Normally around this time of year I start planting tons of seeds: in paper cups, plastic cups and containers, coffee cans. Then said containers were unceremoniously placed in drafty windowsills, covering the Spy’s dresser and desk. I’ve relied on south-facing windows (the Spy has two) to provide light. I’ve never really had a proper seed starting set up…
Until now!
Smoochie built it this weekend. It’s pretty simple, but a MAJOR improvement! Like I said, I used to take over the Spy’s room with the seedlings, but this year Baby has offered up the top of her dressers for the little seedlings and supplies (thanks Baby!) If you want a really proper list of seed starting supplies and instructions check out this post on sweetdomesticity. My basic list includes…
Seeds, water in a spray bottle, white duct tape and a sharpie (for labeling), dirt (potting soil) and containers. I find that having the seeds in a location that I frequent (i.e. Baby’s room) ensures I won’t neglect watering them (or miss watching them sprout!). Plus it is toasty warm and in front of a south facing window AND Baby gets to closely watch the process too.
I had this tray leftover from last year.
So far we’ve started eggplants and sweet peppers (I’ll write about the different varieties in a future post). I think they’ll do well in these smaller sized sections (they take a long time to germinate), but for the tomatoes I will use something larger (like plastic cups) because I like the tomato seedlings to get pretty big before transplanting. There’s lots of room left for more plants.
In even MORE exciting garden news…The new plot is complete!
The Spy thinks it is shaped like a big whistle.
I have to agree.
It was 77 degrees today (!)
An open window!
…and it was a lovely afternoon of digging.
The Spy in the shade of a tree trunk.
Ahhhhhh! Bliss!
I had…
…lots of help!
Little Diggers (Maggie was digging with her teeth! See the big clod of dirt in her mouth?!)
Another view of the expansion (facing north)
We just have to move the fence and the expansion is complete!
Fits right in!
We are planning to plant pumpkins in this new plot. Not sure which kind yet (we have three types of seeds: Jarrahdale, Giant Atlantic and Rouge Vif D’Etampes).
My favorite earth sculpture, Spy Garden
Nice seed-starting rig. It looks to be portable which will be convenient when it is time to harden off. Happy growing!
Thanks! I never thought of it but yes! Portability is a benefit of the rig!
Just flogged (stole) this and pinned it with impunity :). Jarrahdale pumpkins are Aussie pumpkins aren’t they? Jarrahdale is a suburb in my old home state of Western Australia’s capital city Perth :). Jarrah pumpkins are like kabocha squash…delicious! Can’t grow them here apparently but it is funny how the seeds from the jarrahdale pumpkins that I bought from the grocers (with a steep import from the mainland price…) are growing like topsy on my compost heap isn’t it? If the possums had have left them alone I might even have gotten a few! ;)
I think most blue squash hail from down under. Cool that you know of a Jarrahdale suburb!
I have relatives that actually lived there! (Finally, I am famous by association ;) )
Oooh, I would *love* to have space like that to expand into! I also took advantage of the warm days to start on the spring chores out there… so nice!
BTW, surely those aren’t your normal digging shoes, are they? You really should get something sturdy, with a nice, solid sole (preferably with some steel in it for rigidity) and ankle support/protection. Your arches, ankles, and toes will thank you. :)
We are fortunate to be on 1 acre, plenty of room for gardening! The only “normal” digging shoes I really have are some rubber boots for when it is really muddy. I usually prefer to be barefoot hahahaha But for digging I have to put something on my feet so its usually whatever’s nearest to the door HAHA. Fashion before function?
Your new garden bed looks great!! Mine are still under a couple of feet of snow cover, but soon! :)
Thanks! I like how it turned out. Hope for a quick melt for you (and that we don’t get any more!) ;)
The garden looks great! Glad Maggie could be a big help and can’t wait to be back so I can also help! xo
:)
The new look for the garden is very artful (just like you!) Can’t wait to see it all growing. I am soooo jealous of the 77 degrees! But when it hits 100, I won’t be jealous at all. :-)
The warm day was great, if bizarre! I love the look of the shapes of dirt in the grass, so much so I almost forget I will soon be growing things there hahah.