My Seedlings

From And Sow My Garden Grows

I never imagined that I'd be so excited about the germination process of seeds or did I ever think that I'd be writing about it but here I am. Almost all my seeds have sprouted! I planted them all last Thursday and have been monitoring them pretty closely - adjusting the light, checking the dampness of the soil, providing air circulation and apparently I have not failed so far! The cantaloupe & cucumbers almost popped up right away - it amazed us. The brandywine is the last to break through but I think I see some soil movement and of course I'm hopeful for them :) Now I'm at the point where I'm reading once they sprout you should remove the dome cover - but some have not. I guess I will have to separate them and maybe get the ones that did sprout adapting to outdoor light. Hardening off this is called. Seems like a pretty easy process if I can remember to set them out and bring them back in. I think the good old post it notes may find themselves useful around here once again!

Seed Starting

Of course I can't jump into anything lightly - that's just not me. I think we had 18 tomato plants last year and only 2 of this family of four eat them. This year I wanted to start some of our tomatoes by seed. I've done just that and more. I not only have the the 15 newspaper pots going (which is working quite well) but now have a 72 cell Jiffy Pot Starter kit going as well. The light is on and mat as well at times and the fun has begun! We are all enjoying our quick peeks in the morning to note any change and already since planting Thursday we have cantaloupe and cucumbers pushing through the surface. It's quite exciting but there is much worry attached to it all for me. Am I providing enough light? is it warm enough? too warm? When does the dome come off and this hardening off thing sounds like a lot of work! All part of the process I suppose and again I sit here hopeful. I do enjoy following others on their garden blogs - the posts, pictures and how to's have been helpful and inspiring to me.

From And Sow My Garden Grows

From And Sow My Garden Grows