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?

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!