Friday morning coming down and it’s a cool one. Though the greenhouse temperatures are good, staying above freezing on its own even at night, things are not taking off just yet. I guess I’m impatient, wanting now, now, now! The snowpeas are growing tendrils. The seeded lettuce are poking their heads above the soil. The spinach is still skinny but the radish leaves are getting fatter as are the Gai Lan. They will burst forth all in good time.
The seedlings are doing well also. They are robust, thriving in the greenhouse. They get plenty of light in the day. The cool nights keep them from bolting and getting leggy. I can repot some while waiting for the other seeds to germinate. I can get swamp if I’m not careful. Even after all these years of gardening and starting my own seeds, I still have many doubts. It is still a miracle when I see them germinate and poke their heads above the soil. I do not take anything for granted. I tend to over seed – just in case.
This year I am being a little more bold and confident. I cut back a little. Prices have gone up and you get fewer seeds in a pack. I label the pots with the number of seeds I sow. That way I would know the germination rate. It would help for next year’s sowing. So far I’m pretty happy that it’s almost 100%. There are those seeds that’s too small to count. I’ve also started to date my seed packs so I know how old the seeds are. 3 years is supposed to be the best before date. But nothing is set in stone. Here is an interesting video about a seed grower in Saskatchewan. It’s inspiring me.
Sounds like your garden is coming along good. We have tons of lettuce and Lia picked her first 3 pea pods yesterday and made me peas and butter for dinner. Something about fresh from the garden vegetables, they are so good.
I know absolutely nothing about gardening, but I think a germination rate of almost a 100% is super impressive! Keep it up – and be patient 😉
Lily, I love all this gardening you do! I want to do more, but I seem to get so busy with other things. Thanks for the video on the seed experts– fascinating!
Harvesting seeds are great for a sustainable garden practice.Loved all that you shared.Gardening is one of my favorite ways to stay happy .