Slight Detour from Compost: Seed Starting
I will be back at the compost inquiry shortly. (Probably tomorrow.) However, today, I am diverting my interest to starting seeds because, well, once I get all of this compost going I need to plant something out in it. I am also enjoying all of the posts and tweets from fellow gardeners about their new …
Ordering Seeds for your Organic Garden
The winter winds are blowing and it’s time to order seeds for your organic garden! Even though it’s not winter yet, while last summer’s gardening results are still fresh in your mind, now is a good time to start planning for next year. If you wait until February to plan, a few things will happen:
1) You might pay more for your seeds.
2) …
The Horticultural Symbol of the Armistice and Veterans Day
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly. . .
So begins the poem In Flanders Field by Canadian Physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, in May of 1915 upon witnessing the battles in Ypres salient, France. One of the most recognized symbols of Veterans Day is …
Don’t Let the Frost Hit the Pumpkin
It’s October which means one thing: Halloween! The entire month leads up to one ghoulish, scary and fun holiday! Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins. Jack o lanterns, roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie and more await trick or treaters when they arrive home lugging bags of candy. There are lots of myths about growing and harvesting pumpkins. …
Growing Tomatoes in Tires
It is getting to that time of year when we all start thinking about sowing seeds, especially those of tomatoes. Unless you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, there never seems to be enough warm, sunny days to get tomatoes to ripen. However, I did come across this idea which should help to speed up the process, and hopefully allow tomato plants to mature quicker.
My friend has been growing tomatoes in tires …
Growing Tomatoes From Seed
If you don’t want to use tires to start your tomato seeds and you don’t have a greenhouse, then start your seeds indoors.
Tomato seeds ought to be sown 6 to12 weeks before the last expected frost date, most varieties will germinate in 5 to 12 days. For optimal germination, the soil temperature should be between 70 to 75 degrees F. Moisten the soil medium before sowing seed. Sow seeds and cover lightly with vermiculite. …
When Should Compost Be Applied?
The principal factor in determining when to apply compost is its condition.
If the compost is half finished or noticeably fibrous, it could be applied in October or November. By spring, it will have completed its decomposition in the soil itself and be ready to supply growth nutrients to the earliest plantings made.
Otherwise, for soil enrichment, the ideal time of application is a month or so before planting. The closer to …
Presprouting Seeds Organically
Sprouting seeds before you plant them can boost germination rates and give you more control when working with expensive or rare seeds. The following method is one I use in my Organic Garden.
Spread a double layer of damp paper towels on a flat surface.
Evenly space seeds 1″ or so apart on the moist towels.
Roll up the towels, being careful to keep the seeds from bunching up.
Label the seed roll …
How to Grow an English Garden
In the days of old England, many of the workers in small villages were called peasants, and they owned small houses with very small gardens. These gardens would have to supply the family with all of their gardening needs. The kitchen garden would consist of vegetables and mixed fruits. In amongst this array of produce they would also grow flowers. This was the start of organic gardening as we …
