Easy Potato Planting

I ran across this You Tube Video a while back. I actually think it would be something for me to try when I get a little more space cleared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1OShZZUt0k

Seedling Care

Not saying this is the only way to germinate and care for seeds but it is one that has proven to be very successful for me....

1) Just in case you did not know this....seeds do not need light to germinate. As a matter of fact, after I sow my seeds in a small tray..I place the tray in a ziploc bag and cover with a newspaper. I then place the whole shebang on top of the shop lights to provide bottom heat.
2) Several days prior to the expected germination time...I start checking to see if the seeds have started to come up.... because as soon as the seeds break through the soil ..they need to be placed under the lights... as close as possible to the light source without touching. Not placing your seedlings under a light source ASAP can result in spindly and weak seedlings. Mine are on a timer ... 16 hrs on .. 8 off.
3) Do not over water...this is the kiss of death. Instead allow the soil to dry in between waterings.
4) Always water from the bottom.
5) Since I start seeds in small trays I have to repot them after the first set of true leaves appear. I try not to pot up but 2x. I use cell packs, small dixie cups at first....ending with a red solo cup.
6) After each pot up they go back under the lights until they are ready to be hardened off...at which time they are moved outside for short periods ... eventually spending the entire day out.
7) I try to plant them in the ground as close to the recommended transplant times as possible.

Happy Seed Sowing!

Beeswax Cotton Wraps vs Plastic

We've been trying to eliminate plastic storage containers for sometime. It is a lot harder to do than one would think.

We live in a modern world where everything is disposable and plastic is abundant. You would think we could come up with an alternative.

I have switched to using paper freezer paper as much as possible. But nothing beats a Ziploc freezer bag for convenience.

Last year we also switched to mason jars for everything we could store in the frig or pantry. Even left overs go in mason jars.

But let's face it ... not everything will fit in a mason jar. I still find myself using ziplocs or little recycled plastic containers.

A couple of days ago I stumbled upon a blog that has a tutorial for beeswax cotton clothes.

I want to order some beeswax, make some and see if I can get some practical use out of them.

Here's the tutorial:

http://myhealthygreenfamily.com/blog/wordpress/plastic-wrap-alternative-diy-beeswax-cotton-wraps/

Cross Pollination?

Worried about cross pollination of tomatoes?....I was relieved to read if precautions are taken...there is little risk. Whew...good. Since I am trying an heirloom tomato (Cherokee Purple) and want to save the seed to replant next year..I need to keep them pure.

http://gardening.sheknows.com/2011/03/24/tomato-cross-pollination/