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1) Editor's Comments:Aren't we at a wonderful time of year? We are looking forward to the end of winter and the wonderful gardening ahead. We are going through our catalogs and browsing on-line planning a bountiful green growing season. But the most fun of all is starting our seeds and dreaming of their potential. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to include an article on starting seeds. I hope you find it useful. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop me a note. Rex Gregor 2) Starting Seeds:There are several ways in which professionals start their seeds and I must conclude from this, there is no best way. However, after decades of experiencing the "best ways," I now use the following procedures. Go to a local nursery or garden store and buy a small sack of "starter soil." This is a sterilized soil that is very fine - WITHOUT fertilizer! Nature gives your seeds enough energy to start growing, thus your baby plants have no need for any fertilizer. No harm if it has some, but the seeds do not need it. The reason most commercial companies offer it is to sell another product. As your plants grow older, they may need something to eat and if so, I recommend a water soluble fertilizer. Put the starter soil in a tray at least two inches deep and big enough to hold the soil. Moisten the soil - do not soak - but make sure it is moist. Let the soil sit for a day before you plant the seeds -- this gives the soil a chance to absorb the moisture. Place your seeds far enough apart so when it comes time to transplant the seedlings, you will not disturb the roots. Spread your seeds on the top of the soil - then cover them with some of the starter soil that is slightly moist. Do not plant the seeds too deep - not more than about 1/4 inch. Seeds will start best if they are near the surface. They do not like to fight their way out looking for the sun. Large seeds, such as beans etc., need to be planted deeper, especially if they are planted directly in the ground. Keep the soil moist. I use a mister to water the surface of the tray seedbed. After you plant the seeds, cover the container with a newspaper, or some other method to keep the seeds in the dark until they sprout. You will see them poking their heads out of the soil. At this point uncover them. Now that the seeds have sprouted, the baby plants need sun or fluorescent light (about 6-12 inches above for at least half the day). Let the plants grow until you see the second or third set of leaves. You then can start thinking about transplanting. Most "small" seeds - the size of a pin head or smaller - will germinate within a week or ten days. Don't worry if it takes longer. Some seeds are slower to germinate. As a general rule, vegetable seeds start best when planted directly in the ground. Flower seeds work best if you start them in a germinating tray, then transplant them. Visit your baby plants daily - talk to them! People who talk to their plants take better care of them and you will enjoy them more. 3) Humor for Today:Little Mary was attending a wedding for the first time. As she sat in the church, she watched the bride slowly approach the altar. Mary whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?" "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life," her mother tried to explain, keeping it simple. The child thought about this for a moment, then said... "So why is the groom wearing black?" 4) Planting a Moon Garden:Last issue we had an article about doing your planting based on the phases of the moon. This got me to thinking about nocturnal flowers, plants that are at there best during the night. Anyone who has the chance to view their flower garden at night should consider planting a small "Moon Garden" patch that can be enjoyed during the late evening and early night hours. Some flowers only flower during late evening and night. Other flowers, particularly several white varieties, seem to actually glow under a moonlight. One very unique plant to consider for that Moon Garden are Moonplants. Some gardeners believe they look like they could have come from outer space. Some very unique seeds to consider for your Moon Garder can be found in our "Planting a Moon Garden" page. (See the link below.) Some are fast growing and will grow up to at least 10-feet tall. The flowers will remain tightly closed by day and its white flowers will open at dusk, and they will release a fragrance that will flow over your entire yard. In the bright moonlight they will sparkle like diamonds. Their blooming season resembles that of daylilies and will only last one day, but that is no problem because they are loaded with hundreds of blooms. Seeds for planting a moon garden: http://rexseedco.com/moongard.htm 5) Lasting Odors of Full-Flavored Foods:I know there are people who always wonder how to get those lasting odors of full-flavored foods such as onions, garlic, and seafood which tend to leave a lasting reminder on your hands after cooking. Here's a simple solution -- after washing your hands, rub some lemon juice (either fresh or bottled) over your hands and then re-wash. I think you'll be pleased at the result.6)
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