This is the first year I am growing anything from seed and I am finding it... challenging. I have direct sown some seeds right into our beds (in Northern New Jersey, peas can go into the ground on St. Patrick's day, and lettuce can go in shortly thereafter) and I have planted some in flats indoors to be transferred around the middle of April.
My peas have taken a long while to sprout; I just saw the beginnings of the first one today nearly a month after it was planted. I have word, though, from a local master gardener that I should not worry. They will come. The sheer mystery of it confounds me, really. I know that seeds do this in theory, but I am sure that they will not do it for me, here in my yard, at my hands. Only for scientists and experts, not for me. But that first little sprouted seed is proving me wrong as I write this. I too can bear witness to the mystery of life. Amazing.
My indoor seeds are faring less well (evidently). They had a few factors working against them~our house gets relatively little light~what light they did get got dimmed when our baby napped~and, most importantly, I have no idea what I am doing. I watered them too much, I watered them too little, I left them outdoors too long, and I have no ability to pluck out seedlings that are competing for obviously limited resources. Hmmmp.
I am going to give indoor starts another try with tomatoes and peppers in April as they don't go into the ground until May around here. Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and the rest will have to go directly into the ground.
7 comments:
I'm not so great with seeds, either. I've dug a 3 by 2 foot patch in the yard, planted some seeds (though I still need to add the chamomile and feverfew), and covered it with some wire shelving that we had in the laundry room. In addition to the to much/too little water problem, we also have crazy squirrels that love to dig up *everything!*
How exciting! I can't wait to hear about their progress through the season... and am excited to get my hands in some dirt, too.
I'm excited to see how they come out - I'm sure your little plants will persevere!
My husband has gotten excited about starting seeds in our house this year - our house with less than 1000 sq feet, seven people and five windows. I desperately want to find a space but I don't think it is going to be happening...
Amazing how much hope there is in a little seedling, isn't it? My first sowing of peas came up almost three weeks after I direct-sowed them. The second batch is coming up much faster. I don't have much luck with starting seeds inside either--not enough light, helpful toddler hands . . . . but I still get sucked back in every year, and something is always successful!
good gardening!
I think I might be behind on my seed planting inside. Gotta start some this week. Parts of my garden are still covered in snow. So it goes here. can't wait for knitting time again. gonna try something for me to wear for this spring knitting
i've had some success with starting from seed. I am behind this year as i haven't even started yet! i am sure your peas will do well!
I have better luck starting things outside as well. After two years of starting my seeds indoors I gave it up. Im sure if I just kept going and learning, or had a greenhouse/appropriate space it might go better. :)Lisa
Post a Comment