Spring is upon us!
How to grow 1000+ seedlings
I don't have a big, impressive grow space. I don't even have a greenhouse! What I do have is a 78x48x18 wire shelving unit that I set up in the laundry area of my basement. The shelving unit has multiple shelves that at peak seed starting can accommodate 16 (72) cell seed trays. It's not fancy, it's not glamorous but it gets the job done. Last year I invested in heat mats and grow lights and it works out quite nicely. Of course, the seedlings would prefer the natural sunlight, but until we make it big here and can invest in a greenhouse, this works. The greenhouse also has its own set of challenges. It's still cold at night here in Michigan through April so the space would have to be heated which can amount to lots of $$ in electricity costs. And as it warms up you have to make sure things are properly vented so you don't bake your seedlings. In addition, outside pests (mice, squirrels, etc) that enjoy snacking on the plants add another layer of issues. That basement grow room doesn't seem so bad now, eh?
Here’s where the magic begins!
Let’s get the party started!
This weekend we are hitting the 6-week mark until the last frost here in our area of Michigan, which means it's time to start a number of my seeds. I will be starting the ageratum, basil, bells of ireland, bupleurum, celosia, jewels of opar and strawflowers. Coming up the weekend of 4/15 I'll finish up my seed starting with cress, gomphrena, marigolds, ornamental grass & scabiosa. I'm also planning to add a few veggies into my mix. I'll start some varieties of tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. Beyond those items everything else is direct sow into the fields after that last frost date (fingers crossed around May 15th). The seed starting is such an exciting time. I check on the trays daily, offering words of encouragement and water as needed. :)
And we wait…
Patience, patience and more patience. At this point I'm so ready to get started outside but all things have a beginning and take time. This past weekend during a church service I was watching online they said, "Starting is easy. Enduring is hard." That couldn't be closer to the truth! I have to endure with the watering, temperature maintenance, potentially repotting seedlings and eventually hardening off outside. It's a marathon not a race to get to those beautiful summertime blooms! It's not me, but rather you who are the winners when you get to bring home these lovely flowers to enjoy or share with a friend.
The glamorous look of seed starting at my kitchen table. You gotta start somewhere, am I right?!
