This is a Birdhouse Gourd seedling a few days after I sowed the seed. Clearly I should not have started these so early and maybe not indoors at all.
I'm having flashbacks of the first year I started seeds indoors. Not knowing any better I sowed green bean seeds in coir pellets. They grow ferociously up into the fluorescent light fixtures before I finally gave up and composted them all. That year I learned that green beans should be direct sowed and gained a new understanding of the fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk so I did not consider it a complete failure.
I like to start cukes and squash indoors 3-4 wks before planting them out, and it makes sense to do it with gourds too, as cutworms (or possibly birds or rabbits,) seem to really like these seedlings here in our beds. Once they get a couple of sets of true leaves, they seem to leave them alone.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. Love it (and all your 'local blogger' links)
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have had a front/back yard garden here in the Chicago for two years and this year we are looking to start some seeds indoors.
Admittedly, we're probably almost too late for a few veggies but that's the way it goes with a child due in a few weeks!
I was wondering where you purchased your seed trays? I've not been able to find very many options for seed trays/inserts.
GG - thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteNathaniel - thanks for the kind words about my blog and for visiting it.
I've bought seed trays at HD and Menards this year. I like to buy the seed pellets which are flat when you buy them but they expand when you pour warm water on them. I either buy the trays with spots for these pellets, or I buy the trays you have to fill with dirt, take the inserts out then just put the pellets in the long trays pushed up against each other. If this doesn't make sense, feel free to email me and I can explain further. ps It's totally not too late to start seeds indoors! Maybe too late for onions...but you could still do tomatoes, peppers herbs etc. Good luck!