As I mentioned in my previous blog, I had ordered variety of seeds from EdenBrothers.com during last fall and was eager to start seeds indoor. The Farmer's Almanac had predicted mild winter for USDA zone 6, so gearing up my courage I started with Eggplants, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Basil and Brussels Sprouts indoor. A lady at my local nursery suggested not to keep my seeds tray next to window as there could be draft that might damage the seeds. I have my herbs growing on the windowsill and they are doing just fine.
Last month I had attended a session regarding starting seeds indoor at Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. They had offered the participants to pick the used seed starting trays from last year. I had picked few of them to start my experimental gardening this year!!
I filled each of these cells with Miracle Gro (moisture control mix available in bulk at Costco) and gently sowed 4 seeds in each and lightly covered them. Next I labeled them with names and dates they were sowed. Later these were placed on aluminum tray (from a dollar store) for the excess water to drain. I let it sit on a table next to a window (indirect light) and after three days voila most of these seeds sprouted!!
My next big challenge is to start thinning them after few weeks. The general rule to start thinning the seedlings is when they have atleast two pairs of true leaves and are 3-4 inches tall. I guess I have few more days before I get into this process.
P.S: As I had imagined, thinning was tedious task so my next batch was with toilet paper rolls. Since they are biodegradable these small holders can be placed directly onto the ground or raised bed after the leaves have emerged.
Last month I had attended a session regarding starting seeds indoor at Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. They had offered the participants to pick the used seed starting trays from last year. I had picked few of them to start my experimental gardening this year!!
 |
| Seeds sowed on 2/20/2016 |
I filled each of these cells with Miracle Gro (moisture control mix available in bulk at Costco) and gently sowed 4 seeds in each and lightly covered them. Next I labeled them with names and dates they were sowed. Later these were placed on aluminum tray (from a dollar store) for the excess water to drain. I let it sit on a table next to a window (indirect light) and after three days voila most of these seeds sprouted!!
 |
| Sprouts emerging after three days |
My next big challenge is to start thinning them after few weeks. The general rule to start thinning the seedlings is when they have atleast two pairs of true leaves and are 3-4 inches tall. I guess I have few more days before I get into this process.
P.S: As I had imagined, thinning was tedious task so my next batch was with toilet paper rolls. Since they are biodegradable these small holders can be placed directly onto the ground or raised bed after the leaves have emerged.
