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Starting Seeds

March 2, 2009 By Sage 7 Comments

The last frost date is in sight! Actually, my last frost date isn’t until May 26, so it’s not really in sight, but the zone 5 planting calendar says I should get a move on.

This is my first year trying to start everything from seeds, so I’m using Bio Domes. Instead of worrying about getting the soil just right, I planted the seeds in these grow sponges. Then they’ll hang out in little greenhouse-like things until they germinate.

I ordered most of my seeds from tinyseeds.com. They have a reasonably priced organic selection, and only sell non-GMO seeds. With them, there’s no chance of unwittingly planting a Monsanto frankenfood garden :)

I seeded 120 plants, mostly veggies and herbs, and some stock, lavender, and marigolds.

Soon I’ll begin the delicate dance of direct sowing outdoors. When exactly is “as soon as soil can be worked” and how do I know when the “soil temperature is warm”?

I set the bio domes on top of a heat mat, which is on top of a piece of insulation board. Once the seeds germinate (how’s that for optimism?), I’ll add a grow light.

How many plants will I get out of these two little trays? Stay tuned for a seed watch ’09 update…

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Filed Under: Frugal Living, Green Living

Comments

  1. Lisette says

    March 4, 2009 at 2:24 PM

    My husband would like to know where you got the bio domes from and about how much they cost?

    Lisette
    http://couponqueenofcorning.today.com/

    Reply
  2. Sage says

    March 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    Hi Lisette,

    I got them from Park Seed, they’re $24.95.

    I started my seeds on Sunday and some are already sprouting! I endorse the bio domes :)

    Reply
  3. Alison Kerr says

    March 7, 2009 at 1:59 AM

    Wow, this looks incredibly organized. I’m afraid I’m a lazy gardener :-)

    Reply
  4. dimpleddarlin' says

    March 16, 2009 at 1:07 PM

    I have stumbled upon your blog and I have found interest in all that you do including working a fulltime job. I am young and am starting my first garden this year, I do not by any means think that I have a green thumb. I looked up the website about the seeds that you have purchased and have found some that I think I would like. Have you ever ordered from them before? and how well do they work? I am from a small town and most people where I come from go to the farm supply store to get their seeds, I just wondered if I might be better going your way. I don’t want a huge garden but enough to put up. Also any suggestions for starting a garden without any experience.
    Thank you

    Jessica

    Reply
  5. Sage says

    March 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM

    Hi Jessica :)

    It’s nice to hear from you and I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog!

    This was my first year ordering from tinyseeds and I’ve had a 100% germination rate. They were recommended to me by a gardening friend and have absolutely lived up to expectations.

    I’m not an experienced gardener, but I do OK. My best piece of advice to you is to just jump in and don’t be afraid of failure. It’s only a garden and you’ll learn so much each year, even from your so called “failures”.

    I spend a lot of time reading things online (you might want to check out gardenweb.com). I also ask a lot of questions of more experienced gardeners who are familiar with the nuances of my zone.

    If you’re looking for high yields in a small space, I recommend square foot gardening which is an intensive method that requires minimal work. There is a book about it, but you can learn everything you need to know by searching online. I’ll also be posting about it once the weather warms up and there’s something interesting to share.

    Take care…

    Sage

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    Sage, you amaze me. I don’t know how you do so much and still work full time. I love your blog and appreciate that you update it frequently.

    Amy (actionwoman).

    Reply
  7. dimpleddarlin' says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    Thank you very much, I am definitely going to check out the website and search about the square footage gardening. I do have a smaller space and want to maximize it has much as possible. I think I am going to try some of the seeds from there and see what happens… but I will have a back up or hope that my mother has enough for me too (which she normally does). I think I am just going to try and plant the seeds and see what happens without the biodomes this year. Thanks again.

    Reply

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Once upon a time, I had the chance to move to the happiest country in the world!

My restless Aries spirit liked that idea, so I did what any girl in my position would do… I grabbed my cat, booked a one-way ticket to Denmark, and became an expat!

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