So, I haven't given up on trying to grow my own veggies. I'm trying it again this year. Everything's organic, like last time. I'm determined to get at least some veggie production this time around. Last year, I made lots of mistakes like:
planting too soon
overwatering
not planting in full sun
falling and being stuck on crutches most of the season
So, this time, I started my seeds indoors, under controlled (mostly) conditions. I bought a seed heating mat and a thermometer to control the temperature of the soil. I used special sterile potting soil, sure to be free of any bugs or disease. I put them in front of a south-facing window, which is supposed to be the best. I keep the soil moist but not wet. I rotate the seedlings often so that they don't stretch toward the light and get wimpy stems. If I don't get veggies after all this, I will be thoroughly frustrated. Here's my garage set-up:
So far, so good. I have about a 95% germination rate! Hooray! The onions are the only thing that didn't germinate, which didn't surprise me, b/c I was really pushing the limit on their season anyway. The other seedlings are tomatoes (three varieties), red and orange bell peppers, and eggplant. 
Within a week or so I'll direct seed some other foods outside. Plants with larger seeds do better if you just plant them outdoors, so I'll put beans, cucumber, squash and maybe some others out soon. I'm also going to do some herbs on our deck. Our deck gets full sun all day long, so I'm also going to plant a few of my tomato seedlings out there....just in case. Soon, my seedlings from the garage will be ready to get acclimated to the wild outdoors and I'll have to slowly introduce them to being outside. Seems strange having to do that for a plant that's meant to be outside, but they haven't experienced wind, rain or temperature fluctuation at all, so they're kind of fragile. If I just plop them out there, they won't make it. So....that's the garden update for this year! Cross your fingers that we get some food! If you live close, maybe you can come share in our harvest. I'm excited.Also, if you've read this whole post, you either are interested in growing your own food, or you're a friend. So, I've saved our other update for last. We're having a baby!!! Due this fall. It's kind of fun that the life of my seedlings coincides with the life of our new little addition. Is that nerdy? Anywho, we're excited. Hooray for gardens and babies!
Congratulations to you and Doug! That's awesome news! :)
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to start some seeds indoors this year, but I couldn't think of a place to put them that would be cat-safe (our cat eats everything). So I think we'll stick with planting ones that have already been started, at least this year. There's a great organic farm up here that sells herbs and vegetables at the end of April. I'm so excited and love making meals with things from the garden. Next year, when we have a house instead of a rented townhouse, we're planning to start from scratch (because hopefully we'll have enough rooms to have a cat-proof one haha). I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you this time next year!
Yay for you guys and the baby news! We've been more than curious to find out what Doug's phone call was about.... :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations! All of your news is exciting! And I am interested in BOTH. :) I wish I could grow veggies. We get lots through out the year from my office manager who has a HUGE organic garden but I really wish I could do it myself. But right now neither of us have the time to maintain veggies. Keep trying! I love the care and concern you have put into these little seedlings. Your other little one growing has nothing to worry about when he/she/they come out into the world! ;) -love, Amber
ReplyDeletecongrats to yall amy! what a crazy journey yall are about to be on with a little one. I hope you're feeling well and if you have any questions let me know!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to watching your veggies grow, I still haven't started my garden and well, I think it might be too late.