March 2024

 Seed Starting So Far

April 5, 2024

My planning was WAY off in regards to the seed shelves. I basically had the idea that everything I sowed on the first round would be ready for the basement two weeks later. There was no way that could happen, don't know what I was thinking. If I am going to continue this, I should probably consider another set of shelves. Or perhaps keeping the shelves downstairs warmer? Maybe larger heat mats? 

I've been rethinking the lavender bed at the front of the garden. Lavender needs to be spaced far apart, and looks a little ragged until it is established. Maybe I should consider another spot for this and just go all the way around with the Blue Hyssop? 

April 1, 2024

Well, the lupine actually worked out. I initially forgot to nick each seed before stratification. So I did it last week and then put it back in the fridge.  Well, when I went to sow them today, some of them had begun to sprout! I'm hopeful that I will get good results from this. I also noticed that the seeds are white to white-grey, but after nicking and a week in the fridge, they were yellow, almost like corn. Seems to be a good indication that they are viable and ready to be sown.

My next big round of sowing is in a couple days. I already had to pot up the zinnia and move them downstairs. But I am def. going to have to pot on the anise hyssop, pearl yarrow, broccoli and probably others. Nervous that I will run out of space quickly. 

March 24, 2024

Well, the lavender is going about the same as it did last year. I started17 and after 2 1/2 weeks only seven germinated and are going really slowly.

On the other hand, the red zinnia came right up and are already potted up! The ansie hyssop and the pearl yarrow came up right away.

I think I messed up the cold stratification for the sundial lupine. I should have scarifed it before putting in the fridge. So I chipped them today and will put in the fridge for ten days. Hopefully I can get them to germinate.