Finally, It Begins!

 Tracking Seeds

Last Frost: May 15

	Started	Germination	Re-Potted	Harden Off	Transplanted
10 Weeks: March 6
* Lavender 8	March 5
Veronica 8	March 2	March 8
Salvia 8	March 5	March 8
24
8 Weeks: March 20
Broccoli (4-6)	March 18	March 21		May 1	May 5
Dianthus (8-10)	March 20	March 25
W. Yarrow (8-10)	March 20	March 23
Cornflower (8-10)	March 20	March 23
(36)  60
6 Weeks:  April 3
Marigold (12)
Tomato (8-12)				May 14	May 28
** Nasturium (8-12)
Zinnia (8-10)
Basil (4-8)				May 14	May 28
(54) 114
	Started	Germination	Re-Potted	Harden Off	Transplanted
4 Weeks: April 17
** Zucchini (4-6)				May 14	May 28
** Borage (8-12)
(18)  132

* cold stratify for 3 weeks         

** sow in peat pots, not to disturb roots                      

*** Direct sow: White Sage- pots in ground, may be invasive

****  soaking broccoli seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours will give them a good head start, and can even speed up germination.

        Sow in porch beds and wildflower garden: echinacea, bee balm, marigold, coreopsis (yellow), dianthus and milkweed 

            - use sticks and twine to make supports for flowers and easy to mow around

Direct sow extra dianthus seeds when soil temp is 60 -70 degrees. Barely cover with soil, spritz with water to avoid washing seeds away.

Saturday, March 26

After two weeks the lavender still has not germinated. I reseeded with the seeds from Lily's gift and out in a plastic bag on the heat mat. I guess I'll baby this along a little further, but very disappointed. Everything else is doing well. At least 75% germination, I pricked out some and moved to empty cells. Veronica and salvia should be ready next week to be moved into larger pots to make room for the next batch. 

Friday, March 18

Well, the lavender still has not germinated. I wonder if the problem is they are leftover seeds? Some places on the internet say it can take as long as two to four weeks, so I'll leave them for another couple weeks. The veronica and salvia are still coming on slowly. I guess there is a reason you start them so early; at this rate they will never grow enough to plant outside. Thinned the veronica a little as all of those seeds came up. Started broccoli in the last eight larger cells. Will start dianthus, yarrow and cornflower in the smaller celled-flats when I get home on Sunday.

Tuesday, March 8

Well the heat mat really does make a difference! Both the veronica and salvia have germinated. They were supposed to be 12-14 days, according to the seed packet. I started them in the larger size flat, leaving rooms for the broccoli next. After the lavender germinates, I'll have to try that moisture mat.

Saturday, March 5

I could not wait and started the veronica on Wednesday, but finished the lavender and salvia today. The weather has started to turn the corner, but March still can bring some of the worst snow, so spring is not here yet!