A beautiful day for a gardening tale…
The weather app reads 44° and full sun. So interesting, 44 is my favorite number, may that be a good sign. As the sun kisses down on Bailey, I begin to write how to start your 2024 veggie garden…
I believe something magical happens when you plant seeds, and they grow into food.
Here in Upstate NY our veggie growing season is short. We begin planting in May, and harvesting in August, September, and October if you are lucky. Each year I would purchase my tomato and pepper plants from a garden store. There are many wonderful garden shops near my home, and I love shopping in them.
But then I had a dream, DIY 🤔
What would the experience be like, if I grew my entire garden from seed?
On a trip to Lowe’s with Bailey, an encounter with a garden display happened. In the middle of the planting aisle, it seemed to be calling my name, there was a large display of seeds for flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more. Then next to the seeds was a section on seed starter kits to include special seed starting growing soil. Orchids too (a tale for another day, smile). So, what did I do? I bought all of them, including this beautiful purple Orchid. Well, that may be a fib, but I bought a lot. My goal was simple: what survives the starter is what I grow, nothing more.
Now in my 3rd year I have somewhat mastered a few tips, not perfect but, I am always curious about the unknown and this year’s garden tale includes a Do-it-Yourself (DIY) project that I am going to share with you. Sharing is caring.
This is my planning stage…
My planning begins with organizing and separating the plant seeds by indoor starters and outdoor after first frost. My passion is garden to table food and recipes. My go to seeds begins with tomatoes, peppers (btw I have a love affair with peppers), zucchini, carrots, beans, herbs, onions, and garlic.
On a sunny day 5 days ago, the sun was also shining bright. The temp at 60° urged me to dig into my seeds, pull out last year’s planning maps, and lean into my favorite garden book (gifted to me from a bestie). Tip: On the back of the seed package is a wealth of information, most helpful is to know what seeds to begin indoors and what seeds to plant directly into the soil after the first frost.
I also have learned from experience what not to grow in my tiny space. One giant example is that very large winter squash in the below picture. It took over the entire garden last year. I did enjoy winter squash for a very, very long time. There might be some butternut squash soup in the freezer, yum. It was delicious.
I also look back at my previous year’s garden sketches…remembering what worked and what did not.
DIY Garden Starter
I remember thinking while at Lowe’s that year, these starter pots resemble organic egg cartons, and that tray with the lid could easily be a disposable baking pan. This is where the inspiration begins.
You will need…
Organic or paper egg carton, a disposable tin baking pan and seed starting soil mix. Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix - this is linked to Lowe’s.
I needed 4 egg cartons and 2 tin trays, as 2 egg cartons fit comfortably into 1 tin. I also purchased a heating map from Amazon, a tip from a friend in Naples, FL. It seems to be helping my seeds germinate. Seed Starting Heat Mat - this is linked to Lowe’s.
Put your egg cartons in your tin pan, fill them with the seed starter soil mix, and add water to moisten your soil. Be patient it takes a few times before the soil is moist. Then add 2-3 seeds to each egg section (there are 12 in each carton, grin), cover your tin with the plastic lid, and place in a sunny spot. The tin tray will act as a mini greenhouse, no need to keep watering in the beginning. We will touch base weekly on next steps.
My plants are on my kitchen counter, so I can keep an eye on them. A great sunny location with natural light.
Make sure to map out your seedlings. I use graphing paper.
5 Days In
My baby kale seedlings are peaking through the soil. I am feeling thrilled, it’s a joy to watch them grow. Each week, I will take a picture and send to you.
Thank you for beginning this 2024 Gardening Tale with Bailey and me.
May we inspire you, to plant something new. Or just read along, wink.
May God bless you and your family with lovingkindness.
Wendy
P.S. Do-it-Yourself Composting story - coming soon.
Thanks for the great DIY seed starter kit info. And thanka for this article, Wendy.
Love this!! Can't wait to see what springs to life. 🪴🌾🪻🎍🌷💙💕