Starting seeds....the easy way(or least I think so!)

If you are new to seed sowing..there are a few tricks to learn to make the job easy. I had a bit of a learning curve starting out for sure... but it is all good! Have to start somewhere.

I use a method I call "mass seeding" whereby you do not seed in individual seed cells. I do plant them into the 6pk cell trays after they develop their true leaves. That said, here are my directions:

1) Start with moistened seed starting mix-->I use a brand called Metro Mix that I find locally at our Farmer's Supply.
2) Sprinkle the seeds on top(the entire package or more depending on container size). For reference a mushroom container will easily hold 40+ seeds). Next sprinkle a fine layer of moistened seed mix on top ~1/4 deep. Gently firm down to make good contact with the seed.
3) Place in ziploc bag. Cover with a newspaper and set in a warm place.
4) Check seeds for germination at the 4-5 day mark. As soon as the majority are up....remove the tray from the bag and place right up under the lights. Since I use regular shop lights they need stay close to lights.
5) Do not water until the mix is dry. Overwatering will sink your ship quicker than anything.
6) Once the seedlings have developed their true leaves it is time to transplant. Let the mix dry out and it will be easy to separate the seedlings.
7) Fertilize several weeks after transplant with a weak solution of compost tea or your choice of organic fertilizer. If you are not organic you can use 1 tbsp of Miracle Gro to a gallon and work up to the pkg directions.

There are plenty of sites for mixing organic fertilizer-->here is one to get you started. http://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/How-to-make-your-own-organic-fertilizer-2517945.php

I recycle plastic trays from the recycling center..their is no shortage there! Mushroom containers work well.

Have fun and get those seeds going!

Here is what you are going for:

Goal vs Tasks vs Whatever....but let's get them done!

How to plan and execute your goals(tasks) for the new year.

There are plenty of articles on the subject and how to accomplish them, but I prefer a simple approach. The words goals or tasks, whichever you prefer to call them, will be what you hope to accomplish over the next year.

Simply put:
1)Make a list.
2)Be realistic.
3)Be financially realistic.

If this is your first year of actually trying to reach your expectations...be realistic. People fail when they set their expectations/goals unrealistically. Note the theme here....let's be realistic.

Side note-->I do applaud those of you, who have always been able to accomplish your goals/tasks. It has not always been easy for me. I think as I have aged, I've realized the beauty in setting goals/tasks for one's self. It gets things done!


My 2015 tasks...in no particular order:

1)Learn to bake bread
2)Learn to ferment
3)Cull and process our non-laying chickens
4)Write a weekly post on the blog-->involve the Mr. on this one
5)Make a barn quilt
6)Design and build a "canning" cabin.....this might have to move up the list. I have so many ideas on this!
7)Take more vacation...really how hard can it be to take allll the vacation days I earn?....I just need to do it!
8)Save more
9)Completely finish reorganizing the house....room by room.

Well, there you have it. It's officially in writing. At any time, I can revisit and tweak as the year progresses.

I feel better now.