Sunday, March 15, 2009

Still Raining

Day three of the monsoon season is upon us. It's been quite nice actually. It's a slow, steady drizzle with a few showers scattered here and there. It's 41 degrees. It's too cold and wet for me to get outside. So, I'm starting more tender varieties indoors.

First, I culled the plants that I started too early in late January. The zinnias have had it. Some of the rooted cuttings needed to go as well. A few Red Texas Star hibiscus seedlings looked too sad to save. I did the right thing and put them out of their misery. They'll make a nice addition to the compost pile this afternoon. I was able to keep about half of these plants.

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After discussing my bottom heat contraption with another blogger over the weekend, I've decided to post some pictures of how I use it to start seeds. First, I find a container that will hold the seeds and fit within the larger container with the sand and rope lighting. I need another of the same size to use as a cover holding in the humidity until the seeds germinate. By the time all of these seeds germinate, I should be able to move the tray out to the hoophouse when the temperatures warm up next week.

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In this container, I've sown sweet basil, purple ruffles basil, sage, and spearmint. These will be planted with the tomatoes and by the hammock. Basil and mint are reported to ward off mosquitoes. I'll be using pennyroyal too. The basil was sown on Thursday and have already started to germinate.

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The 32 cent pack of cabbage has also germinated. It may get too warm for these before harvest, but I'll transplant them next weekend into the potager regardless of their size. Until then, they can stay in this cake container. Yes, there is some fungus. No, I'm not worried about it. I left the container closed for too long on bottom heat. I'll leave it open for a couple of days to dry out. The seedlings that don't make it weren't wanted anyway. I planted more than I can possible eat.

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The cherry tomatoes are coming along slowly.

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However, the other tomatoes are growing like crazy. I really need to transplant these, but I'm out of soil. I should pick up a bag today. But I am still in my pajamas.

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Other indoor happenings...Datura inoxia, started from seed in late December.

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Double Yellow datura stared from seed in early February.

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Two rooted fig cuttings. The only survivors of 18 cuttings. I've got others in the fridge now. I'm going to be planting them out directly into the garden to see if I have better luck. Mold is a real problem rooting these indoors.

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English Ivy slips were rooted for the North Bed. I plan to cover the entire side of the house with this stuff. The bed is nearly full shade and I'm not really a hydrangea fan. I rooted them with a piece of willow and a confederate rose cutting. They need to be planted out soon.

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I guess that is about it. Sunday's picture was taken this morning. In my pajamas. In the middle of the street. While it was raining.

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Time to get to work on the project. Today I'll be painting.

5 comments:

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

Again I'm amazed by how much you have growing there! Gardening, or at least taking a picture of your garden, in pajamas a sign of a true gardener :)

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I can see more coming up since last week's picture. How exciting to see your gardens come awake after their winter sleep.

I sure wish we were getting some of your rain. We had some sprinkles this morning and that was it. Right now it is 82 and feels like it's 83. There's a nice breeze so that the wind chimes on the side porch are making some nice gentle music.

Once your weather clears, you're going to have some wonderful things to plant.

FlowerLady

Tom - 7th Street Cottage said...

Catherine, I went from starting a few seeds indoors last year to trying every method at once this year. I'm learning what works and what doesn't. I hope next year I can relax a bit and not try to grow everything at once.

FlowerLady: The rain is here to stay at least through Monday. It's 46 right now. On Wednesday, we'll be back in the 60s and into the 70s by Saturday. I expect to see LOTS of things growing next week. :)

I'll be satisfied if I have lots of annuals, some good tomatoes, and a background screen against the gully this summer.

Anonymous said...

Tom, thanks for showing your setup. What on earth are you gonna do with all those salad tomatoes? Man, that's alot!

EG

Tom - 7th Street Cottage said...

LOL. I'll thin each cup to one plant. My sister will get one of each. I don't know what I plan to do if they all make, but there are 12 varieties of cherry tomatoes. I guess I'll be handing them out to anyone that comes around.