Comments on A Growing Tradition: Seed Starting Update - February 7, 2010

By the way Lacinato kale, like most other kale var...

2011-09-17T11:08:12.891-04:00

By the way Lacinato kale, like most other kale varieties, is usually blanched first, and then sautéed with other, flavorful ingredients; in Campanian cuisine, anchovies are often added

I bottom water. I have to be very gentle with the ...

2010-02-08T08:20:58.445-05:00

I bottom water. I have to be very gentle with the watering can to make sure I don't hit any of the blocks or they will just dissolve.

I think that this is pretty fast sprouting. How lo...

2010-02-08T02:31:43.637-05:00

I think that this is pretty fast sprouting. How low do you keep your grow lights? I have seen some seedlings very leggy, although under lights. I’m thinking that lights were not close enough to seedlings.
On my onion packet it’s written that germination will take up to 20 days, but they were up in 10…

I use a turkey baster also. It's just the best...

2010-02-07T21:21:21.753-05:00

I use a turkey baster also. It's just the best way I've found to water seedlings.

Good to see you, my friend... love the photograph...

2010-02-07T19:21:02.067-05:00

Good to see you, my friend...

love the photograph of the tiny seedling....

Happy Super Bowl Sunday to all of you....

kary

Look at those seedlings!! Wow, how exciting to see...

2010-02-07T18:27:49.563-05:00

Look at those seedlings!! Wow, how exciting to see them sprout so soon. I know how you feel about waiting. I too haven't had much luck in the past, but haven't really made as much effort as I am this year either.

I like your turkey baster method of watering. Nice and gentle.

I used a spray bottle last year, but my Grandfathe...

2010-02-07T17:55:09.829-05:00

I used a spray bottle last year, but my Grandfather gave me his basters, so I'd like to use those this time.

I like your comment Erin. I'll wait with you to how this celery turns out :-)

I'm not so cool. I just use a tuperware bowl ...

2010-02-07T17:48:12.264-05:00

I'm not so cool. I just use a tuperware bowl to cart the water to the basement and then a cup to dish it out.

It is really, really nice to see green again, isn't it. I planted radishes and carrots outside this weekend. I'm exited, even though my carrots last year didn't do well in the spring. It at least fulfilled the nagging of the demons in my head saying "plant something....Pllllaaannnttt sooommmeetthiinngggggg....."

Ah, it's so nice to see growth ! :) I'd be...

2010-02-07T17:16:41.571-05:00

Ah, it's so nice to see growth ! :)
I'd be tempted to water the bottom of the tray, let the water flow through the channels and ooze up into the blocks. Then again, I'm not at that stage yet ! You guys are so lucky to get to start so early. Good luck with the strawberries !

The blocks look like they are performing well for ...

2010-02-07T17:11:29.335-05:00

The blocks look like they are performing well for you. Some crops do require real patience.

Can't wait to see that celery! I have never se...

2010-02-07T16:49:31.654-05:00

Can't wait to see that celery! I have never seen it in its seedling state, and I am purposely not going to look it up on the internet, I'm waiting for yours!! I water mine with a spray bottle.

The wild strawberries may take a while....I got qu...

2010-02-07T16:26:54.486-05:00

The wild strawberries may take a while....I got quite desperate waiting for them to germinate a few years ago. Good luck! I too always expect rapid germination despite clear indications to the contrary on the seed packet.

I use a sprayer for watering seedlings, sometimes ...

2010-02-07T15:22:36.978-05:00

I use a sprayer for watering seedlings, sometimes a small watering can as well. Celery is so slow to grow, I think that's way it is considered a difficult vegetable to grow. Asides from the patients involve I don't find it difficult to grow.

I am starting a few more onions today. Then all the peppers and some hardy greens near the end of the month. All the brassica's mid march too, I need to make a schedule!