With the warming weather, everything, including the seeds we planted in the fall, is starting to grow. As I mentioned in a previous post, I did two things that have really helped:
1. I covered my shelf with Plastic to replicate a greenhouse
I purchased a plastic drop sheet from the painting section of a local hardware store and stapled it to my shelf. I used one section for the top, and then two pieces that started from the side and overlapped in the front. I secure them in place with a variety of clips, including binder clips so I can just pull them to the side when I want to check on the seedlings.
2. I began to water the seedlings regularly
The soil in the seedling trays is quite shallow and can dry out quickly. I’ve started a morning routine of checking on the seedlings when I have my morning coffee ( instead of checking social media! ) and YES!!! I actually feel a lot better. Each morning I check, water trays that are dry and am impressed by how quickly the seedlings are growing. While they all look the same when they are tiny, you can see them each develop their own unique “look”.
I’m going to take a moment to mention the virtue of double-labeling. I mentioned this to a couple of seed-sitters but here is a great example. My plant label inside the pot is completely faded, but thanks to the masking tape on the pot, I can still tell that this is Virginia Wild Rye. I used this method even on the seedtrays which is SOOOO lucky as the windy conditions have blown out many of the plant labels from their original locations.
Most of my trays are showing signs of growth. Please send me pictures of your trays as I am eager to share your pictures with the entire group.
One last bit of information: I have received the Project Swallowtail signs (like the one in my garden) for seedsitting members and projects. Make sure you’re already signed up as a seedsitter with Project Swallowtail at this link so they have accurate information on how many people are part of the program.
I plan on holding garden tour/ seedling potting up demos towards the end of May and you’ll be able to pick up the signs at that time. If you absolutely can’t wait that long please contact me and I’ll work something out.
