Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Seed Starting in the Snow.....Part II

We certainly did get a whopper of a spring snowstorm this weekend - wowzers, oh golly!!


By the time the snow finally stopped we had a good foot of snow - which is more snow than we got the entire winter up here this season! 

So strange. 


Looking out my windows this morning it sure is lovely....but perhaps I'd be a bit more excited if it was, say.....DECEMBER!


A giant icicle fell on my daughter's head this morning when she went out to bring in firewood. Thankfully she wasn't hurt! So, she knocked them down with a shovel....but not before I had taken a couple of photos!

The only thing for a die hard gardener to do when we get a foot of snow in April is to carry on as if it isn't there. 

So, I did. 

I played in the dirt. 

I just did it inside, rather than outside. 


It was time to move the first batch of seedlings out of the warm, toasty utility room and make way for batch #2. 


I set up a folding table in the lower level family room, which is cooler than the utility room. Perfect for these seedlings to continue growing before it's time to harden them off. 


The lettuces are doing well....nearly time to thin them out, which is a painful process. You live, you die....sorry, little guys!


Leeks and three types of peppers.....


Eggplant, cosmos, and sunshine winter squash....happy little seedlings!


The only ones from batch #1 that are lagging are the celery seeds....I have two tiny seedlings that have emerged in the last few days. I'm guessing they just take a little longer to germinate. We'll see...


For Batch #2, I planted a whole flat of marigolds. We plant these among the veggies in both my veggie garden and my sweetie's, to help keep pests away. I have been doing this for years and I do believe it helps. 


I started 5 varieties of tomatoes....some cherry, some slicing. 


Zinnias and two types of sunflowers went in as well. Sunflowers do not like their roots disturbed so if you start them indoors you should either plant them in cow pots/peat pots OR plant them directly in the planter you want them to stay in. 

They can also be sowed directly in the soil outdoors after the last frost date but since our growing season is shorter up here, I like starting them indoors when I can. It gives them a nice head start. 

I can't wait to see all those happy smiling faces! Sunflowers just scream "Country Garden" to me!

I also started Hyacinth Bean, some Bok Choy, and a cayenne pepper that was on backorder. 

Batch #2 is complete!

Batch #3 will be started in another 2 weeks. Hopefully some of these sprouts will be ready to be moved out to the family room by that time to make room for the new seeds in the warm utility room. 

So far, I am quite pleased with my seed starting system. 

Now, if we can just get the snow to disappear we'll be golden!

Meanwhile, I went upstairs to see where my two helpers were. 


And I found them. 

I'm so glad I bought them these comfy chairs. 

Pathetic.....just pathetic. 

Good thing I love them so much!





41 comments:

  1. "your helpers". hahaha. They do not seem bothered by the snow the least bit.
    Lisa

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    1. Not the tiniest bit, Lisa! Little funny pups, they are, for sure!

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  2. Well, that's a lot of snow!!

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    1. Unfortunately it's sticking around for a bit, also! Looks like we won't get a break from the cold until next Tuesday, wahhhhh!!

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  3. Can't wait to see your garden when everything can be moved outside. Soon. Hang in there. Perhaps your "helpers" have the right idea. LOL I posted about my "helper" today too!

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    1. I loved your post about your little helper....although I was jealous for sure!

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  4. How cute your helpers are! Adorable. Your seedlings look great!

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    1. Thanks, Carole - the seedlings are doing quite well with my trial system - so far, so good!

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  5. Love - love the puppies snoozing away all cozy! The snow now is something I know very well as we had the most snow in April every year in Colorado and even in May sometimes! Hope your daughter has recouped from the icicle challenge!

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    1. I wonder how it will be in your new home, Bernideen - it seems warmer there, is it?

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  6. LOL. I see the supervisors were taking their 15-minute break. ;0D

    Your germination rate looks great! Looking forward to seeing all your veggies growing. Sending sunshine your way to melt all that snow!

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    1. Thanks, Daisy Gurl! Jonny's Selected Seeds are awesome - definitely a high germination rate! I think I've had about 90% success or more at this point - not too shabby!

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  7. ... love your helpers, that photo made me smile, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You're very welcome...and thanks for visiting my little mountain top world, Jan!

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  8. LOL, I see the dogs know how to deal with your snow. Honey, you are going to have an awesome garden once you get to plant all your seedlings outside. It's cold here and we have had fires in the fireplace. I did have a fun day with my daughter in Northern Indiana. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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    1. I do hope so, Susie - I can't wait to get started out there but winter just won't let go! Glad you had a nice day with your daughter!!

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  9. Is that a union-authorized break? ha! After seeing all your snow, I won't complain about the pending rain. The icicles are beautiful! Hubs uses a light like the one you have. We make plant markers from old slats from a discarded mini-blind.

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    1. Ha ha ha ha cute, Donna!! :) Hey, what a great idea for plant markers - good for you!!

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  10. Your helpers are worthless!! lol! Glad your daughter didn't get hurt. Ice cycles are deadly weapons, yikes! I hope you thaw out soon. We are no way near that cold, but nights are a lot colder than they should be.

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    1. They certainly are useless, aren't they.....except that they make me smile constantly and warm my heart and soul!

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  11. Best company in the world on a snowy day - two love bug dogs. The seedlings are doing great. Looks like your system is working perfectly. Watch out spring your garden will be great.

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    1. I can't wait, Barbara! I'm down there every morning, afternoon, and evening checking on my little seed babies, making sure they don't dry out, & looking for signs of growth!! I think I'm a wackadoodle!!

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  12. My goodness you have a lot of seedlings started. Your garden is going to be beautiful and productive! Your "helpers" faces say it all...such happy (and spoiled) fur babies and darned proud of it too! LOL!

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  13. My goodness you have a lot of seedlings started. Your garden is going to be beautiful and productive! Your "helpers" faces say it all...such happy (and spoiled) fur babies and darned proud of it too! LOL!

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    1. Ha ha, yes, those little helpers really don't do much, do they? My seedlings are doing well....and I just bought a few more packets yesterday, this time all flowers - I'll be starting them this weekend!

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  14. Dear Mountain Mama:
    This post is very helpful and full of seed starting inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Not a problem - I love sharing at your great blog, Bernideen!

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  15. I would love to add a grow light next year. Your looks like it works wonders! I just used a south window and a lamp at night. What kind of lamp do you have? Super seedlings!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting - I just popped over and left you a link to the light I'm using.

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  16. The snow makes wonderful photos along with the icicles, but getting antsy to garden doesn't depend on the weather. Great post.

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    1. Thanks, Betty - I am always grateful for the break from gardening for a short while when the snow hits. But it's short lived - I am a true gardener and it runs in my blood!

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  17. Wow, that's a lot of snow for this time of year! Your garden is off to a spectacular start - great tip about the marigolds! Thanks so much for linking up your posts at Best of the Weekend!

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    1. Not only do they add a bright spot of color but they help keep away pests - win/win!!

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  18. I love that moment when seeds appear. I checked mine yesterday and saw nothing, but this morning all of a sudden there were tips of green.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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    1. Isn't that just the best? I have cleome that is being resistant to sprouting, as it is known for, but just this morning I saw the first little tips of green!!

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  19. I was mesmerized by your system
    I live in deep South Texas where it is hot and I have never started seed before.
    Thank you for sharing this at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

    We are also hosting a Garden Party on April 25th. This would be great to share.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint
    TOHOT

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    1. I will have lots of stuff to share at your garden party for sure, Laura - can't wait!!

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  20. Congratulations on being a special feature today on my blog! Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much, yet again, Bernideen - you're the best!!

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