What did you do in the garden today?

[BullChick]

A few people have mentioned starting seeds on a moist paper towel in a bag. That is what I’m confused about. I just put seeds in dirt in a small container inside.

 

[BullChick]

My husband said his uncle put seeds in a jar on top of the refrigerator near the back where the heat is generated.

 

[MarkJr]

A few people have mentioned starting seeds on a moist paper towel in a bag. That is what I’m confused about. I just put seeds in dirt in a small container inside.

It depends on what you are starting.

Strawberries, for example, start better for me in moist paper towel.

 

[WthrLady]

Oh, goodie!
Why do you germinate before planting? How long do you do it, and how do you plant it?
Can I put a tomato plant in the garage, and expect it to resume growing the next spring?

It depends on the plant.
A tomato can be overwintered, but they are picky about it, and it's just darn easier in the US to start from a new plant in the Spring. More on that...https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2012/10/perennial-tomatoes.html

As for germination/planting/doing starts also depends on the plant. Some plants do NOT like to be transplanted after sprouting, and MUST be planted in situ and left to grow.

And the reason for starting. Weather.
While I CAN plant directly into the ground, most plants do not even start growing until the soil temperature hits a certain point. The temperature swing in most parts of the US is too wild for garden plants, and the soil is still too cool anyway.

To start them indoors, fives you a 6 week head start when the soil does come up to temperature.

 

[WthrLady]

A few people have mentioned starting seeds on a moist paper towel in a bag. That is what I’m confused about. I just put seeds in dirt in a small container inside.

OH I do that for seeds that might have a questionable germination rate. Then I am putting in seeds that have already proven they are alive and not having to waste seeds for thinning.

 

[WthrLady]

I am finally completely caught up on this thread! That was a lot of reading. Now, I just have to get caught up on the baker's thread.



This might be a dumb question, but where would I look to find these for cheap/free? (Anything free is worth saving up for.)

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm hoping to be able to grow even more this season. My husband and I dream of being moved into our own house before June, and then I can plant directly in the ground. But I'm not psyching myself up because it might be just that: a dream.

I'm holding off on looking through what seeds I have because I wouldn't be able to start seeds for at LEAST one more month, and it will just make me impatient to plant them all (yes, every variety in my box)!

Find a local horse boarding place and ask them for their bags.
Many get in bulk feed, but still use stuff in bags for those on special diets.
They may just point you to the dumpster and say 'have at it'

 

[BullChick]

OH I do that for seeds that might have a questionable germination rate. Then I am putting in seeds that have already proven they are alive and not having to waste seeds for thinning.

That could have saved me a lot of frustration the past two years. SeedsNow and Amazon have sent me all kinds of duds.

 

[BullChick]

And now I know!

 

[Ascholten]

Well, we have a local 'eat your yard jacksonville' farm here, with all kinds of eatable plants and stuff. Ive been hanging out there for a little while, it's a really awesome place, and they work with special needs people and do really great things in the community so I am happy to help out, support.... anyways... been working for him at his farm, and getting plants and other things in return... one of my latest ventures.. worms for composting.

I started an IBC tote of them myself but now am going to start raising buckets of red worms for gardening. They sell very well and also are fantastic for your garden. In my case, my entire garden just about, is going to be cut in half IBC totes, just works for me and Im not overly concerned with looking quaint or purty, im more a 'utility, how does it work' kind of person. With that I don't have to worry about the chickens eating my worms, which they DO with great vigor with my composter that is on ground level with holes in it's bottom. I swear they have a 2 foot radius on that thing dug down about a foot deep scratching by now. Feathered Brats.... anyways now I get to split the compost into two piles, one for the chickies and one for the worms.

Tomorrow I lay out the buckets, and get things ready to hopefully have a ton of worms in a few months to transfer both to my own growing totes, and start selling buckets of them as well to support my chicken AND gardening habits.

Aaron

 

[Artichoke Lover]

That could have saved me a lot of frustration the past two years. SeedsNow and Amazon have sent me all kinds of duds.

Unfortunately SeedsNow seems to be known for that which really sucks since they have so many interesting varieties.