#direct sow

[gardenvarietygay]

In mid-May I dug up this whole area that used to be turf at my sister’s house by hand. I raked it and seeded in a lot of zinnias and cosmos. When I went over to her house in mid-July, I was greeted by this lovely sight. The zinnias are about 3 feet tall and so lush. I didn’t add anything to the soil when I seeded and she doesn’t fertilize so this is just a lot of rain and some really healthy soil. This fall I’m going to knock all of the plants over to protect the soil and get the seeds into the dirt and next spring I’ll till it by hand and top dress with more seeds and some compost.

[invoke-parlay]

I hope people in my zone find this so helpful! I sure did

[thatoregonwitch]

MY PANSIES ARE SPROUTING

I REPEAT MY CHILDREN ARE HATCHING

🌱🌱🌱

[louisianasimpleliving]

How to Get Ready for Fall Raised-bed Garden in Zone 9A

How to Get Ready for Fall Raised-bed Garden in Zone 9A

The Fall garden season in Zone 9A is right around the corner. Although it will still be hot for a while, there is a lot that needs done to prepare. Let’s talk about some of the things needed done to get ready for the Fall garden season.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

First, just a word on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map. The hardiness zones are based on the average annual minimum winter…

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[tinyshe]

Garden Report 20.04.13

I now remember why I prefer direct sow! Transplanted a couple of scatter seeded flats of lettuce into six pot cells. One. Tiny. Plant. At. A. Time. I just couldn’t do but three hours before I found myself getting over the top frustrated being hunched over in too humid, too hot, tedious work. Then to top it off, I had to fight to remain calm while being exposed to some really loud obscene rap (and the neighbors thinks it funny when their four and six year old start screaming the really nasty part). I imagine the other neighbor trying to drown them out by re-mowing his lawn for a second time today >:) Its not that big of a lawn but it looks mighty fine!

Sat up another bird bath after watching a little bird do a deep lean in to try to get water out of a jar lantern. One bird bath wasn’t enough. Two is better.

Tried digging up buttercups. ‘Tried’ is the key operative here. Like I tried to pull up the ivy. You may ‘try’ but you never truly succeed as they always leave a tiny piece behind to repopulate. I did limb up some camellias for more sun for the small rose bed and transplanted some ancient snap dragons. I need to top them (camellia) but they are still in bloom. I didn’t want to wait for the side because it was just getting more tangled in the electrical wires and the roses are leaved out. Need that sun; need that electricity.

Wove some more branches in my hazel nut hedge. Cut some more kiwi. Looking at how the periwinkle had escaped its bed (do I put it back or take it out) and most of the ferns are dead around the writer’s camp because of the dense canopy of kiwi and Jerusalem rose. Surprisingly, the little maple bonsai is alive and loving life under there! Amazing how life goes on and some thrive on neglect. Some just decide to move on out. And some just give up and die. I think there is a lesson here ...

[homesteadingfeminist]

Indoor seed starting: How to prioritize when space and time are limited

Indoor seed starting: How to prioritize when space and time are limited

This weekend I finally got around to starting some seeds. I’m not super late for Colorado. Our last frost date isn’t until mid May, but I like to live dangerously and get some things in the ground a bit earlier if I can. Our growing season is so short, I like to do whatever I can to extend it. This means utilizing things like row covers, wall of waters, and early seed starting. (more…)

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[peonyandbee]

I'm making out my garden plan for this season (so exciting to refer to it as "this" season, now that we're officially in 2015!), and going over my options for what to direct sow, what to start early, or what I want to take the easy route with and just buy starts.  I'm taking on a few new veggies this year, assuming more beds will be in and ready in time for planting, and broccoli and cauliflower are two things high up on that list.  Do you have a favorite variety for either of those?  Do you grow from seed?  I've read that the direct-sow method is best for any of the brassicas.  Do you agree?  I have the opportunity to buy starts at a reputable greenhouse, but as you know, starting from seed is a big-time money saver, and lord knows we have plenty of time before anything can go outside anyway.

So lets have a chat, shall we??

[chickengardenjournal]

Direct sow 4/9/14

Spinach (didnt sprout) Collards Mustards Basil Cilantro Mint (didnt sprout)