This is a journal of my vegetable gardens. Skippy was my first dog and he thought the garden was his, even though I did all the work. Now Suzie and Charley follow in his footsteps. We're located near Boston (USDA zone 6A). I have a community plot, a backyard vegetable garden, fruit trees, berry bushes, chickens, and bees. I use sustainable organic methods and do my best to grow all of my family's vegetables myself.
Great seed production Kathy, I envy your steadfast schedule. We returned from New York last weekend ( first visit, amazing city of contrasts and history) a couple of days so cold eeekkk. My seeds are suffering this Spring swinging from cold to silly warmth. Predicted 71 degrees this week! If I fail this year, I can enjoy your success and wisdom. Thanks!! Marian (London UK)
I just found your blog and will enjoy following your journal. I too am journaling my garden, anxiously awaiting our rain to let up. Although we are across the contry, I think it will be fun to compare notes. I'll add your blog to my list of interests. Thanks!
I was wondering how successful your Quadrato Rosso D'Asti (sweet red peppers) have been germinating. I also have these and so far my germination rates have been a little lack luster with this variety.
I'm a first time gardener and I'm very excited about my latest sprouts which are beets that look like yours! If you have the time to answer a question... When I planted my beets, I planted the whole seed ball and now I have clusters of seedlings that are now a little over an inch tall. Should I snip them to only one seedling each, or should I transplant the whole cluster? Thanks!
Bets do fine in clumps of 3 or 4. The roots will push each other apart as they grow. If you have a clump of more than 5, I think you should thin by pulling the extras.
If the seeds sprouted and then died, I am thinking they didn't have enough light or water. You need to have a lot of light for seedlings. A good strong bulb, preferably a florescent tube, very close to the seedlings. Water them about every other day: water thoroughly and then let the soil dry out and then water again. Keep an eye on them daily.
Good soil and clean pots are important too. I use a sterilized soil mix (usually MiracleGro) and new or bleach-rinsed seed cells.
The temperature is important too. Some seeds (especially poppers) need warm temperatures to germinate/sprout, but will grow in cooler temperatures. Temperatures too hot (above 90*F) could be a problem for seedlings.)
Let me know if any of these seem like they could have been a problem. Maybe others can give advice too.
My Quadrato Rosso D'Asti did a great job of germinating this year (two year old seeds from Ohio heirloom seeds). I did notice that they were slower than other varieties. My Thai hot and cayenne sprouted first. Then Ancho/Poblanos, and then tex mex Joe Parker. Last were my Quadrato Rosso D'Asti (sweet reds) and very last - Quadrato Giallo D'Ast (sweet yellow peppers).
Since pepper germination is temperature dependent, other growers may find even more variability. I put my peppers trays under my tropical fish tank at 78*F (toasty!) until they sprout.
12 comments:
Your pictures are amazing! You have inspired me to plant today.
Great seed production Kathy, I envy your steadfast schedule. We returned from New York last weekend ( first visit, amazing city of contrasts and history) a couple of days so cold eeekkk. My seeds are suffering this Spring swinging from cold to silly warmth. Predicted 71 degrees this week! If I fail this year, I can enjoy your success and wisdom. Thanks!!
Marian (London UK)
Great looking plants! We've just begun to put our plants outside here in CA with covers. I'm hoping they all make it.
Need your advice. My seedling sprouted and then they all died. I had them in the garage.
I just found your blog and will enjoy following your journal. I too am journaling my garden, anxiously awaiting our rain to let up. Although we are across the contry, I think it will be fun to compare notes. I'll add your blog to my list of interests. Thanks!
Look at those plants, they look great!
I was wondering how successful your Quadrato Rosso D'Asti (sweet red peppers) have been germinating. I also have these and so far my germination rates have been a little lack luster with this variety.
This is the best part of being a gardener. At least to me it is. When you see things growing.
:D
I'm a first time gardener and I'm very excited about my latest sprouts which are beets that look like yours! If you have the time to answer a question... When I planted my beets, I planted the whole seed ball and now I have clusters of seedlings that are now a little over an inch tall. Should I snip them to only one seedling each, or should I transplant the whole cluster? Thanks!
Bets do fine in clumps of 3 or 4. The roots will push each other apart as they grow. If you have a clump of more than 5, I think you should thin by pulling the extras.
Mahes,
If the seeds sprouted and then died, I am thinking they didn't have enough light or water. You need to have a lot of light for seedlings. A good strong bulb, preferably a florescent tube, very close to the seedlings. Water them about every other day: water thoroughly and then let the soil dry out and then water again. Keep an eye on them daily.
Good soil and clean pots are important too. I use a sterilized soil mix (usually MiracleGro) and new or bleach-rinsed seed cells.
The temperature is important too. Some seeds (especially poppers) need warm temperatures to germinate/sprout, but will grow in cooler temperatures. Temperatures too hot (above 90*F) could be a problem for seedlings.)
Let me know if any of these seem like they could have been a problem. Maybe others can give advice too.
Dave,
My Quadrato Rosso D'Asti did a great job of germinating this year (two year old seeds from Ohio heirloom seeds). I did notice that they were slower than other varieties. My Thai hot and cayenne sprouted first. Then Ancho/Poblanos, and then tex mex Joe Parker. Last were my Quadrato Rosso D'Asti (sweet reds) and very last - Quadrato Giallo D'Ast (sweet yellow peppers).
Since pepper germination is temperature dependent, other growers may find even more variability. I put my peppers trays under my tropical fish tank at 78*F (toasty!) until they sprout.
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