks. In this way, you don't wait three weeks only to find out the seeds are not viable or have a low germination rate.  I use lots of parsley in the kitchen and I don't want a meager crop. Therefore, I planted a second container today even though some seeds have germinated in the 4-packs sowed eleven days ago.

Triple Moss Curled Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): MIGardener, 2015. Planted one 4"x8" container.  See entry on February 13, 2015 for full description.

Postscript #1 - Eight seedlings of Triple Moss Curled Parsley (sowed on February 13, 11 days) have appeared.  A few seedlings of Copra Onions (sowed on February 19, 5 days) have also germinated.
Postscript #2 - Update on the lavender experiment.  One lavender seedling from the container placed in the refrigerator for two weeks has just germinated. It germinated in seven days after being taken out of the refrigerator. In comparison, the first lavenders from uncovered and covered, non-refrigerated containers took five and six days, respectively. More important than the "time" of germination is the "rate" of germination. The jury is still out!!
Postscript #3  - Two white hibiscus have germinated and were placed under growlights.

Plant Count - February 23, 2015

FLOWERS 

1. Delphiniums  15
2. Geraniums  19
3. Lavender  10
4. Pansies  12
5. Sweet William  ~50
6. Viola  9

HERBS

1. Rosemary  30
2. Oregano, Common  ~120
3. Oregano, Zaatar  ~35
4. Oregano, Greek  ~120

VEGETABLES

1. Leeks  29
2. Onions, Ailsa Craig  ~100
3. Onions, Copra  ~150
4. Onions, Red Amposta   ~65
5. Onions, Red Bull  ~65
6. Onions, Red Wethersfield  27
7. Onions, Ringmaster  ~62
8. Onions, Rossi Di Milano  5
9. Onions, Sweet Spanish Yellow  ~80
10. Onions, Tokyo Long Bunching  ~80
11. Onions, Tropeana Lunga  24
12. Onions, Walla Walla  ~57
13. Shallots  ~100

Organizing Trays

The containers showing signs of germination have been consolidated on the kitchen table: white onions and shallots in the rear; red onions, leeks and zaatar oregano in the middle; flowers in the left front; and herbs in the right front.

My kitchen table has become a "hobby" table for the next two months!

Postscript #1 - The second sowing of Red Amposta Onions, Rossi Di Milano Onions and Violas have germinated today.
Postscript #2 - In general, the Rossi Di Milano Onions are germinating at a much lower germination rate and a slower germination time compared to the other red onions.

The Onions are Thriving

Today the Red Wethersfield, Tropeana Lunga, Red Bull and Red Amposta onions have broken ground! The seeds were sown a mere seven days ago. They will be placed under growlights alongside the white onions.

And speaking of white onions, they are thriving under the growlights with one to three inches of new growth this past week. Wouldn't you like to be soaking in the heat and sun, too?

The onions will receive a haircut once they reach 6 inches tall.

Saturday's Play Time!

It's early Saturday morning and there is "no better way to start the day" than to play with seedlings! 

Today I need to give the geraniums some attention. The seedlings that did germinate are now at a good size to transplant, having two sets of true leaves. I plan to separate the two seedlings that occupy some cells and move them into open cells in the 4-packs as well as into three 3" pots. I probably should give the remaining non-germinated seeds extra time to germinate but, as is often the case, I am impatient and want to do the job now.

First time growing geraniums!

To transplant, I give the seedlings a good watering an hour or so beforehand to reduce the risk of shock. Using a small butter knife or craft stick, I gently dig below the seedling to prick it out, working carefully to not disturb the roots. It's important to hold the seedling by its leaves, never its delicate stem, for fear of crushing it or perhaps injuring the growing tip. Poking a hole with a pencil into the new growing medium, I plant the seedling at the same depth, gently firming the soil with my finger tips and watering well.

I use a very crumbly and multi-textured mix, Metromix 830, and it makes easy work of transplanting. I don't expect these small seedlings to skip a beat.

Nice and orderly now!

It was also time for the Sweet William container to be thinned. As you can see, the seedlings are very crowded and many should be removed.

Before the thinning

Drum roll, please! This is what the container looks like now.  I always feel badly when I thin my seedlings; it's like being forced to choose a favorite child.  Unfortunately, I don't need all those seedlings and they would compete for space and nutrients needed by the seedlings earmarked for the garden. 

After the thinning

In a few weeks time, I'll thin the container again and let the remaining seedlings grow on for a while until they get transplanted to their own pots. I would like to end up with twenty-five new plants to move into the perennial garden bed. 

TIP OF THE DAY!!  I use an old pair of cuticle scissors to thin out small, densely-packed seedlings. After making a clean cut at the base of the stem, I throw those seedlings into a compost pile. 

Postscript #1 - I'm now certain I placed the sweet potato upside down into the water.  More shoots are growing into the water and the roots are stunted. Count this as the first failure of the season.  I'm confident the four remaining sweet potatoes will provide all the sweet potato slips I need. 

One Third of an Acre

Our house rests on a third acre.  Aside from asphalt and buildings, the better part of that acreage is cultivated with gardens. Each year I find myself replacing grass with new beds and, consequently, I've reduced the time it takes to mow the lawn by more than half, to less than 45 minutes. That's not to say that I don't enjoy a well-manicured lawn. It's just that I now admire it on someone else's property, without regret.

Making the best use of a sloped back yard

My backyard garden, as my children would say, has evolved into a small farm. Last year I harvested over 1,600 lbs. In year's past I've offered my surplus to co-workers, neighbors, family and friends.  But with so much produce last year I was able to donate to a local food pantry and I'd like to double that amount this year. Another goal is to do a better job freezing, drying and canning for winter use.

Even though I know I should scale down this hobby, the temptation remains to experiment with new structures, try different varieties and improve techniques to battle the inevitable challenges. Each year I hope to begin downsizing but, without fail, my gardens continue to expand rather than contract.

Postscript #1 - I woke up to newly-germinated seeds: Ailsa Craig Onions,  Sweet Spanish Yellow Utah Onions, Shallots, Zaatar Oregano, Greek Oregano, Common Oregano, and Violas. 

Snow, Snow and More Snow

Will we ever see spring this year?

It may take until April to look like this again!

To start the day (after shoveling, of course), I prepped additional 4"x8" containers with drainage holes using a soldering iron.  It makes fast work of the project; a mask should be used as protection from the fumes.

The seeds I sowed today include:

Onions (Copra, Allium cepa): Planted one 4"x8" container using remainder of seed packet.  See entry on February 15, 2015 for full description.

Onions (Rossa di Milano, Allium cepa): Planted one 4"x8" container using remainder of seed packet. See entry on February 15, 2015 for full description.

Celery (Tall Utah 52/70 Improved, Apium graveolens var dulce): Botanical Interests, 2014.  Planted 3-6 seeds in ten 2" pots, pressing seeds into the soil and/or barely covering seed. Expected germination time, 10-30 days.  Characteristics: Tall, greener choice, can be harvested at any stage. low calorie, high fiber vegetable.  I may transplant some of the extra seedlings when there are three sets of leaves to produce extra plants.  In 2014 both leaves and chopped celery stalks were frozen as harvested.
See: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/view/0076/Celery-Tall-Utah-52-70-Improved-Seed

Sweet Potatoes:  I am now thinking there is a right and wrong end to a sweet potato for sprouting purposes.  I notices two sprouts growing in the submerged end in one of the sweet potatoes, the one without a robust rooting system.  I pinched off those shoots for now and will just observe future growth. I did decide, however, to start two "organic" sweet potatoes purchased last week.  I placed the pointed end of one of them into water and cut the second one in half and placed both cut surfaces into water.  We'll see what happens within a few weeks. 

Two-Week Checkup

Time for a two-week checkup!

I'm happy to report that many more geraniums, delphiniums, pansies, lavender, rosemary and Sweet William seedlings have emerged! Also four varieties of onions show signs of germination: Walla Walla, Copra, Ringmaster and Toyko Long White Bunching. These seedlings germinated early, in six days (maybe 5 since I didn't look closely yesterday), and now they join other containers on the kitchen table under growlights.

Nineteen geraniums - almost ready to separate the seedlings into their own cells.

Nine delphiniums slowing making their way into this world.

Eight pansies looking pretty!

Surprised myself by how many rosemary seedlings emerged - 27!

Sweet William seedlings need to be thinned soon, over 100 and counting!

Wet wipe containers come in handy!  Recycle and reuse, I say!

Time to Sow More Flowers

Lobelia seeds snug in their pots ready to go under growlights!

I hope to add a wider variety of flowers to my flower bed this year.  In my opinion, planting perennials have a slight advantage over annuals; once well-established, perennials come back year after year saving time, energy and expense.  But, at the same time, annuals can't be beat for having more flower production and a longer blooming period. Not to mention, too, that annuals quickly add color where you need it.  
Following are the seeds I sowed today:

Hibiscus (Disco Belle): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted 5-7 seeds in two 2" pots 1/4" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Characteristics: perennial, large, light pink flowers with burgundy eyes, 36" tall bush, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until first frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-disco-belle-hibiscus-seeds-33221.html

Hibiscus (White): Harvested, 2014; originally received from an online seed swap, 2009. Planted 5-7 seeds in five 2" pots 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 30 days. Characteristics: perennial, large, white, dinner-plate-sized flowers, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-perennial-hibiscus-seeds-39635.html

Lobelia (Crystal Palace, Palacio cristal, Lobelia erinus): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, covering seeds 1/4" deep as recommended on the packet.  In response to online research stating that lobelia seeds required light to germinate, I sprinkled additional seeds on top of the seeding mix. Expected germination time: 15-20 days. Days to bloom, 60-77. Characteristics: annual, 4"-6" tall, sun to partial shade, dainty, cobalt blue blooms, bronze-colored foliage, suitable for containers, spaced 6" in the garden, enjoys cool weather, blooms all summer if well watered. I intend to prepare a few hanging baskets this season and use the lobelia in window boxes. 
See: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-planting-lobelia-seeds.htm

Verbena (Florist, Mixed Colors): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted fifteen 2" pots 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 14-20 days.  Days to maturity, 55-80.  Characteristics:  annual, hybrid, sun to partial shade, 8-12" tall, space 12" apart in garden, multicolored, fragrant flowers, blooms up to 11 weeks.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ryhttp://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ry

Vinca (Colores Mixtos):  Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, burying seed 1/8" as recommended on the packet.  Online sources state vincas need total darkness to germinate. I am concerned the 1/8" may not provide adequate coverage.  I'll cover the containers with cardboard until I see signs of germination. Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Days to maturity, 84-98.  Characteristics: annual, full sun, 12-15" tall, spacing 10", mix of pink and white single blossoms that bloom until frost, an old-time favorite, excellent for beds and borders, highly tolerate of heat/drought, humidity/moisture. 
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-200-mg-Vinca-Mixed-Colors-Seed-1111/100166726

Postscript #1 - Today, after two weeks in the refrigerator, the delphinium and lavender containers were ready to join the seed trays on the shelving unit in front of the slider. I will watch their germination carefully to determine if pre-chilling the seeds aided in germination.  I'll keep you posted!

Wintersowing Flowers

Here's a photo of our 12x60 foot flower bed that runs parallel to the driveway.  All of the plants were grown from seed.  The perennials, in particular, were started in 2009 using a method called wintersowing.  I grew hundreds of seedlings that year and it was a great way to inexpensively get a large garden up and running.  It literally cost pennies to throw seeds into recycled containers prepped with drainage and venting holes, moistened potting soil and a hinged opening.  An online seed swap club provided me with free flower seeds as a wintersowing "newbie."  I had never grown flowers before and, needless to say, the learning curve was steep.  But over the past five years, I have rearranged the plants in the bed to better balance height and color, replaced the ones I didn't particularly like and added new plants in the bare spots. The photos below show the setup on our back deck in January and the results in April:

Bring on the snow and freezing weather!  It doesn't bother them a bit!

Mother nature at her best!

The last few years I've also enjoyed starting flower seeds indoors under growlights and then moving them into the hoophouse in the spring. The seedlings not needed in the perennial bed are planted in window boxes, large containers and in and amongst my vegetable garden.

Impatiens and lobelia enjoying the warmth of the hoophouse.

Today I organized my seeds and filled pots and trays with seed starting mix.  I did, however, sow one container with flower seeds:

Pansy (Swiss Giant Mix, Viola wittrocklana): Planted approximately 60 pelletized seeds in one 4"x8" container 1/4" deep. This is the second sowing. See February 3rd post for full description.

Postscript #1 - More than twenty-five Sweet William seedlings (Dianthus barbatus) have germinated in only five days.  I am particularly pleased for two reasons: first, I harvested these seeds myself from last year's flowers and also because the earliest expected germination time is usually 14 days.

I'm tickled these seeds were viable!  I hope to expand my Sweet William bed!