Abundant Design: Seeds on my Mind

This last week or so I've had seeds on my mind!

We had a great class at Cherry Glen Learning Farm last weekend, and hopefully I planted a few seeds of learning even though several students had a fair amount of exposure to Permaculture before.

Speaking of seeds, we've been getting all sorts of catalogs in the mail. From the cheap bulk shops, to the beautiful Baker Creek book, and the smaller but quality seed suppliers. Have you been getting seed catalogs in the mail?

If you are wanting to get them but aren't follow this link to get on their mailing lists.

It Starts with a Dream

We are a bit early to start most seeds like tomatoes and peppers yet. However if you are lookign for a winter project to satisfy your gardening itch, you could build a seed starting rack. In the video below I'll show you how to build a simple and affordable growing rack for early seed starting using an inexpensive resin shelving unit and fluorescent lights.

You can also build a rack with wood, or use a wire shelving unit if that's what you have available. My project is also set up out of the way, but you may have a South facing window in your home and get a nice decorative growing rack that you want to display. You'll be able to use the lighting section of the video if you want to boost your "daylight" hours.

I just use the cheap bulbs for starting seeds but they really want more light if you will keep them growing here for longer term. For more information on grow lights:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grow_light#Light_spectra_used

If you are looking for cheap ways to start seeds and reuse items around the house. Egg cartons, convenience store cups even regular old newspaper can be upcycled this way!

http://abundantdesigniowa.blogspot.com/2015/01/low-cost-seed-starting.html

Don't forget to use a quality seed starter mix! Adding worm castings is a great way to add plant available nutrients.