Shuffling Seedlings

I am a stickler for keeping things tidy and in order.  I find it very satisfying to organize seedlings according to height and size and to cluster similar types of plants. Consequently, it's a continual shuffling of containers between the kitchen table and the shelving unit in front of the slider.

Onions, oregano and flowers on the kitchen table

Looking down the line - Sweet William, vinca, and geraniums

Lupines Flexing their Muscles

Granted, all the seeds that germinated today were early, but the lupines were particularly impressive. They were expected to germinate in 25-30 days, but appeared in only 3 days!  And I didn't even pre-soak the seeds!!  I hope these lupines flourish much like those sown by Alice Rumphius, the main character in the children's book, "Miss Rumphius." Filling her pockets daily with lupine seeds, Miss Rumphius scattered the seeds wherever she went to make the world a more beautiful place.  A big thank you to my daughter-in-law for introducing this book to our sweet grandsons. 

Postscript #1-  Today I thinned lobelia and transplanted verbena and white hibiscus. 

Postscript #2 - Seeds that germinated today include black-eyed susan (sowed February 28, 7 days), echinacaea (sowed February 28, 7 days), chamomile (sowed February 28, 7 days) and lupines (sowed March 4, 3 days).  

Postscript #3 - I have a suspicion that the dusty miller seeds sowed on February 11 are not viable. The expected germination time was 21 days and it's already been 24 days.  I'm nearly ready to re-use its seed starting mix and container. 

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.

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!