This season will be my first serious attempt at starting seeds inside.
Thanks to @brimwoodfarm and @walkerland, I now know how to keep my starts from getting 'leggy'.
You see, in the past, I've tried the usual windowsill herb gardens and the odd veggie start here and there, but they all seemed to get too tall, too fast. Next thing I knew, they'd bent in half and were dying.
@brimwoodfarm gave me my first clue on how to avoid this problem. Selecting the proper starting medium is vital. I'd thought the richer the soil, the better, but I was mistaken. That method provided too much nutrition too early - contributing to growth spurts. In other words - legginess.
That bit of information led to researching for a good mix that I could get my hands on. A couple dozen #homesteadersonline posts, websites, videos, and ag school papers later, @walkerland, in her Heirloom Seeds Series, was ever so kind as to share her recipe for strong starts. (Click the link for the recipe and check out the entire series while you're there!)
The next thing to figure out was - when should the seeds be started?
I know I'm in Zone 5b, so from there I searched for my Frost Dates, since that's the yardstick the planting instructions are based on. I found a handy little chart that really helped organize my timing. They even offer a printable version of both the Spring and Fall recommendations.
Here's a glimpse at the layout:
As you can see, there's plenty of time for prepping things. As antsy as I am to get going, it's not a good idea to jump the gun. As an added measure, I'm also going to try incorporating the Farmer's Almanac Best Days suggestions for planting inside and out, plus see how all that lines up with the Amish Folklore Moon Phases Calender, which is supposed to increase the vitality and productivity of the crops.
All of those dates will be compiled on my 'working' calendar. I prefer a paper one to jot down all my notes in one place.
The Ragtag Dream Board is beginning to take shape...
... and the Ragtag Garden will be active again very soon!
RECAP:
It started here - Reclaiming The Backyard Firepit
Which turned into this - Ragtag Garden
The expansion of these two projects has now become The Ragtag Saga:
Latest episodes of the Ragtag Saga:
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 1
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 2
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 3
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 4
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 5
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 6
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 7
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 8
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 9
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 10
Stay Tuned For The Next Installment - Coming Soon!
Upvote, ReSteem,
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Gardeners Badge created by @daddykirbs. Ragtag Brand Logo created by Michelle @slhomestead. Steemit Badge created by @grow-pro.
Latest episodes of the Ragtag Saga:
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 1
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 2
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 3
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 4
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 5
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 6
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 7
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 8
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 9
Revved Up Ragtag, Part 10
Stay Tuned For The Next Installment - Coming Soon!
Upvote, ReSteem,
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Oh how I love the promise of spring! Can’t wait to see what your green thumb does this year! Happy weekend💜
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Thanks, @artedellavita! Whenever we get too many overcast days, I peek at your garden for a reminder of lush growth. Guaranteed smile , every time!
Happy weekend to you, too, hon!
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Another hint is if you do use a light keep it very close to the tops of your seedlings, but not touching of course.
Following to keep up. And I would like to thank you for visiting and upvoting some of my post❗️
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Thanks! I'll give that a try as well!
Have to keep up with y'all, too... doing great stuff for the community!
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Thank you, That’s very kind of you.
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Lovely ideas, @aunt-deb and thanks for sharing the link to mixing the best medium for starting seeds...VERY useful!
I always plant, prune and sow with the moon, and sometimes biodynamically with the planets too...and it never seems to fail to give the plants/seedlings the BEST start.
Since reading Masaru Emoto's book about the hidden messages in water I always bless my watering cans with positive abundant words too....this "feeds" the plants with more than just water and nutrients but gives them the power of your positive intention as well. If you aren't aware of his work give me a shout, or google it, because this is powerful stuff every good gardener should be aware of!
Wishing you the greenest and happiest planting cycles ahead and a blooming good growing season 🌿🌱🌳⭐️
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Thanks and you're welcome!
I haven't heard of this water-centric concept. Interesting... Looks like more research for me! Thanks!
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Oh my. I went to the website, and it says on average our frost free growing season is June 16-Sept. 5, or 81 days. I knew it was short, but it's depressing to see it in print!! Ha ha!
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Wow, that IS short! Sounds like you'll need a lot of early producers. That'll fend off the blues...
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A fellow zone 5b'er <3 I love your dream board:) It looks like you are all set! I am also itching to start seeds, I have started hot peppers and rhubarb now I'm holding back haha!! Can't wait to follow your progress:)
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Sweet! We can compare notes...
Thanks for the support! I'm holding off starting mine til however-long-I-can-resist in February. This area is notorious for late winter/early spring weather antics. So, my rough agenda is greenhouse first, then seed starts. It'll give the seedlings a controlled space to land during the transition. That's the theory anyway... LOL!
Following you to see your progress, too!
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You are far too organized for me. One day I will take a few hours and do as much as possible then more later on. WTer when it doesn’t rain and hope the chickens leave enough for a little harvest. How do you feel about chicken and dumplings? Lol. All good on the home front aunt-deb. You got it going on. 🐓🐓
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Well, we'll see if I can follow through. I'm usually a ditzy mess with this stuff, so I figured I'd give some structure a try for once. I think the thing that's shifted is looking at everything with a multi-year vision for change, instead of 'plant some stuff & hope for the best' type approach. I'd never have attempted something like this without y'all to turn to for advice. I aim to do y'all proud. Thanks again for all the encouragement!
LOVE chicken and dumplings! I'm German. Anything with dumplings has my attention. ;~D
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Your organization is admirable! I found similar organization to be the only way I could keep track of everything in the garden this year...
~ Kevin
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Thanks! It's encouraging to hear that organization does help. We'll see how well I can keep up with it... ;~D
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Good info to keep those sprouts doing what we want them doing - making roots! Nitrogen is also know to slow root growth, so medium is vital! I use coca coir to start and do very light feeding (5-10% recommended schedule on package). I like 0-10-10 for that, but it really depends on many other factors like what you are growing, environment /light etc.
I'm the 'mater man' so that is my main focus. But I always start my plants months before everyone else here in zone7b and do not have issues with spindly sprouts. I supplement light and mindful of distance (further away the light source, the more they try to stretch).
I also recommend tapping them and gently blowing on them periodically. It is a stress to them that makes them create hormones to strengthen the herd of the plant. That is a tactic I use and greatly recommend.
I'm ready to fire things up here in the next few weeks, so you've got me all excited now...haha I might need to go thru this pile of seed catalogs today 😆
Really looking forward to the ragtag garden @aunt-deb, grow big and grow home 😉🌱☀️
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Thanks, @grow-pro! I'll be doing a post on my set up when it gets closer to planting time and will keep this advice in mind. I like the 'exercise' routine, too. I'll have to remember to do that!
Oh, and you should catch up with @amberyooper, who's another 'mater enthusiast!
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Hey don't thank me yet @aunt-deb you gotta try 'tapping' and then you will really thank me.
I swear by it! You'll see. Gentle tap every day or so stimulates the plant to say 'hey, I need to strengthen up'
First glance I see railroads (if you have seen my non-tomato pics on here, they are nature or train tracks..lol) so I mashed the follow button immediately on @amberyooper. More than enough in common and the about had me laughing! Gotta laugh or we go crazy, so hey that is reason enough.
When you cleaned the van, I started digging the other day.. Might take notes and ragtag along 😉
I found some buckets, too!
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I've heard of folks using fans to mimic breezes, but I think I like the tapping better. Considering they're mostly going in containers & will inevitably be jostled, it makes sense to 'train' them early to that treatment. And you found buckets! Excellent news - can't wait to see what you do with them!
@amberyooper is a hoot and a half. Check the pictures taken out in the yard. There is a stretch of working railroad track along one side. Y'all will hit it off, sounds like... ;~D
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Yes! The fan is something I do not recommend for seedlings, simply because the volume of soil/grow medium is so small and will dry out with a fan blowing on them. I use 72 cell trays, so they do dry out fast enough as it is. Start mine in the basement near my woodstove (seeds germinate better from the heat) and I use no heat mat or anything. Managed to grow a couple thousand plants from a 10x10 space ;)
The tomato plants I sell and donate to help a local nursery program at a hospital were outside, hardened off and 3 feet tall by 3/1 last year (not bad for zone7!). Faster you can help them acclimate and encourage root growth, the faster they give us what we need! I might start planting some broccoli if this weather keeps acting so funky.Come on spring time!
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The drying effect of the fan makes total sense. They're going to be a small space, so I'll avoid that method for sure! Thanks! Tapping, it is!
That is impressive for zone 7! The concepts can be copied here and fingers crossed the timing works out. Chicago area weather is notoriously fickle. That's why I'm eager to get the greenhouse done first.
Keep us posted if you go for the broccoli...
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I spoil my plants..haha they all come in on cold snaps, which we do get here in MD. I will be sure to get my garden posts rolling again soon and I have some goodies I've been mentioning.. 😉
Your organization is inspiring, but I know...I have a ways to go..lol
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I wish it was possible to start more seeds outside. Ive noticed the ones that come up naturally outside are incredibly strong from the beginning, but that is hard if no impossible, so the best we can usually do is get the the best start possible inside.
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It's so hard to wait for the frost danger to pass. The two things that show up first in spring around here are some yellow daffodils near our driveway and the ancient chives in a pot out back. When we get our greenhouses up & running, it'll help give us a jumpstart!
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This is exactly how I want to go about timing my garden this year. I just have to make myself do it.
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Having Steemit in the mix helps a lot. It's an accountability tool. It documents progress. It can even help pay for some of the projects. I didn't plan it this way, but what the hell... LOL!
You built a freakin' house in a week. I know you can plan out a planting schedule if you could co-ordinate that project. Treat yourself to a reward when you get it done!
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Another reason seedlings get leggy is the lack of light. In norther climates like ours it’s a bit of struggle starting seeds by a window. I’ve noticed ind getting leggy because it’s so early in the season. But with time, they should self correct if the soil, moisture are correct and the days get longer. I’ve started seedlings in well fertilized soil just fine. I think some plants are more susceptible to legginess though, my brassicas are notorious for this.
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Agreed on the lack of light aspect contributing to the problem. I've got some LED grow lights and have my eye on something to use as a controlled environment. I'll do a post on that when I get to that phase. Thanks for the reminder!
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Step 1: Make the plans
Looks like you have this well under way =)
Can't wait for this growing season to get in full swing!!
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Ditto on the wishing the season kickoff was closer. Planning helps with cabin fever, no doubt!
Planning is a learning curve, too, as I usually just see what the nurseries have & plunk it in the dirt. The gardeners here have inspired me to step it up a notch. Waiting is soooooooo hard! Lol!
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Looks like you have a good plan in place. Think you will do great. Best of luck
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Thanks! I sure hope it works. If not, at least I'll have a baseline to adjust from next time.
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You're really doing some research and planning! That one chart said n/a for starting asparagus indoors. I've got 800 asparagus seeds and I want to start some of them inside and some outside. I'll probably start the indoor ones in March. I like all the handy tools you are using for plant dates.
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Hopefully, it helps. I'm a total novice on this stage of growing, so research is my confidence builder. Fingers crossed it translates well to the practical, hands-on phase...
Asparagus is a challenge from what I've heard, although @wholesomeroots had some good luck with it this past season if memory serves. I hope you get a strong patch established!
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I don’t know which I enjoy more, seed starting or harvesting. Watching tiny little plants popping through the soil, then growing taller and adding new leaves is every bit as exciting as watching a blossom turn into a tiny fruit and growing into something beautiful and delicious! Starting seeds means spring is coming and it’s time to get ready. When the harvest is over it means there’s a little time to rest before the busy seasons return. I guess I love them both the same, just different. :)
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Yeah, that is a tough call. Both have their unique rewards. Thankfully, it's usually not a 'one and done' proposition and we get a fresh go each year!
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No kidding!
Ya know, I think my favorite might be which ever one I'm doing at the time!
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There ya go! I like that view point!
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You should pay more attention when cutting/pasting comments. Just fyi, I don't reward spam comments.
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