Seed starting

I'm experimenting with new seed starting practices this year, to get away from using plastic and other ways we harm the earth; and also just because my seed starting hasn't been very successful lately.

Agenda:

1. Potting soil

2. Pots and trays

3. Lights and sun

4. Plant peppers

5. Brainstorm for Oneness with the Earth

1. Potting soil:

I'm finally ready to make my own potting soil this year!

Most potting soil is very lightweight compared to soil in the ground. This helps it retain water and makes it easier for tender roots to easily break through the growing medium. Also, it's usually sterilized so it doesn't contain insects or diseases, or spread seeds unintentionally.

1. Soak coconut coir in water for 1 hour - 1 block will swell up to be half a tubful. 

2. Sift some compost, taking out the big bits, and sterilize it in the oven: Put about 4 inches of soil in a baking pan, cover with foil, place a meat or candy thermometer into the center, and bake at 180ºF for at least 30 minutes, or when soil temp reaches 180ºF. (Anything higher than that can produce toxins.) Remove from oven and allow to cool, leaving the foil in place until ready to use. 

3. Mix together 2 parts compost, 2 parts coir or PittMoss, and 1 part wood chips or needles, and store in a tub or bag. (I just used half coir and half compost.)  

4. When you are ready to plant seeds, fill a tub with seed starting mix and add water, mixing just until the soil medium clumps together. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge: If water can be squeezed from it then it’s too wet. To remedy, add more soil. If you have some left over, let it dry out before storing it.

2. Pots and trays:

My last plastic tray split this year and I don't want to buy another. One idea is to buy a couple of bamboo trays, which will last 5 years and can be composted. But I'm going the cheap route: I'm going to use cardboard ox trays. AND I'm going to plant directly into the tray rather than into plastic pots. I'm planting one row of peppers today:

1. Fill the box tray to the brim with damp soil, and press down firmly with a board to compact the soil. 

2. Use a wide putty knife to mark off rows and columns. 

3. Label each row with a plant name, and plant.

In two weeks I'll fill out this first tray with rows of leeks, bok choy, and snapdragons. The disadvantage I see is that I can't harden off one crop at a time unless I lift and move them into another pot.

3. Lights and sun:

I'm using a better sunlamp this year, and I've got it lowered down to tray level. Also, I think the heat pad will work better under a cardboard box.

When I'm ready to plant my second tray, I'll start it in the kitchen window, then once it's sprouted I'll switch the two trays. That's the plan anyway!

4. Plant peppers:

Peppers are one of the first things I plant indoors, because they require 8- 10 weeks indoors before setting outside in April or May. This allows the pepper plants to grow into a large bushes early in the season. With a larger plant, you’ll get more peppers.

Poblano peppers originate from the Puebla region of Mexico and are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They are large and heart-shaped, and are deep green when immature and change to a dark red or brown as they ripen. Poblanos are known for their mildly spicy and slightly sweet taste, and a subtle heat that enhances the flavor of dishes without overpowering them. Poblanos prefer warm climates with plenty of sun. They grow on bushy plants that can reach up to about three feet in height.

I will also seed some hot Bulgarian Carrot peppers! This week I will plant them about ¼ inch deep, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. Brainstorm for Oneness with the Earth:

I'm finishing up a week of brainstorming. for the next 4 weeks of priorities.

• Continue the work of research and writing my book. Finish the Winter chapter and begin spring.
• Make nature learning and awareness -
   "getting to know nature" - projects of some kind; also, BEING with nature ideas and practices. Plan a Nature Retreat session.
• Continue to create a sanctuary in our yard, for my family and for wild nature; build a plant library, and find other ways to use my garden as testimony!
• Find creative strategies to give back what the earth gives to me.