I love seeing so much excitement in the garden blog world this week about seed starting! It is making me want it to be spring even more! :)
I am planning on growing most of my plants from seed this year, verses last year when I purchased a lot of seedlings from gardening stores.
Reasons:
*Saving $$
*Unique varieties
*Classic heirlooms
*Avoiding Monsanto
*Gratification! :)
Currently planted are:
*Purple Basil
*Peas
*Calendula
*Orange Pepper
*'Summer Feast' Tomatoes
*'Garden Candy' Tomatoes
*Italian Eggplants
Even though they are sunbathing near bright windows and windowsills, I have a slight uneasy feeling that they really need is some kind of grow light system. There are 2 things holding me back from this:
1. Cost
2. Where to put it?
Discovering that I truly enjoy gardening, I guess I would not mind investing in something that would last me for years. So the biggest barrier is really where I would put it... I am somewhat of a 'neat freak' and don't want to necessarily look at it all the time. I would love to hear your thoughts/ideas on this...
Are you starting seeds indoors? If so, what are you growing? And, do you use any sort of lighting system?
I'm starting seeds inside (for the first time). So far I've only planted peas, but I have plans to start tomatoes, peppers, squash, some herbs... you name it. I did buy a lighting system. Funnily enough Boston doesn't get tons of light in the winter - especially through 3 feet of snow. I got this one off Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-2-Foot-Start-Light-System/dp/B0006856EQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297454907&sr=8-1) and it's worked out really well. I also got a heat pad to go under it but only because we keep our apartment around 60 degrees.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you go with.
Potted Farm- Thank you for the recommendation! I am going to look more into it when I get home from work tonight. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to direct sow some lettuce seeds tomorrow in my little square foot garden area which is a raised bed. I have so much mulch in my regular planting beds that direct sowing of most seeds doesn't work too well. Last year I tried "winter sowing" and was pretty successful.
ReplyDeleteDorothy- Good luck with the "winter sowing!" :) I need to look into planting lettuce again! I am planning on being more successful than last year...
ReplyDeletePotted Farm- I've ordered the grow light you recommended! :) Can't wait for it to arrive in the mail!
ReplyDeleteexciting! can't wait to see your sprouts!
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