More Brassicas

I may have started the brassicas (broccoli and kale) too early. We still have at least one foot of snow covering the garden and raised beds and still have below freezing nights. In case they become root bound in their small six-packs while waiting for warmer weather, I plan to start another round of these seedlings. I am also going to start cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts today. UPDATE: I decided to sow more kale, but not add more broccoli to the inventory for now.

Brassicas 18 days old

The varieties that I planted in six-packs include:

• Cabbage - Red Acre (1), Golden Acre (2), Danish Ballhead (2), Savoy (1) 
• Cauliflower - Snowball X (2)
• Brussel Sprouts - Long Island Improved (2)
• Kale - Lacinato (1), Dwarf Blue Vates (1), Red Russian (1)
• Swiss Chard - Rainbow Blend (2), Forkhook (2)

Postscript #1 - The Eggplant Shooting Stars container shows signs of germination.  I am extremely happy; I was disappointed to think I wouldn't have the beautiful purple and white striped eggplant among the mix of this year's eggplant. 

What Should I Do Today

Today I decided it was best to care for the seedlings already started rather than to move forward with a new wave of seed sowing. So I did the following chores:

• Topped off two more hibiscus plants; the top leaves looked pale and flimsy. 
• Pinched off the long, spindly growth of many lobelia seedlings. 

• Threw away three pots of celery that hadn't yet germinated. Decided I had enough celery to transplant into the garden. 
• Officially declared the Alyssum Basket of Gold (sowed March 10) and Yellow Trumpet Vine (sowed February 25) seeds not viable. 
• Threw away a sweet potato tuber started on February 28. The leaves continue to develop white crystal-like particles. The organic ones which I cut in half and placed in glass bread pan are doing well and have started to develop good-sized sprouts. 
• Transplanted three impatiens flavours hybrid from 4"x8" container. There was very poor germination from that seed packet.

Postscript #1 - The seeds that have yet to germinate are Columbine Tequila Sunrise, petunias and Eggplant Shooting Stars. 

Damaged Hibiscus

Damaged hibiscus leaves

The top leaves of some hibiscus seedlings were becoming deformed and discolored.  It could be disease but my guess is that they grew too close to the growlights and became scalded or "sun burned."  The seedlings themselves were tall and leggy and this is a good excuse to pinch them back two or three nodes to encourage lower lateral branching.  It will be interesting to monitor their growth against the seedlings that were not pinched.

Hibiscus seedlings not pinched on the left, pinched ones on the right. 

Postscript #1 - Two Black Beauty eggplant have germinated (sowed March 16, 13 days) as well as one Lemon Balm (sowed March 16, 13 days).

Transplanting More Flower Seedlings

Grecian Rose

Coleus

Chamomile

Chinese Forget-Me-Nots

Flower seedlings yet to be transplanted: bottom to top, portulaca, alyssum royal carpet,
alyssum carpet of snow, potentilla, snapdragons mixed

Potting Mix

I have used up the three bags of Metromix potting mix purchased at Danielson Florist back in January. For the time being, I will combine two bags of old seed starting mix in the shed and mix it into one bag of Miracle Grow Moisture Control potting soil.  This mixture will be used to pot up flower seedlings over the next month or two. I definitely need to buy more seed starting mix for the big push starting on Monday.  I am ready to experiment with another brand, perhaps checking out the Garden Path garden supply store in Northborough.

Postscript #1 - An aswad eggplant has germinated (March 16, 11 days) as well as impatiens mixed (sowed March 17, 10 days).

The Eggplants Have Spoken!

Diamond Eggplants were the first to germinate!

Four out of seven different varieties of eggplant have germinated: Diamond, Long Purple, Syrian Stuffing and Ping Tung for a total of fourteen seedlings (sowed March 16, 10 days). They will be placed under growlights while the other eggplant containers will stay in the shaded germination station in the bay window.

Evergreen Bunching Onions are a new variety to me!

The Evergreen Bunching Onions have also germinated (sowed March 20, 6 days).

Postscript #1 - The onions, leeks and shallots received another trim.

Plant Count - March 25, 2015

FLOWERS 

1. Ageratum, Dondo Blue  18
2. Alyssum, Royal Carpet  ~100
3. Alyssum, Carpet of Snow ~100
4. Black-Eyed Susan  34
5. Chinese Forget-Me-Nots  20
6. Coleus  ~50
7. Delphiniums  18
8. Echinacaea  18
9. Geraniums  19
10. Grecian Rose  10
11. Gypsophilia  10
12. Hibiscus, White  8
13. Hollyhocks, Nigra  30
14. Impatiens, Dwarf Pink  30
15. Impatiens, Mixed Flavours  4
16. Lavender  14
17. Lobelia, Crystal Palace  42
18. Lupines  27
19. Pansies  41
20. Petunia, Mixed Colors 35
21. Petunia, Wave  9
22. Portulaca  ~50
23. Potentilla, Cinquefoil   ~50
24. Rock Soapwort  ~35
25. Salvia, Scarlet  8
26. Salvia, Blue Bedder  ~25
27. Snapdragons, Mixed  ~50
28. Snapdragons, Tetra Ruffled  ~25
29. Sweet William  31
30. Verbena  25
31. Vinca  41
32. Viola  18

HERBS

1. Chamomile  9
2. Lemongrass  12
3. Oregano, Common  ~40
4. Oregano, Greek  ~50
5. Oregano, Zaatar  ~20
6. Parsley, Triple Curled Moss  ~46
7. Rosemary  16
8. Thyme, Common  4

VEGETABLES

1. Artichokes 4 
2. Arugula 6
3. Asparagus  26
4. Broccoli, Calabrese  12
5. Broccoli, Waltham  12
6. Celery  10
7. Kale, Blue Vates Scotch Curled  6
8. Kale, Winterbor  5
9. Leeks  44
10. Lettuce, Buttercrunch  6
11. Lettuce, Baby Romaine  6
12. Lettuce, Red Romaine  6
13. Lettuce, Little Gem  6
14. Lettuce, Prizehead  6
15. Lettuce, Simpson Elite  6
16. Onions, Ailsa Craig  ~50
17. Onions, Copra  ~150
18. Onions, Red Amposta  ~90
19. Onions, Red Bull  ~40
20. Onoions, Red Wethersfield  ~45
21. Onions, Ringmaster  ~45
22. Onions, Rossi Di Milano  ~80
23. Onions, Sweet Spanish Yellow  ~50
24. Onions, Tokyo Long Bunching  ~50
25. Onions, Tropeana Lunga  ~60
26. Onions, Walla Walla  ~40
27. Peas, Super Sugar Snap  ~14
28. Potatoes, Gold  9
29. Potatoes, Red  9
30. Potatoes, Russett  8
31. Potatoes, White 15
32. Shallots  70
33. Spinach, America  12
34. Spinach, Bloomsdale Long Standing  6
35. Sweet Potato Slips  5
36. Tomatoes, Independence Day  5

PENDING

1. Columbine, Tequila Sunrise  
2. Impatiens Mixed
3. Impatiens Mixed (seed swap)
4. Petunias, N/A
5. Trumpet Vine
6. Lemon Balm  
7. Eggplant, Aswad  
8. Eggplant, Black Beauty  
9. Eggplant, Diamond  
10. Eggplant, Long Purple   
11. Eggplant, Shooting Stars  
12. Eggplant, Syrian Stuffing  
13. Eggplant, Ping Tung  

Tuesday's Odds 'n Ends #4

Continuing on the transplanting bandwagon!

Today I did the following chores:

1. Watered as needed. 
2. Fertilized as needed. 
3. Transplanted echinacaea. 
4. Transplanted hollyhock nigra
5. Transplanted lupines.

Monday's Odds 'n Ends #3

The geraniums have been potted up!

Following are the tasks I finished today that were carried over from this weekend:

1. Watered as needed. 
2. Fertilized as needed. 
3. Moved geraniums from 3" pots to 4 1/2" pots. 
4. Transplanted delphiniums. 
5. Transplanted black-eyed susans. 
6. Moved asparagus from 4-packs to 4" pots. 

The asparagus seedlings were buried two inches deep into bigger pots.

Postscript #1 -  No evidence of germination from the foxglove and coreopsis (full moon and early sunrise) seeds planted on February 28.  Research suggests up to a 30 day germination; I will wait until March 31 before declaring them not viariable (seeds were at six years old).

Postscript #2 - The first sowing of black-eyed susans (February 25) looks far less robust than the second sowing (February 28).  I will transplant the February 25 seedlings to individual 3" pots and toss the February 28 seedlings growing in the 4"x8" container. 

Weekend Odds 'n Ends #2

The "chitting" is coming along!

Five sweet potato slips growing good roots.

Following is a list of the chores completed this morning:

1. Watered as needed. 
2. Fertilized as needed. 
3. Thinned Independence Day tomatoes and added soil to top of containers. 
4. Thinned broccoli, kale, arugula and all six varieties of lettuce to one each container or cell. 
5. Transplanted three celery. 

Postscript #1 - Germination from the portulaca (sowed March 16, 6 days) and alyssum, Carpet of Snow and Royal Carpet (sowed March 20, 2 days).  The purple alyssum was about a half day behind on germination. 

Weekend Odds 'n Ends #1

Many flower seedlings are in need of their own pots.

Following is a list of chores completed today:

1. Watered as needed. 
2. Fertilized as needed. 
3. Transplanted the ageratum dondo blue seedlings.  The container fell off the shelving unit and feared I had lost most of them.  I was able to rescue eighteen seedlings, placing two seedlings into nine 3" pots. 
4. Transplanted lobelia, crystal palace. 
5. Transplanted one artichoke. 

I received a wonderful birthday gift from my twin grandsons.  What should I grow in them?

What's Up for Today?

Really, not much is going on garden-wise today, aside from sowing a few seeds.  Other household projects have been taking precedence.

Seeds Sowed Today:

Alyssum (Carpet of Snow, Lobularia maritima): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted moderately light sowing of seeds into 4"x8" container, 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 5-10 days.  Characteristics: sun/partial shade, 3"-5" tall, tiny flowers from spring until frost, a good companion plant with Alyssum Royal Carpet, garden border favorite, honey-like fragrance for window boxes and hanging baskets, edging plant, easy to grow.

Alyssum (Royal Carpet, Lobularia maritima):  Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted moderate sowing of seeds into 4"x8" container, 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 20-25 days. Characteristics: sun, 4" tall, deep violet blossoms, low growing with gray-green foliage, blooms early and is sweetly scented, easy to grow, a good companion plant with Alyssum Carpet of Snow, border favorite, for window boxes and hanging baskets, edging plant, easy to grow.

Onions (Evergreen Bunching):  Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted moderate sowing of pelletized seeds into 4"x8" container, 1/2" deep. Expected germination time, 3-8 days.  Days to maturity, 60-75. Characteristics:  sun, clusters of long, slender onions that can be separated, 12" tall, late plantings will winter over for spring harvest. 

Postscript #1 - Transplanted nine scarlet salvias into individual containers.

Time to Evaluate

Today was a day of evaluation, that is, to examine the status of my indoor seedlings.  In two weeks I'll be very busy starting the majority of my warm weather crops.  I must check if any of the cool weather vegetables, herbs and flowers should be started again.  I need to evaluate if some seedlings look weak or perhaps were started too early, or maybe I forgot to plant some seeds. In any case, now is the time to "fill in" where need be because these seedlings will take a back seat to the needs of warm weather crops beginning March 31.

My evaluation is as follows:

• Intend to plant another small container of green onions to use in and amongst the vegetables, i.e., tomatoes. 
• Will plant annual alyssums, purple and white.  The seeds of the perennial alyssums, Basket of Gold, may not be viable. 
• Check if there are more coreopsis seeds in my stash.  The ones planted may not be viable. 
• Still want to plant collards, chard, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage as cool weather crops. Maybe another round of broccoli and kale.  I will dedicate two raised beds to these brassicas with the intention of covering them with Agribon 19 as soon as they are transplanted. 
• Look through the inventory of Livingston seeds for additional flowers to be sowed eight weeks before last frost. 
• Need to research asparagus seedlings.  Becoming tall and lanky. Should they be cut back, potted up, split into separate pots, buried?  

I need to decide which pepper varieties to grow this year:

• I have plenty of dried and crushed pepper flakes so will probably not grow thai and cayenne peppers. 
• Although I have two gallon bags remaining of jalapeno peppers, I will still grow a dozen plants for fresh harvest.  
• I am still amazed at how fresh my diced red, orange and yellow frozen sweet peppers are coming out of the freezer.  I intend to grow at least six plants of each color.  
• The mini sweet red, orange and yellow peppers were excellent last year.  I've saved seed from last year's harvest; the seeds were originally taken from organic peppers purchased at Wegman's. It will be interesting to see what the peppers look like this year. 

Postscript #1 - Lemongrass (sowed March 13, 6 days) germinated.
Postscript #2 - The onions, shallots and leeks received their second "haircut."

Smile! Time for Photos!

Parsley

Spinach

Oregano - Greek and Common

Echinacaea

Tetra Ruffled Snapdragons

Lavender

Lupines

Geraniums

Sweet William

Verbena

Pansies

Vinca

Viola

Rosemary

Asparagus

Onions, Shallots and Leeks

Super Sugar Snap Peas

Mix of flower seedlings on kitchen table

Sweet Potato Slips

Chitting potatoes - red, gold and russet

Postscript #1 - Hollyhocks Nigra (sowed March 14, 4 days), Ageratum Dondo Blue (sowed March 14, 4 days) and thyme (sowed March 10, 8 days) have germinated.

Plant Count - March 17, 2015

FLOWERS 

1. Ageratum, Dondo Blue  6
2. Black-Eyed Susan  58
3. Chinese Forget-Me-Nots  20
4. Coleus  52
5. Delphiniums  26
6. Echinacaea  23
7. Geraniums  19
8. Grecian Rose  8
9. Gypsophilia  10
10. Hibiscus, White  8
11. Hollyhocks, Nigra  8
12. Impatiens, Dwarf Pink  31
13. Impatiens, Mixed Flavours  4
14. Lavender  19 
15. Lobelia, Crystal Palace  100
16. Lupines  27
17. Pansies  44
18. Petunia, Mixed Colors  70
19. Petunia, Wave  10
20. Potentilla, Cinquefoil   50
21. Salvia, Scarlet  12
22. Salvia, Blue Bedder  25
23. Snapdragons, Mixed  52
24. Snapdragons, Tetra Ruffled  25
25. Sweet William  31
26. Verbena  25
27. Vinca  43
28. Viola  18

HERBS

1. Chamomile  9
2. Lemongrass  4
3. Oregano, Common  42
4. Oregano, Greek  51
5. Oregano, Zaatar  21
6. Parsley, Triple Curled Moss  40
7. Rosemary  16
8. Thyme, Common  1

VEGETABLES

1. Arugula 13
2. Asparagus  52
3. Broccoli, Calabrese  12
4. Broccoli, Waltham  8
5. Celery  9
6. Kale, Blue Vates Scotch Curled  11
7. Kale, Winterbor  10
8. Leeks  44
9. Lettuce, Buttercrunch  6
10. Lettuce, Baby Romaine  3
11. Lettuce, Red Romaine  6
12. Lettuce, Little Gem  6
13. Lettuce, Prizehead  6
14. Lettuce, Simpson Elite  6
15. Onions, Ailsa Craig  50
16. Onions, Copra  150
17. Onions, Red Amposta  90
18. Onions, Red Bull  40
19. Onoions, Red Wethersfield  45
20. Onions, Ringmaster  45
21. Onions, Rossi Di Milano  80
22. Onions, Sweet Spanish Yellow  50
23. Onions, Tokyo Long Bunching  50
24. Onions, Tropeana Lunga  60
25. Onions, Walla Walla  40
26. Peas, Super Sugar Snap  13
27. Potatoes, Gold  9
28. Potatoes, Red  9
29. Potatoes, Russett  8
30. Shallots  70
31. Spinach, America  12
32. Spinach, Bloomsdale Long Standing  6
33. Sweet Potato Slips  4
34. Tomatoes, Independence Day  9

PENDING

1. Alyssum, Gold Dust  
2. Columbine, Tequila Sunrise  
3. Coreopsis, Early Sunrise  
4. Coreopsis, Full Moon  
5. Foxgloves
6. Impatiens
7. Impatiens
8. Petunias
9. Portulaca
10. Rock Soapwort
11. Trumpet Vine
12. Lemon Balm  
13. Artichokes, Green Globe 
14. Eggplant, Aswad  
15. Eggplant, Black Beauty  
16. Eggplant, Diamond  
17. Eggplant, Long Purple   
18. Eggplant, Shooting Stars  
19. Eggplant, Syrian Stuffing  
20. Eggplant, Ping Tung  

Flowers Reseeded

Petunias (Variety, N/A): Seeds received from an online seed swap, 2009.  Sowed heavily, pressed seeds into soil in 8"10" metal container.

Impatiens (Mixed Colors): American Seed, 2013.  Sprinkled seeds on top of mix and pressed in, planted one 4"x8" container. Expected gemination time, 15-20 days.  Characteristics: annual, shade,15-18" tall, compact, glossy-leaved plants, shades of rose, red, salmon and white, blooms from summer to fall, window boxes, hanging baskets and other containers.

Impatiens (Mixed Colors): Seeds from online seed exchange, 2009.  Sprinkled seeds on top of mix and pressed in, planted one 4"x8" container.  Expected gemination time, 15-20 days.  Characteristics: annual, shade, colors N/A, height N/A, window boxes, hanging baskets and other containers.

Postscript #1 - Germination from Spinach, America (sowed March 12, 5 days), Broccoli, Calabrese and Waltham (sowed March 12, 5 days)
Postscript #2 - Declared Petunias Flavours seeds as not viable.  They were sowed on March 2 and only one sprout developed.  Will reseed over mix. 

Growing Eggplants

I love eggplant!  But I'll be the first to admit it is an acquired taste. It is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, a great substitute for meat and extremely versatile in the kitchen.  It can be sauteed, fried, broiled, baked, grilled and roasted.

Eggplant comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes.  In year's past, I would grow only one variety, Black Beauty.  Last year, I was more adventurous, adding Shooting Stars and Long Purple eggplants to the mix.  This year I want to include four new varieties, Diamond, Ping Tung, Syrian Stuffing and Aswad eggplant.  I'm curious which variety will offer the highest yield and have the best taste!

I am allocating one entire raised bed and a half dozen containers in the hoophouse to the following eggplant varieties:

Eggplant (Aswad): Baker Creek, 2015. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics:  dark purple-black fruits, three pounds or more, shaped like a squat teardrop, flesh is sweet and tender, good for grilling and baking, heat tolerant, productive.

Eggplant (Black Beauty): Dollarseeds, 2013. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics: long-time standard, large black fruits, common eggplant since 1902, space 18" apart.

Eggplant (Diamond): Fedco Seeds, 2015. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics: 70 days, mild, dark purple, 6-9", 2-3" slender fruit, superb flavor and firm flesh, from Ukraine.

Eggplant (Long Purple): Botanical Interests, 2012. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics: long, slender purple variety, attractive and flavorsome.

Eggplant (Ping Tung): Baker Creek, 2015. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days.  Characteristics: 70 days, from Ping Tung, Taiwan, purple fruits up to 18" long and 2" in diameter, sweet and tender, space 18" apart.

Eggplant (Shooting Stars): Burpee, 2014.  Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics: delicately striped purple and white, 3-4" long, excellent container choice.
See: http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/garden-ready-vegetable-plants/eggplant-shooting-stars-prod003171.html

Eggplant (Syrian Stuffing): Baker Creek, 2015. Planted a dozen seeds in a 3 1/2" pot 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 10-21 days. Characteristics:  used for stuffing, medium-sized, purple-black fruits, superb flavor, rich and complex, harvest at 4-6 inches in length.

Other Seeds Sowed Today

Lemon Balm: Botanical Interests, ~2013. Planted ~30 seeds in 3 1/2" pot, pressing seeds into soil. Expected germination time, 10-15 days.  Characteristics: tender perennial (treat as annual), lemon fragrant foliage, white flowers, used by herbalists for insomnia and upset stomach, add to tea.

Portulaca (Double Mixture): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted ~ 40 seeds in one 4"x8" container 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 10-15 days.  Characteristics: annual, sun, 3"-6" tall, aka sun plant, heat and drought tolerant. bloom in a full range of color, large blooms, garden and container planting.

Postscript #1 - By accident, the top of one white hibiscus seedling snapped off.  A growlight slipped off its hook and fell upon it.  I will let this hibiscus grow on to see if it develops more lateral shoots and a stronger stem than the others.  The growlight landed on the asparagus, too, but with no damage.
Postscript #2 - Transplanted gypsophilia, delphinium, vinca and impatiens dwarf pink seedlings.
Postscript #3 - Thinned echinacaea and tetra ruffled snapdragons. 
Postscript #4 - There was germination from Independence Day tomatoes (sowed March 11, 5 days), Chinese Forget-Me-Nots (sowed March 10, 6 days), Peas, Super Sugar Snaps (sowed March 13, 3 days) and Broccoli Calabrese (sowed March 13, 3 days).

Taxes Versus Gardening

Yes, I am NOT allowed to do any gardening chores until I finish taxes!!!  I've been singing that chant all week, but to no avail.  But today I am SERIOUS, no gardening until taxes are DONE. It is now 8:00 am; let's see how long it takes!!

UPDATE AT 12:00 PM 

I am happy to report that my daughter's taxes are finished.  I decided to do our own taxes tomorrow (I know, I did bend the rules a bit).  I'm off to inspect, water and thin my seedlings.

Postscript #1 - Winterbor and Blue Vates Kale have germinated (sowed March 11, 4 days).
Postscript #2 - Little Gem and Prizehead lettuce have germinated, a day later than the other four lettuce varieties (sowed March 11, 4 days).

62 Days Before Last Frost

It's March 14!!  Here in Zone 6a that means 62 days before the last frost date of May 15, give or take five days.  Today I want to plant a second round of celery and four different varieties of flower seeds that should be sowed 9 weeks (63 days) before the last frost date.

Ageratum (Dondo Blue): Fedco, 2015.  Seeds sown in a 7" round container, on surface, pressed in. Expected germination time: 5-10 days.  Days to maturity, 40 from transplanting.
See: http://www.fedcoseeds.com/seeds/search?item=4811&listname=Flowers&cookies=no

Columbine (Tequila Sunrise, Aquilegia skinneri): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Pelletized seeds (50) sown in a 7" round container, 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 5-10 days. Characteristics: perennial, sun or shade, spacing 8-10", 2-3' tall, longer flowering and more heat tolerant than other columbines, unique and attractive color combination, tall and stately, flowers first year, deadhead to promote blooming.

Hollyhocks (Nigra, Alcea rosea nigra): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Primed seeds (75) planted into 7" round container, 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 7-10 days.  Characteristics: perennial, sun, 4-6', deep maroon, nearly black blooms, backdrop for wall or in front of a wall.

Rock Soapwort: Ferry Morse, 2015.  Seeds sown in a 7" round container, 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-16 days. Days to bloom, 365+. Characteristics: perennial, spacing 9-12", 4-9" tall, groundcover with pink flowers.

Celery (Tall Utah 52/70 Improved): Botanical Interests, 2013.  Planted an additional six 2" pots.  Original sowing on February 14 has only yielded six seedlings after 28 days.  Hoping to transplant twelve into the garden.  Also sprinkled more seeds on top of the original pots that did not sprout.  See February 14 entry for full description.

Postscript#1 - Lettuce sprouts from Buttercrunch, Simpson Elite, Baby Romaine and Red Romaine with the Simpson Elite being the most robust (sowed March 10, 4 days).  One more sprout from Grecian Rose (sowed February 28, 14 days).
Postscript #2 - Arugula germinated (sowed March 11, 3 days, could have been 2 days).
Postscript #3 - Transplanted Impatiens Dwarf Pink Baby into own containers.
Postscript #3 - Transplanted fifteen pansies from 4"x8" container into 2" containers.  Will leave remaining pansies in original container to grow on.

Gave them a good watering and off they go!

More Cool Weather Crops

Crisp snow peas, an early spring treat

The broccoli side shoots are a welcome sight.

Knowing I wouldn't have time to work on gardening today, I decided to sow cool weather vegetable seeds yesterday evening.  I've been distracted by other tasks all week and knew I shouldn't further delay starting these seeds:

Broccoli (Green Sprouting Calabrese): Livingston, 2014.  Planted seeds in two 6-packs, 1/4" deep. Days to maturity, 80. Characteristics: sun/partial shade, good producer, central head and lateral clusters, freezes well.

Broccoli (Waltham 29): Botanical Interests, ~2013.  Planted seeds in two 6-packs, 1/4" deep. Days to maturity, 75. Characteristics: sun/partial shade, good producer, central head and lateral clusters, freezes well, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, 4-6" blue-green heads, freezes well.

Peas (Super Sugar Snap): Botanical Interests, 2015.  Planted seeds in fifteen 3" pots, 1" deep. Expected germination time, 5-10 days.  Did not pre-soak seeds as recommended.  Characteristics: improved snap pea, earlier harvest, better yields and excellent disease resistance, plump, crisp pods, sweet round peas, 5-foot vines, needs pole or trellis.  Will transplant into hoophouse first week of April and perhaps some into shoveled raised bed.

Spinach (America): Livingston Seed, 2014.  Planted seeds in twelve 3" pots 1/2" deep. The packet recommends direct sowing, but I had success starting them indoors last year. Days to maturity, 45-55. Characteristics: heirloom, sun/partial shade, outstanding flavor, savoy-leafed curly leaves, freezes well, compact variety, soil must be 50-70 degrees.

Spinach (Bloomsdale Long Standing): Livingston Seed, 2014.  Planted seeds in six 3" pots 1/2" deep. The packet recommends direct sowing, but I had success starting them indoors last year. Days to maturity, 48. Characteristics: sun, mild-flavored leaves, thick, crinkly, glossy, dark green, tender leaves, contains vitamin A, calcium, proteins, soil must be 50-70 degrees.

I also planted one herb:

Lemongrass (Cympogon flexuosis): Fedco Seeds, 2015.  Planted seeds in three 3" pots, pressing into top of soil and very lightly covering. Characteristics: not a good germinator, sprinkled more seeds on top.
See: http://www.fedcoseeds.com/seeds/search?item=4587&listname=Lemongrass

"Pop" Goes the Growlight!

It doesn't take much to startle me, just ask my family!  And this morning was a doozy, jumping clear out my chair!

I was sitting at the kitchen table and heard a few crackling sounds.  I looked toward the growlights and saw sparks shooting out of the 6-way surge protector. It seems one of the chains on the T-light strips came into contact with the outlet and caused a short.  I immediately turned off the switch on the surge protector and pulled its plug out from the wall. 

After letting the growlights rest for a few hours, I was brave enough to investigate the situation.  I unplugged the entire set up and, carefully, one by one, plugged in the ten lights.  Everything looked fine, no burned out lights, no overheating, etc.  The surge protector is credited with the save.  My husband had set a timer for both the kitchen table and slider setups.  I am going to manually throw the switches until he checks out the situation this evening. 

Today I did nothing more than reorganize the containers, and water and thin seedlings where needed.  Here are some visuals below:

Consolidated most of the flowers on the kitchen table

Onions are only looking "ok"; can't decide if they are getting too much or too little water.

The rosemary are growing strong!

The asparagus now total over 40, some are begging for water!!

The parsley is developing its curly leaves!

The pansies will be ready in time for spring!

Postscript #1 - I am declaring the Disco Belle Hibiscus seeds not viable.  It has been 23 days (range is 14-21 days). The seeds were six or seven years old from a seed swap; the outcome was not unexpected. 
Postscript #2 - There was germination in the petunia flavours container today, one teeny, tiny sprout!

Three Cool...One Warm

Vegetables fall into two categories, cool and warm weather crops.  Cool weather crops grow best at temperatures that average fifteen degrees cooler than warm weather crops.  Most can handle a frost and for some vegetables, a frost actually enhances flavor.  Cool weather vegetables need to grow to maturity during cool weather otherwise they will bolt (go to seed) or become bitter in taste.

Here is a list of both cool and warm weather crops.

I try to get my cool weather crops into the ground as early as possible. The hoophouse is ready two to three weeks earlier than the outdoor beds.  Last year I planted in the hoophouse on April 14th; this year I am hoping for the first week of April.  The seeds that will be sown directly into the hoophouse beds will include lettuce, spinach, arugula, beets, and peas. I will also transplant some of the seedlings started indoors, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce.  Agribon 19 fleece will be used in the evenings and on cloudy days as needed.

Until recently, I would only plant cool weather crops in early spring as soon as the soil became workable. But last year, I planted another round of cool weather crops in the outdoor raised beds in late summer for a fall/winter harvest.  I hope for even better results this year.

Today I sowed indoors under lights three cool weather vegetables:

Arugula (Roquette):  Livingston, Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack, 1/4" deep.  Days to maturity, 40. Characteristics: sun to partial shade, 6" tall, robust, peppery flavor, harvest 6" tall, succession planting every two weeks.

Kale (Blue Vates Scotch Curled): Dollarseed, 2013.  Planted one 6-pack, 1/4" deep.  Days to maturity, N/A. Characteristics: thin to 12" apart, pick early for baby greens.

Kale (Winterbor): Fedco Seeds, 2012.  Planted one 6-pack, 1/4" deep.  Days to maturity, 60. Characteristics:  thin to 12" apart, pick early for baby greens.

I also started one warm weather crop, an early tomato, intended for the hoophouse:

Tomato (Independence Day):  Livingston Seed, 2014. Plant five 3" pots each with two pelletized seeds, 1/4" deep.  Expected germination time, 5-10 days.  Days to maturity, 55.  Characteristics: heirloom, sun, 2-3' spacing, 2 1/2' tall, tomatoes by July 4th, orange-red fruits 2.5" in diameter, sweet flavor.

Postscript #1 - One Grecian Rose germinated (sown February 28, 11 days).

Plant Count - March 10, 2015

FLOWERS 

1. Alyssum, Gold Dust  0
2. Black-Eyed Susan  45
3. Chinese Forget-Me-Nots  0
4. Coleus  25
5. Coreopsis, Early Sunrise  0
6. Coreopsis, Full Moon  0
7. Delphiniums  28
8. Dusty Miller  - seeds not viable
9. Echinacaea  22 
10. Foxglove  0
11. Geraniums  19
12. Grecian Rose  0
13. Gypsophilia  13
14. Hibiscus, Disco Belle   0
15. Hibiscus, White  9
16. Impatiens, Dark Pink  27
17. Impatiens, Flavours  0
18. Lavender  18 
19. Lobelia, Crystal Palace  >100
20. Lupines  12
21. Pansies  59
22. Petunia, Mixed Colors  >70
23. Petunia, Wave  3
24. Petunia, Flavours  1
25. Potentilla, Cinquefoil   >50
26. Salvia, Scarlet  10
27. Salvia, Blue Bedder  28
28. Snapdragons, Mixed  64
29. Snapdragons, Tetra Ruffled  13
30. Sweet William  32
31. Trumpet Vine  0
32. Verbena  29
33. Vinca  >80
34. Viola  20

HERBS

1. Chamomile  8
2. Oregano, Common  42
3. Oregano, Zaatar  23
4. Oregano, Greek  51
5. Parsley, Triple Curled Moss  40
6. Rosemary  16
7. Thyme, Common  0

VEGETABLES 

1. Artichokes, Green Globe  0
2. Asparagus  29
3. Celery  3
4. Leeks  44
5. Onions, Ailsa Craig  50
6. Onions, Copra  150
7. Onions, Red Amposta  90
8. Onions, Red Bull  40
9. Onoions, Red Wethersfield  45
10. Onions, Ringmaster  45
11. Onions, Rossi Di Milano  80
12. Onions, Sweet Spanish Yellow  50
13. Onions, Tokyo Long Bunching  50
14. Onions, Tropeana Lunga  60
15. Onions, Walla Walla  40
16. Potatoes, Gold  9
17. Potatoes, Red  9
18. Shallots  70
19. Sweet Potato Slips  4

Seeds Planted Today 

Alyssum, (Gold Dust, Aurinia saxatilis compacta): Seed swap, 2008. Sowed approximately 30 seeds in 4"x8" container 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 5-6 days. Days to maturity, N/A. Characteristics: perennial, low growing, yellow flowers, best grown in mass as groundcover, aka Basket of Gold, Madwort.
See: http://akirchner.hubpages.com/hub/The-Easiest-To-Grow-Perennial-In-the-World-Basket-of-Gold

Chinese Forget-Me-Nots (Firmament, Nomeolvides china firmament, Cynoglossum): Burpee, 2015. Sowed approximately 25 seeds each in two 3" containers 1/8" deep. Expected germination time: 7-14 days. Days to maturity, 45-50. Characteristics: annual, graceful, loose sprays of blue flowers on stiff, upright stems, blooms all summer, suitable for borders, full sun/part shade, 16" tall.
See: http://www.floretflowers.com/2014/01/flower-focus-chinese-forget-me-nots/

Thyme (Common): Ferry Morse, 2012. Sowed approximately 20 seeds in 3" container 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 8-20 days. Days to maturity, 70. Characteristics: perennial, 8"-12" tall, use fresh or dried, attracts bees, thin to 8" apart in garden.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Common-Thyme-Seed-2028/100349860?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ry

Artichoke (Green Globe, Cynara scolymus): Dollarseed, 2013. Sowed three to four seeds each in five 3" pots. Expected germination time, 8-12 days. Days to maturity, 78 or 150-180. Characteristics: annual, practice vernalizaiton (two weeks of cool weather to simulate winter's chill), marginally hardy in zone 6, mulch through winter, full sun, harvest before bracts open, frequently feed and water, bristly leaves bring interest to flower garden, violet flower blooms in mid-fall.
See: http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenec09b.html

Can't Forget Lettuce 

A salad spinner helps dry the freshly picked and washed lettuce leaves. 

Lettuce is a staple in our household.  I often use spinach, arugula, endive and kale as the secondary "greens" in our salads, but my preference is still a crisp romaine or ruffled loose leaf lettuce. It is always a delight to go out to the garden and pick an assortment of leaves in varying textures, colors and tastes.  This year I will direct sow seeds in the early spring and fall.  In addition, I prepare seedlings indoors to transplant into the hoophouse in early April:

Lettuce (Buttercrunch):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 50-60. Characteristics: sun, thin 4"-9", All-American Award winner, loose heads of thick, crisp leaves.  Resistant to heat.

Lettuce (Prizehead):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 45-50. Characteristics: partial shade/sun, thin 4", bronze-red outer leaves over frilled lime-green inner leaves.  Early maturity.

Lettuce (Simpson Elite):  Burpee, 2013 .Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 48. Characteristis: thin 8", heat resistant, full sun, light green frilled and crumpled leaves, crisp, delicate flavor.

Lettuce (Baby Romaine):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 55-60. Characteristics: sun/partial shade, thin 12", 8" tall, caesar salad favorite, crisp, sweet flavor, upright growth, harvest outer leaves to prolong production.

Lettuce (Little Gem): Seed Swap, 2015. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 50.  Characteristics: very small, green, romaine-type, supposedly one of the very best-tasting lettuces, heat tolerant.
See: http://www.rareseeds.com/little-gem-lettuce/

Lettuce (Red Romaine):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 45-55. Characteristics: sun, thin 4", 8"-12" tall, oblong, burgundy leaves, crunchy midribs, colorful gourmet variety, color may vary from deep green to deep red, innermost leaves lighter green and most tender, color deepens in cooler weather.

Postscript #1 - There was germination in the following containers: potentilla (sown March  4,  6 days) and petunias flavours (sown March 2, 8 days).  

Postscript #2 - I am declaring the six year old Dusty Miller seeds not viable.