Food, food culture, food as culture and the cultures that grow our food

Late blooming

March 28, 2010

Seedling pots made with paper from junk mail, Debra Solomon, culiblog.org
Pots made with paper from junk mail.

Now that all the folks are gone I can start using my window sills again to get the kitchen garden started.

Seedling pots made with paper from junk mail, Debra Solomon, culiblog.org
Filled with potting compost and seeds.

That crazy climate delivered us a bitter and lengthy winter, such that seasonally, we’re 6 weeks behind schedule.

Seedling pots made with paper from junk mail, Debra Solomon, culiblog.org
Whatever sprouts out of these is going in the ground in May.

Seedling pots made with paper from junk mail, Debra Solomon, culiblog.org
Crammed into waterproof containers, recycled packaging of purchases past.

Pots made with paper from junk mail, Debra Solomon, culiblog.org
You can make these with a wooden thingie.

My experience is that it saves time to plant 1-3 seeds per pot (I put a few extra since a lot of my seeds are past their sell-by date or are self-harvested) and then when the seedlings are ready to transplant (w/3-5 real leaves), I carefully cut the paper pot, folding it open, and then transplant pot and all into the new space. This is easier than growing seedlings in one big container and fishing around with fingers and sticks traumatising the little buggers, exposing their infant roots to the air.

And I’ve been vindicated by this two-step windowsill method, since none of the seeds I put straight in the ground at the kitchen garden have yet to show their heads (radishes, spinach, rocket, chives).

debra at 17:49 | | post to del.icio.us

1 Comment »

  1. Love it-!

    Comment by jeff Pool — April 26, 2010 @ 17:13


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