gardening 101: tips for starting seeds
It’s that time again – time to get our gardens started! I’m a casual backyard gardener, and this year I’ve decided to grow my usual things – herbs and tomatoes – and perhaps some cucumbers. And it’s time to get those seeds going! I’ve learned a few things over the past few years that have helped my seeds and garden flourish:
1. Start seedlings between damp paper towels, loosely sealed in a zip-top or plastic bag. The bag will help keep the towels moist, and create a terrarium-like effect when placed in the sun.
2. Once the seeds have sprouted (a few days to a week, depending on the plant), using tweezers or a gentle hand transfer them to a clean paper egg carton filled with sterilized soil. You can sterilize your own soil by dampening it slightly and microwaving for a minute (or until steamy) and let cool. This will help kill bacteria and inhibit mould growth. Again, loosely cover with plastic and place in a sunny window.
3. Once the seedlings are about 1cm tall, remove the cover and gently water. I use a turkey-baster to slowly drip water into each cup. Rotate the carton in sun every few days, letting the seedlings grow up to 2 inches (any taller than that, and the roots will probably need more soil to properly grow). Once they reach 2 inches, you can cut the carton up into individual cups and plant directly into larger pots (yes, you can plant the carton! It will decompose), or, gently scoop out the plant and dirt with a spoon to transfer.
Tips:
- Rotate seedling containers every few days so they get even sunshine.
- Do not overwater or you could cause seedlings to rot. Soil should be damp, but not flooded.
- Be sure the dirt in seedling’s final growing spot is fertile. Add compost or organic fertilizer to boost nutrients, based on your local garden supplier’s recommendations. It will immensely help the growth and stamina of plants as the summer goes on!
- Don’t be afraid to start too many seeds! You may loose a few plants to rot, dehydration, etc., so plant extras to start. You can always give away the extra seedlings to neighbors and friends. Have any of your own tips to add? Sound off in comments! – Rebecca F.
Photo: Rebecca Firlik
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new twist on lawn chair webbing: leather belts
I’ve re-webbed patio chairs and I’ve written about chairs woven with belts, but this is the first I’ve seen leather belts used to web patio chairs. Lori Wyant has the how-to at Green Is Universal. I confess I’m slightly on the fence about the finished project, but I think it could be a lot of fun to search out funky belts at thrift stores. Just be sure they’re long enough to use as webbing! And if you need a little more instruction, revisit our chair webbing how-to. — Mary T.
spring bonus: hand-pruned bouquet
Call me slow to catch on. I love boxwoods outside, especially the dwarf varieties, but outside of Christmas time, I never thought of adding them to bouquets. This spring I decided to go all in after hand pruning the front walk. I was worried it would look too seasonal, but after plopping a bunch of greens (sans water) into a pewter cup, I’m hooked. There’s no changing water and the price is oh-so right. Watch out variegated euonymus. You’re next. — Sarah L.
coffee: the perfect cuppa green fertilizer
Instead of dumping your coffee grounds in the trash, save them! Spring’s the perfect time to go green. For any acid-loving plants — think evergreens, roses and tomatoes — coffee grounds spread around the base of the plant will give a nitrogen boost. But take care; as with any fertilizer, coffee grounds are toxic to both dogs and cats, so make sure you’re applying them in a pet-free zone. (Just to be safe, I usually water the grounds in or place mulch over them.) For indoor potted plants like gardenias, skip the messy grounds and simply pour any leftover coffee on the plant. Once every other week or so is plenty. — Sarah L.
old-fashioned favorites: hellebores
Right on schedule, my hellebores — also called Lenten roses — are blooming. It’s taken three years for them to establish themselves, but I’m finally being rewarded with dinner-plate sized clumps of semi-evergreen leaves and flowers ranging from a deep plum to a chartreuse. The blooms will last for well over a month if not trampled by kids or dog. They’re ideal for shady spots and are pretty tolerant of poor soil. If you have a little patience, now’s the perfect planting time. If you live in Zone 4 or lower, check the hardiness of individual varieties. — Sarah L.
