Thursday, March 25, 2010

Starting Seeds Indoors

I couldn't wait to get my tomato and pepper seeds started! I've heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Well, that could apply to any one of us in NW Wisconsin when we look at the gorgeous seed catalogs, buy our seed packets, our potting soil, and the little biodegradable containers in which to plant them. Every year we think that it's THE year for success, and that the resulting plants will look just as healthy and hearty as those we could purchase from a nursery. We are full of springtime optimism.
I don't think the desired results have ever quite been achieved; nevertheless, with sunny, warm spring days and every Menards, Farm & Fleet, and WalMart carrying seed packets, it's impossible to walk out of there without purchasing at least some seeds and going home greatly inspired and hopeful.

Besides the potting soil, I also purchased the little starter containers, a total of 50 cells. Who could possibly need more than 50, right? Because last year I planted 48 tomato plants and just about as many pepper plants, I had decided ahead of time that this year I only need 6 plants of each. That's good in theory. The trouble is, how can you plant only 6 seeds when there are still many left in the packet?

So after carefully picking up each microscopic tomato seed and planting it, I realized that I was going to need more planting cells. I mean, after all, I've only got two types of tomatoes (I've never held it against Dan Quayle that he couldn't spell potato. Remember the days when the worst thing we could find about a politician was that he couldn't spell potato???) So I have hybrids this year: Early Girl, which was a huge success last year, and Best Boy. Then I planted Poblano peppers and Carmen peppers. I don't know that the Carmens will actually ripen to a scarlet red, but we'll see. I still need to plant jalapenos, green bell peppers, zinneas, and I'm sure I'll think of something else. Today I had to go back to the store for more planting cells.

Also, they have these cool and cheap little plastic greenhouses. I expect they will work so much better than my improvised greenhouses from last year. Each greenhouse holds 50 cells. Now they're sitting on the bench next to our bedroom window. The advantage of the purchased greenhouse is that if Lionel or Tuppence should decide to walk over or lie on top of them, I think the noise of the plastic crinkling will scare them off. Let's hope so.
The photo of Lionel is thrown in for free. When I went upstairs to take a photo of the greenhouse, Lionel was sitting up on the bed like a furry Buddha. He sat there looking at me the entire time I was in the bedroom. I love that cat!

So are you starting seeds indoors? If so, what are you planting? And what else should I be starting indoors?



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3 comments:

  1. I am so glad you are anticipating warmer weather and planting a garden. Maybe that is why next week it is supposed to be 70 degrees. Wouldn't that be nice? I am not starting seeds indoors. It never was anything I was interested in doing. I like to buy the seed pack and plant. Renee planted lots of seeds in the house about 3 years ago and had got little natty bugs so I decided it was not for me. I am glad you are though as I know your garden is a big one and it will be nice, I'm sure, to have plants growing that you can put in it. Have a good evening. :)

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  2. I'm still going to be on the lookout for patchouli plants when the nurseries are ready. Also, it's hard to pass up some nursery plants when I see them. We'll see how I do. :-)

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  3. i'm looking forward to starting my seeds indoors...but it's too early. Love the photo of your kitty...too cute!
    Thanks for sharing this on The HomeAcre Hop!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-homeacre-hop.html

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