THE OFFICIAL GARDENING AND PRESERVING CHALLENGE

[TanksHill]

On Jan 30 I seeded a bunch of starts in my laundry room.. I usually don't have very good luck with this.

I planted 6 kinds of heirloom tomatoes, 3 kinds of bell peppers, pimentos, and 4 kind of squash.

Yesterday I went to mist the pots with water. I have 3 sprouts just coming out of the soil.

I'm wondering if I started them to early.

And whats the deal with pinching tomato leaves???

g

 

[FarmerJamie]

It promotes fruit growth. Pinching off the end three leaves and removing the "suckers" between branches is my summer after-dinner relaxation therapy.

 

[TanksHill]

Oh, I should explain further. I know how to do that once they are in the ground. But I read something on the back of the seed package for when they first sprout. Or maybe I read it wrong. Hummm I will check again when the sun comes up.

g

 

[FarmerJamie]

sorry, my bad, I keep forgetting you know more than me sometimes...

 

[TanksHill]

No I don't think that's the case at all. I hope it didn't sound that way. I was just actually reading the seed packets for once. Not something I ever really bother with.

I think you have more experience with life n general.. Your older.

 

[FarmerJamie]

No I don't think that's the case at all. I hope it didn't sound that way. I was just actually reading the seed packets for once. Not something I ever really bother with.

I think you have more experience with life n general.. Your older.

Older doesn't not necessarily mean WISER. We've just had more opportunities to screw up.

You have me curious though. Those initial leaves I usually end up pinching off after I've transplanted. Maybe that's it. I'll have to look at a seed packet the next time I'm in the store....

Have you ever heard of putting oatmeal and sugar in the bottom of the hole when transplanting tomatoes? My FIL swears by it, but I'm skeptical.

 

[TanksHill]

No, I have not heard of that. But heck why not? Is it supposed to feed the plants? Maybe throw in some raisins as well.

Sorry, I had to.

I think you should try it this year. Like a science experiment.

g

 

[FarmerJamie]

No, I have not heard of that. But heck why not? Is it supposed to feed the plants? Maybe throw in some raisins as well.

Sorry, I had to.

I think you should try it this year. Like a science experiment.

g

He comes up with quirky things sometimes, I often wonder if he's pulling my leg - he's type of guy that takes something apart and after putting it back together, has 2 screws and a nut left over.

I think I'll add this experiment to the list - I've started carrying around a small notebook to write down these crazy thoughts and ideas. Yes, I'm a nerd.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

i have two little lemon balm plants from last summers garden in a window box. i planted the rest of that box with radish and lettuce seed. hoping to get some salads before spring... trying to keep my green thumbs busy
i also have green beans in a window box that i used to test the seeds that i saved from two years ago... 7 sprouts right now and i planted 10 seeds. not too shabby!
and i have my little orphan lime tree that i am trying to salvage. its doing pretty good considering i got it for a dollar
i'm dying to put up the greenhouse and start seeds!
gonna get my little window plastic starters and start the real long season stuff here soon...
is it spring NOW?!

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

It will be spring for us in 3 months.
We have to process through breakup in April.