Spring is around the corner for many gardeners, and it is almost time to start seeds again. Some gardeners have the appropriate full spectrum lights, and garden benches available to them. And the key component, a spot to grow them in.
Those gardeners who live in smaller spaces, such as apartments, and condos, might appreciate some tongue in cheek, helpful tips on how to[not]start their seeds, in order to avoid the disasters that we encountered last year.
1. Don’t think that you will get a head start by seeding early, I mean really what was I thinking, two foot tall sunflower seedlings on a 4 inch wide window sill? In early March? They couldn’t go out until May, and that was only after the unusually heavy snowfall finally disappeared.
2. Yes the cat really does think that seed trays are meant to be his litter box. Basically anything that is on the floor, and has dirt in it is his domain.
3. Beautifully pooled curtains are only lovely in a magazine, especially after your husband tries to close the drapes, and drags them through the seed trays you have placed beside the patio windows. Nothing sadder than poor little beheaded cosmos. And no, they don’t grow back again.
4. Make sure you get the waterproof seed trays, the carpet is still soggy after we watered the last time.
5. Take away all the cat toys, until you are ready to move the seed trays outside, somehow playing a round of “bat the ball” in the seed trays didn’t improve germination.
6. Plant misters make good deterrents to kitties who want to scratch the couch.
7. Imagine that you have a green house, and acreage. Then go wild in the nearest nursery and pretend that you grew it all yourself. You will thank me, when you realize how much easier it is to buy, then to grow your own.
Jen
.
Oh, lots of wisdom in your words. Since I have a kitty and a doggy with waggely tails, and since I like to pull the blinds up and down in a hurry when I see a prospective bird photo just waiting for me, I too will wait for the nursery.
ReplyDeleteI'm paying strict attention to #7! Although it sounds like #s 1-6 were hours of entertainment for the feline community in your home.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Jen, sorry :( but your hyacinth photos are stunning, I can almost smell them :)
ReplyDeleteROFL. Most of us will do it again, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is too funny, a little sad but funny still!
ReplyDeleteVery funny, thanks! I can relate to #1, it is so hard to hold back and wait!
ReplyDeleteI can relate,(although no cat). Tiny condo in the city, no room for us, never mind some seeds. I do have room up at Kilbourne Grove, just not there to water them.
ReplyDeleteLOL~Cats! I love them and they love dirt! There are no houseplants in my house. I am completely supportive of number 7. gail
ReplyDeleteOoohh it is too hard waiting.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous hyancinth. I can smell it too. scratch-n-sniff
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI love these tips...I have made a few of those mistakes myself ;^)
I have been debating whether to start any seedlings. Or not. I think after reading your post, albeit tongue-in-cheek, I will just wait for the weather to warm up further, which won't be long in our neck of the woods since we're already seeing 50s and 60s... and I will start most directly in ground! I guess it will make my life easier, huh?
ReplyDelete(I did start a few herbs last week, just some basil, chives, and parsley. I must admit there is just something about starting a few green things indoors that we all look forward to after a long, dark, dreary winter!)
ROFL...I love the thought of you with sunflowers so tall! Yes starting seeds indoors with cats or kids can be dicey!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of cats, yours is done. If you want a sneak peek look at my post today...Boots the cat is saying goodbye to his sock monster buddies! Kim
Oh you are too right and too funny. But I've decided to try seeds again this year after years of not starting from seed. Wish me luck.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hyacinth photo's
ReplyDeletePatsy
We do learn lessons the hard way sometimes. I'm thankful that my kitty leaves the plants alone. She has her own wheat grass that was grown especially for her. I did however have to remove all of the large potted plants because she prefers dirt to the litter box.
ReplyDeleteHilarious - I'm getting ready to start seeds inside for the 1st time - maybe I should reconsider ;-)
ReplyDeleteLMAO! those Hyacinths look so delicious. I can smell them.
ReplyDeleteWith two cats and toddler I am not ready to enter the world of indoor seed growing. But it does look like fun! Really. :)
ReplyDeleteuffda..I can almost smell those blooms too..they have a very heady fragrance.
ReplyDeleteI used to love to plant seeds..it is almost a miracle you know..such tiny seeds can become such wonderful plants:)
Too funny! Hope you have a great time with your seeds this year!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I love this post! I bought 15 seed packets back in Jan for planting last month and this month... but alas... I've been so busy that not one is sowed. I have shelves and lights in the basement that I use every year, but this year nothing is started. I get all anxious too when I read how far along people's seedlings are already. Your post made me feel better about the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteYummy, yummy blues! I need to plant some hyacinths of that color. I have pale pink (too pale, I think - in early spring I'm starved for color) and deep blue-violet.
ReplyDelete