Spring Stockpiling

Seeds are germinating, so it’s the time of year when I start getting really anxious about pots. I never seem to have enough. If you recall, last season I was really excited to acquire six 14-inch planters (we only used four) at the dollar store for $7.00 a piece. We definitely plan to use all six of them this season, and then some. I’ve been watching the dollar store for a few weeks now for this season’s gardening supplies, and today I finally hit gold. I popped in to check out the situation on my way to the grocer for the week’s meat and veg and lo and behold – two aisles of garden supplies. After grocery shopping, I returned to purchase what I’m estimating we’ll need for this season. I know from experience that the dollar store is going to sell out of the planters fast – they went like hotcakes last year.

I thought about getting two more of the largest planters so we’d have a total of eight, but the real estate on the common patio is getting kind of tight. There’s a communal table and chairs (that no one uses ever, so it’s kind of annoying that it’s taking up space) out there, and I know a couple more grills in addition to ours are going to make an appearance as the weather gets warmer. And that’s okay, it is a shared space. So instead of the largest planters, I decided to expand our growing space with a collection of smaller pots, that can be easily moved around and tucked into small spots.

I purchased four 12-inch pots at $5.00 each, four 10-inch pots at $2.00 each and two 6-inch pots for $1.00 each. I also picked up two 3-packs of plastic drainage pans for the smaller pots at $1.00 each. I figure the 10- and 6-inch pots will be good for the assortment of herbs we’re growing this year, and will be much easier to bring indoors in the fall for overwintering. So for $32.00 I think I got a pretty good deal. We also acquired a blue glazed pot (I think it’s around 12 inches) last fall when we received some planted mums as a gift.

So the total inventory of plant pots currently is -

6 14-inch pots

4 12-inch pots (new)

4 12-inch hanging baskets

4 10-inch pots (new)

2 6-inch pots (new)

1 12-inch glazed pot (new)

1 10-inch (I think) glazed pot (permanent home for the hops)

1 8-inch glazed pot

1 6-inch glazed pot (permanent home for the bamboo)

2 square glazed pots (permanent homes for the bay tree and oregano)

1 strawberry pot

1 window box

1 freestanding window box shelf with Earthbox “insert” (permanent home for the dwarf junipers)

 

Think it will be enough? Likely not, but at least we’re closer! And it’s a good thing, because we have dichondra, jalapeno and cayenne peppers sprouted, as well as some herbs. Which herbs, we don’t know yet. The mini greenhouse had a little accident on the patio on a windy day recently, so things got a bit mixed up. I think basil and thyme, but we’ll find out for sure once the seedlings get a little bigger and put out more true leaves. And this weekend we’re going to do some more planting – more peppers (the germination rate wasn’t too great – I got the seeds in trade, so you can never be sure of the quality), peas, chard, more herbs – lots of other stuff. My planting list and schedule have gone out the window… but that’s okay. My husband is really involved this year so I’m excited about that. So if he says he wants to plant something, we just do it. So we may need to go buy more pots yet!

Could It Really Be Spring?

I don’t want to get too excited, because it is still March in Chicago, but is it possible that spring has really arrived? It sure feels like it, with the flurry of activity around here lately. And the weather – we’ve had a couple of really nice days recently where we could open the back door and a few windows. You can feel the sun and the breeze is warm, in the upper sixties. And the forecast for the next two weeks even includes a couple of seventy degree days! Very exciting developments indeed.

Starting the garden has been keeping us busy. We’ve got Ring O Fire cayenne, Early jalapeno, Tabasco hot pepper, Emerald Falls dichondra, Red Rocket snapdragon, and an assortment of herbs planted already. I have been terrible at taking photos lately, so hopefully I can describe our seed starting station in a way that makes sense. I mounted a fluorescent light fixture underneath one of our kitchen cabinets. The light is plugged in to a programmable timer so that it comes on and off automatically so we don’t have to worry about it. Our seeds our planted in one of our windowsill greenhouses, with herbs in a smaller model. To elevate the planters under the light (since it’s not movable on a chain) I have two of my stacking baking racks set up underneath it, with the planters on top. This puts the seedlings at the perfect height. As they grow taller, I can remove one of the two racks so they’re got more vertical room to grow. I’m hoping that my seedlings will be robust and not leggy and lethargic this way.

And so far, so good. Most of the herbs have sprouted, as well as the dichondra. It’s so nice to see fresh green in the house! Next up to get in the ground in a week or so is the chard and Compatto dill. And we really need to figure out some more planters, because as usual, I cannot stick to a list and end up planting at my whim as soon as I get my hands in some dirt. And the best part is, my husband is really interested again this season and Baby Apartment Farmer is soaking up all the goodness. He gets really excited every morning when we check the planters to see what’s sprouted. Got to start them early on the good stuff!

In existing plants, I think I mentioned awhile back that we lost both of the big, beautiful thyme plants. Sigh. I finally got around to clearing out the last pot the other day. But the oregano made it through, and actually seemed to thrive on borderline neglect. And the bay tree is putting out new spring growth like I’ve never seen it do before – it’s actually branching out at the top! It’s gotten so big that we’ve got to find a half barrel sized planter to put it in… now where will I find something suitable? And where on earth am I going to put the poor thing in the cooler months when it has to live indoors? It’s outgrowing it’s spot in the windowsill for sure. But we have all spring and summer to figure that one out.

So, busy busy at planting time. Good things the days are getting warmer and longer!

2012 Planting Schedule

Time flies when you’re having fun! Or just to busy to keep track of what day it is… you know how it goes. But some things don’t wait, and the spring garden is certainly one of them. It’s high time I get the planting schedule hammered down – the peppers and tomatoes need to be started in a few weeks, and some of the flowers too.

Determining when to plant is pretty easy, especially if you’re doing a single sowing of plants. Take the average frost free date for your area, and count backwards from the transplant date for the variety in question. Take tomatoes, for example. Most varieties should be started 8-10 weeks prior to the frost free date. Here in Chicago, that date is around May 3rd. I always like to start my seeds on the longer end of the range, usually just because I can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt. But really, you should be taking the weather patterns into account. This year has been mild, so starting on the long end makes sense. But for a harsh winter that might stick around  for a good while, you might err on the side of 8 weeks. That way your plants haven’t outgrown the pots and started to become leggy and weak from hanging around in the nursery too long. Make sense?

That’s the most basic way to determine a planting schedule. You should also think about when you’d like to eat your produce. If you’re going to plant 10 heads of lettuce, you don’t want all 10 maturing in the same week. You’d probably like to have 2 heads a week. So every week for 5 weeks, you’d plant 2 seeds. That way you have just the right amount of lettuce when you want it.

But for me, I’m planting a limited amount of things in containers. I’m planting four or less of each plant, so I’m not really worried about everything coming to fruition at the same time. I’m just growing for fresh eating when ever it’s ready, so I’m only doing one sowing of each variety. This is what I’ve figured out based on our average frost free date -

Tom Thumb Pea                                               4/15/2012
Compatto Dill                                                    4/1/2012
Patriot Mix Morning Glory                          4/1/2012
Early Jalapano                                                  3/18/2012
Tobasco Pepper                                                3/18/2012
Swiss Chard                                                         3/18/2012
Red Rocket Snapdragon                                3/4/2012
Emerald Falls Dichondra                              2/19/2012
We Be Little Pumpkin                                     July 1st

So, a couple more weeks and the seed starting will begin in earnest! I’ve got some scallions in a pot at the moment – just eight or so. They’re not doing so hot since I haven’t rigged up the lights yet, but they’re holding their own. Time to start scouting deals on T5 fluorescents for real!

Planning the January Garden

Yes, you read that right. Since I’ve been getting the 2012 seed catalogs already, I’ve decided I need to clear out some of my supply of seeds. And what better way to do that than grow it? The let down of Christmas in January is always hard for me – winter just becomes cold and yucky. And I start dreaming of salad greens. So I figure I really ought to grow my own.

The gear -

I’m going to use my Sow & Grow windowsill greenhouse that I got a few years ago from Veseys (that’s a stock photo from their website, by the way – I’ve got to dig mine out and clean them up before I plant).  Since I’m going to be growing some greens, I’ll just direct seed into the flat without the black seed cell inserts.

I’ve got tons of lettuce seeds, including Tom Thumb, Lolla Rossa, and I believe, some Little Gem. So I’ll do a flat of those. In my second flat, I’m going to try to do some Evergreen Bunching Scallions – I have both the green and red varieties. I just love scallions, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add fresh, green goodness to just about anything.

I’ve also been spying out new grow light set ups.  I tried some battery operated lights I found on clearance at Target last spring, but those didn’t quite work out. The adhesive to stick them up under the cabinets wasn’t strong enough to hold them in place and they burned through batteries much quicker than I thought they would. So those are out. I’ve done a little research, and it seems like T8 fluorescents are the way to go, and are the lights that are generally used in those fancy seed starting shelves and setups that a lot of the catalogs sell. Unfortunately, I can’t shell out several hundred bucks on one of those things. Also, they’re ugly and take up space I just don’t have to spare. I just want something simple, that can be mounted underneath a cabinet easily. I think I found some that will work on Amazon -

The particular light is from a company called Good Earth Lighting and runs about $15.00. Now that’s in my price range. I may be extravagant and spring for two. And they don’t look totally awful. We already own several plug in timers, so I’d simply plug it to one and I wouldn’t even have to worry about turning it on and off.

Now if only I had a way to remember to water them everyday – but hopefully with everything sitting on the kitchen counter that won’t be a major concern. At any rate, I’m looking forward to getting something growing again. And making way for new goodies to arrive as well.

The Dance of the Seed Catalogs

You’ll have to pardon my absence recently – after the craziness of Thanksgiving, I got sick for four days last week! Don’t worry, not food poisoning. But I was down for the count for a few days. What kept me going while I was sick though was the arrival of the first 2012 seed catalogs. Yep, it began early this year! The first one in my mailbox was the highly coveted Pinetree Garden Seeds. It’s my favorite by far – they’ve got a great mix of heirloom varieties and their prices are extremely affordable. I also like that they’re a small family-owned business. I’ve also received the Vermont Bean Seed catalog. I’m not really sure how I got on their mailing list, but I don’t mind. You can never have too many seed catalogs to browse through during the cold winter months.

Problem is, I don’t really need to buy any seed for 2012… I have a huge stockpile of great varieties already. And I plan to buy my tomatoes and hot peppers as starts from Midnight Sun in the spring. I just never get them started and going strong early enough. I still have to perfect my grow light set up one of these days so I can make it work. But until then, I’ve got good farmers who can get them set for me. Good thing to, since what’s a garden with tomatoes and hot peppers?

But even though I don’t plan on buying seed, I probably will end up getting a packet or two… I just can’t resist. I do have it in mind to try some dry beans this year – both Jacob’s Cattle and Vermont Cranberry are supposed to be excellent in soups and baked beans, and Jacob’s Cattle is a bush variety, with Vermont Cranberry being semi-bush. So I could likely get a plant or two going well in a large container. But I’ve got a lot of good seed for things I haven’t gotten to grow yet, including Lacinato kale and Envy soybeans (I just love edamame). I think this winter I need to draw up a proper seed starting and rotation schedule.

But the hardest part, aside from deciding what to grow and how to make the room to grow it? There are more catalogs still to come! I’m looking forward to getting Baker Creek and Seed Savers Exchange especially. I better set myself a $5.00 limit now…

Seed Starting, Part Two

Okay, the tomato and strawberry seeds have been replanted. My new set up isn’t as pretty as it was previously, but more functional for this year. I planted six of each, and since the temperatures around here have been so dreary lately, I’m giving them a head start in the warmth department but letting them live on the furnace in the utility closet over the weekend -

Like I said, not pretty… but pretty is as pretty does and the goal at this point is to get these babies to sprout. The ugly plastic bag will ensure the soil doesn’t dry out. I’m going to check them before I go to bed tonight and again tomorrow morning to make sure it’s not so hot in there that the soil won’t stay moist.

And while I’m waiting for the seeds to sprout, there isn’t a total absence of green here -

I had a couple of heads of supermarket garlic start to sprout, so I decided to plant them. Waste not want not! Once the greens get big enough, they’ll be quite tasty in pasta salad, green salad or steamed with fish. I’ve got a few more sprouted cloves too, so I’ll dig out a milk glass bowl or compote later and plant the rest. You can never have too many garlic greens.

And here is the sewing table set up, with the aforementioned water bottle close by -

Once the tomato and strawberry seeds sprout, they will join the garlic here, on a tray. So, all hope is not lost. It’s certainly better late than never!

Seedlings Don’t Thrive on Neglect…

Well. Here I am on April 16th with exactly ZERO seedlings ready for planting. Why’s that? Well apparently, you need to water them daily and make sure their sunlight needs are being met. Now clearly, I know this. I’ve been starting seeds successfully for years, but this year’s pregnancy brain has really gotten the best of me. It’s a miracle I can get out of the house each day with my keys, wallet and transit card. Remembering to stop in the kitchen and open the curtain and water the seedlings… evidently that was asking too much of myself.

But, being the middle of April yet with another potential week of hard frosts outside still, all hope is not lost. I’m just back at square one. Wouldn’t be the first time. I clearly need to modify my seed starting routine to ensure success. I’m going to direct seed my scallions, cucumbers, zucchini and such outside. So the only ones I’m going to start at this late date are tomatoes and strawberries. Yes, I’m stubbornly going to try to grow alpine strawberries from seeds still.

The seedling tray can’t live in the kitchen. Space-wise, it’s the pefect spot, but I just don’t go in there in the mornings more than grabbing my packed lunch and breakfast from the fridge. I’m going to set them up on my sewing table in the living room, with a spray bottle of water sitting right next to it – I just won’t be able to overlook them sitting there.

I WILL have seed-started tomatoes this year! Stay tuned… again.

Will I Ever Have Tomatoes?

Nearly all of the onions have sprouted. No strawberries yet, but those are supposed to take forver. But the tomatoes, I should’ve seen by now. It’s been two weeks since planting and I don’t have a single sprout. Still too chilly perhaps? I didn’t use a heat mat and I still don’t have a grow light, so I had to move the greenhouse into the window so the onions could get light. But that window is chilly…

What to do, what to do? Should I take out the cell pack, plop it in a plastic baggie and set it up in the furnace closet? Or are these seeds hopeless? Should I just start anew? So much for getting a jumpstart on the tomatoes this year. I might stick them in the furnace closet where it’s overly warm as a last ditch effort. I’d hate to think those little seeds are dead…

I’ve got to get the rest of the seeds started soon as well – the snow is gone and the weather seems to be moderating so in about a month I’ve got to have the seedlings hardened and ready for transplanting. And if all else fails, I’ll have to buy some tomato seedlings this year to make up for the failed seeds… but hopefully it won’t come to that.

Spring Green

The first seeds have sprouted! Half of the onions are poking delicate little fronds through the surface of the soil, which means I’ve got to get to get the grow light purchased and rigged up ASAP. I’m still waiting for the tomatoes and strawberries to sprout. The strawberries can take a really long time to germinate, but I’m hoping the tomatoes make an appearance soon.

And it’s pretty exciting that we’re expecting a thunderstorm tonight – how novel after months and months of snow! Well, as long as it doesn’t turn into snow. Guess we’ll have to see…

Hurry Up and Wait

I’m not good at patiently waiting for exciting things to happen. Unfortunately, it seems like waiting is all I’m doing lately. Waiting for the early vegetable seeds to sprout. Waiting for it to get warm outside. Waiting for the baby. Waiting for my seed potato order to ship.

Even though some of these waiting moments are completely unbearable, I’m trying to take it in stride. Waiting also equals getting to look forward to something, and I’m certainly looking forward to all of the things that are currently keeping me in check.

And in the meantime, maybe I need to find some productive way of channeling my lack of inertia. I want to start on the quilt for the baby, but I can’t yet because we don’t know if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl. But I keep thinking about bread. This weekend I’ll make bread – some rosemary focaccia for sure, and then maybe some olive boules… after all, there is nothing like getting your hands in the dough.