First Seeds of 2008

As promised, I started seeds today. Well, ok, just celery, but with only 12 weeks until the last frost and the coldest part of our winter just beginning, it's certainly something to look forward to!

I've never started seeds indoors before (except for last month's Christmas present), so this was an adventure.

First, the growing container. A simply plastic tray with cover that holds seed starting trays. I was able to use the workspace in my garage that we installed last summer.


My soil mixture: 4 parts Orchid mix (it's all I had and was a fine texture) to 1 part vermiculite and perlite.


Moi putting the soil in the little containers. This was sort of tedious! I hadn't expected that. I usually wear gloves when I work (95% of the time), but this called for a bare-handed feel. I needed the tactile sense to figure out how full to make the seed trays.


The Celery 'Utah Tall' seeds from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply.


My ghetto seed starting location. I needed them at the level of the window, so two tables, a cardboard box, and a binder was the precise height I needed I suppose. I'm going to take Matron from Down At the Allotment's advice and erect a cardboard shield covered in foil that will reflect light from the non-window side so the seedlings won't lean as much as my first seed starting episode from last month.

Now I'm off to read all of your blog entries...I've been under the weather for the past couple days and couldn't bring myself to read about your 2008 goals and well wishes in that state!

Happy New Year!