Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Early Spring Ritual

Most years I start quite a few perennials from seeds and put them under lights in the basement. My husband built a very nice light stand for me. But since we now have a greenhouse too, I thought I would try to start some of the annuals that I usually spend so much money on. I've already planted some Lemon Gem marigolds, Cut and Come Again Zinnias, some heirloom tomato varieties, sweet peppers, and a bunch more. I also got some seeds for cotton and indigo, just for the fun of it. I get most of my seeds from Pinetree Gardens. They have a good selection, and their prices are reasonable.

Here I am pricking out seedlings into packs. I really enjoy this process. I just use a pencil to dibble a little hole. My husband wanted to know why I was doing this on a kitchen counter instead of  the potting shed, the greenhouse, or the bench on the porch. Well, it was cold outside!

I finally couldn't stand it and went out to do a little raking. Had to see what was greening up under those leaves. Rick was cleaning out the chickens' nesting boxes. And look who came over to see what we were doing:



I'm so glad I braved the cold!

9 comments:

Kerin said...

Boy, your pictures make me want to dig my fingers in the dirt ! One problem....there's still snow on a lot of the dirt :)
I'm a huge gardening fan... and I am looking forward to seeing how your gardening progresses!
Best of luck with the seedlings :)

Kim said...

Welcoming you from the Welcome Wagon!
Kim

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Just popped over from Cozy Little House - great blog! What kind of bird is that (don't think we see those in Scotland)?
Liz

Becca's Dirt said...

I'm visiting from Brenda's Welcome Wagon. Sounds like you have a lot going on in the gardens and greenhouse. I'll be back for some blooms.

Sunny Simple Life said...

Congrats on being featured by Brenda on Cozy Little House. Get ready for lots of visitors. She is great! Happy St. Patty's!!

Unknown said...

I can't begin to tell you how delightful this post is to me. Words that must become a project, "Cut and Come Again Zinnas". The picture of you braving the cold for the chance to be outside, and best of all the bird on your fence. Holy Cow you've inspired an afghan! Off to the store for yarn! Have a lovely weekend Cindy! Elizabeth PS I hope it will be okay if I speak about your lovely blog on mine when I show my afghan.

Janie said...

I saw you on Cozy Little House...

I Love to watch things grow..BEAUTIFUL Blue Bird.. we never see them around here...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Cindy for being featured on The Welcome Wagon. Your braving the cold for a good cause. It's getting cold here again so I won't be where you are until May...
Have a wonderful weekend,
Rosemary...XX

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

I love love love Lemon Gem marigolds!!! I bet you will too - they seem so European to me. Thanks for stopping by my blog - your comment was such an encouragement.