The last of my seed orders arrived in the mail today and now I have all the seeds I need and want for my 2008 garden.It's hard to imagine that I could be sowing some of my seeds outside in just a few weeks when I see the garden still covered with a light snow. Winter is still very much in evidence here.But it is time to start sowing some seeds indoors.I’ve been sowing seeds indoors for many years and have had my share of disappointments as well as triumphs. I’ve learned some lessons the hard way … [Read more...] about Seed Sowing Secrets
seeds
Keep Your Seeds in a Cool, Dry Place
There is a whole ritual that most of us gardeners follow when we acquire seeds. You know the routine.First, we get the seed catalogs. We look through them, read the descriptions, and dream of a garden at least ten times bigger than what we have.Next, we make lists of the seeds we want to get.Then we cut back the lists when we realize that we really shouldn't spend that much on seeds. For that kind of money, we could buy something like a new car or at least pay for a trip to Austin.Finally we … [Read more...] about Keep Your Seeds in a Cool, Dry Place
Pick a Post Friday: “Turnips” Win
Brought to you by popular vote, tonight’s “pick a post” is about turnips.Brassica rapa. The common turnip. Why have I never tried to grow turnips in my garden? I’m an experienced gardener; I’m getting ready to start my 21st vegetable garden this spring. It seems odd that I’ve never tried to grow turnips.I blame my Dad. He never grew turnips. I think. I’m pretty sure. I don’t remember him harvesting turnips from his garden and I don’t remember eating turnips when I was growing up. I don’t … [Read more...] about Pick a Post Friday: “Turnips” Win
Bloom Day, Book Club and Seeds
Garden Bloggers' Bloom DayGarden Bloggers' Bloom Day is just around the corner. If you are thinking that you’ll skip it because after all, it’s January, here are five reasons to join in.5. If you live someplace where you actually have flowers blooming in your garden in January, this is your chance to flaunt your blooms to all of us living through real winter.4. It gives you a perfect excuse, as if you need one, to buy yourself a couple of flowering houseplants, maybe some orchids, if you don’t … [Read more...] about Bloom Day, Book Club and Seeds
Odd Weather, Old Seed Catalogs and a Quiz
Who else thought those warm days earlier this week were more creepy than welcome? It just wasn't right. Unusual record breaking warm weather in January messes with your mind and makes you think you are behind because you haven't ordered your seeds yet.I, for one, am relieved to see the return of more winter-like temperatures. Now I can happily continue with my seed obsessing, indoor plant messing ways for many more weeks, without thinking I've got to get outside to take advantage of warm … [Read more...] about Odd Weather, Old Seed Catalogs and a Quiz
Old Seeds, Call Out For Old Seeds
1986.I went through another box of old seeds, a box that I keep in the garage, and I found a seed packet from 1986.I think that’s the oldest seed packet I have. It pre-dates my first vegetable garden by one year, so it must be some seeds that my Dad had. There are still some seeds in the packet, lettuce seeds if you are wondering, a variety imaginatively called ‘Salad Mix’ from the Fredonia Seed Company.The rest of the seed packets in the box are from 1987, the year I planted my first vegetable … [Read more...] about Old Seeds, Call Out For Old Seeds
