#starting tomatoes from seed indoors

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Yesterday the weather outdoors was super terrible, so my Solarpunk Action was setting up a little gardening station in the corner of my laundry room so I could get tomato seedlings started.

[sirsheoth]

My one (1) bell pepper seedling has grown a singular little leaf after having its cotyledons eaten. Proud of you buddy

[turtlesandfrogs]

I made this Pre-pandemic for a "Starting plants from the grocery store" class I was teaching, here it is edited down for anyone interested.

For saving seeds, the fruit should be fully mature for the seeds to be fully mature. Therefore, you can use seeds from a winter squash but not a baby zucchini, and the likelihood that the seeds of a tomato (or red bell pepper) will grow are much higher than for a green bell pepper. Unfortunately, many are either going to be poorly suited for your conditions, or hybrid, which we'll touch on later.

Stem cuttings are a great way to start many common culinary herbs! Especially basil!

Some tubers to consider starting from are sweet potatoes and actual potatoes.

And then of course, the bulbs! Green onions and garlic are your best bets!

These are outdoor plants and thus are Somewhat Fussy if you're going to grow indoors. Do not overwater them (eg, letting them sit in a tray of water for days) nor let them dry out completely. Try to keep them evenly moist, with thorough waterings that then pour out the bottom of the pot unimpeded. 

Given that they are outdoor plants, a south-facing window (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere) or grow lights are your best bet. If they don’t get enough light, they will turn pale and stretch towards their light source. They won’t grow as quickly or as healthfully as they would with sufficient light.  

Examples:

Tomatoes & peppers! Tomatoes are the one that actually inspired me to make this because I saw this clip on starting plants from kitchen scraps, and they buried the whole dang half of a tomato! Don’t do that! What a waste of a tomato half! EAT your tomato! Take the seeds out! 

If you’re intending to grow these outdoors, start them about 6 weeks before your last frost. If you have not grown plants from seed before, here’s some information from another class I taught: https://tinyurl.com/seedstarting2020

If you’re intending to grow them indoors the whole time, you will likely need grow lights for both tomatoes and peppers, and they like it if you keep your house on the warm side. I would suggest growing them outdoors and buying seeds for a dwarf tomato if you really want to grow indoors.

The down side is that most are hybrid, so when you grow out the seed, it's not necessarily going to grow well, be productive, or taste good. Even if it is open pollinated, it's probably been bred to thrive in conditions unlike those you can provide. If you need a successful crop, I highly suggest buying seed, or swapping with a reputable source. Although if you like and can find yellow pear tomatoes, those are an exception to this entire paragraph.

Basil! Basil is a great one to do stem cuttings of, get it started indoors, and then plant out once night time temperatures stay above 50f (10c). I prefer to start them straight into soil, and seem to have a higher success rate this way. To do this, remove all leaves except the top bud, and bury the stem in soil up to just beneath that bud and firm gently. Keep the soil moist and the pot above 60f, and you should have a good success rate. This method works for mint, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, etc, as well.

Green onions- really easy, put the bottom inch or so in soil and they’ll grow very well for you. I prefer soil over water because a) the water gets stinky, and b) they grow better and stronger in soil.

AND MORE:

Sage, rosemary, and thyme (also any stemmed herb): just like basil

Lettuce, carrots, beets: you get the tops, but usually they’ll try to bolt. Easier just to buy seeds. If you want, I usually start in shallow water and then plant as soon as I see roots growing. Again, keep the soil moist, and for these ones, keep them in a cooler part of your house. But really, they almost always bolt in my experience.

Sweet potatoes: Get them in the fall, it takes months for them to start growing (unless you're somewhere warm apparently? ). They will sprout, grow roots, take slips to plant outdoors once night time temperatures study above 50f (10c)

Garlic, just grab a clove and plant in the fall. Boom. GARLIC.

Squash- you don’t know what you’ll get, because they might be cross pollinated with another variety or hybrids. If you do grow it out and it’s bitter, don’t eat it, it’s poisonous. If you want to know more, search “toxic squash syndrome”

Ginger: Plant the rhizome in summer, harvest before frost, or overwinter indoors with a lot of light.

Pineapple: Doable, but it takes three years to get a harvest. Plant in well draining soil, and give it as much heat and light as you can.

Just for fun: (Unless you’re in the tropics or have a lot of patience.)

Mango, avocado, citrus. Take years, and a different climate than I have to fruit. If you’re in the tropics, go for it, but know that avocado pollination can apparently be tricky. I am not in the tropics, so I do not have direct experience with this. Citrus I think I've read also don't come true from seed.

Apples, pears: take years, and don’t come true to type. You do not know what you’ll get, and you’ll probably get something that is not worth eating (but would work for cider). These do need a cold dormancy period in the winter to do well. Of course, you could plant them and then top graft if it does turn out they don’t taste good.

Plums, peaches, apricots: take years, often do come true from seed, but peaches and nectarines are very susceptible to peach leaf curl, so may just die depending on where you are.

[solarpunkaestheticweek]

How do you do solarpunk aesthetic week when you live in a tiny apartment with no outside access? I always want to participate but I feel like most stuff y'all post is geared towards people who live in houses...

Hey, thanks for sending in the ask!

We put our heads together and came up with a few ideas for you!

Grow plants indoors! You could grow a few houseplants to green up your space, or even try growing some vegetables and/or herbs indoors! I've heard people have lots of luck with basil indoors, and my freshman year of college I grew cherry tomatoes and peppers in my dorm room! Maybe check out information on semi or full-hydroponic setups? You can also propagate a lot with a few cuttings and a glass of water! If you have a balcony with your apartment, that could also be a good place to grow flowers or vegetables--depending on the season and temps where you are, it might be a bit cold to start things out there right now, but you could always start planning!

Crafting could be another fun idea! You could try your hand at mending clothes, or making your own clothes from scratch! I (Ani) am learning crochet, if you wanna join me in spirit and pick it up as well! Kala/Fennopunk (who lives in a small apartment 👀) also knows a lot about crocheting, its a pretty nice winter craft! You could also try embroidery, so you can add unique designs onto your clothes! Other options are things like knitting, sewing, leatherwork, jewelrymaking, soap making, and maybe even woodworking or soldering if that interests you!

Learning how to repair tech would be cool! Honestly, learning how to repair anything sounds super cool and is pretty solarpunk! This can also kinda go hand-in-hand with learning how to build your own things (one of my friends knows how to repair and build computers, for example). Try finding some information on something you're interested in and going wild!

Decorate your home in a way that feels Solarpunk to you! Even if you don't get it all done during the event week, I think its definitely a nice way to bring joy! Look into ways your apartment can change with the seasons, ways to keep yourself cozy and warm in winter but cool and bright during the summer! If you get started, feel free to send in progress images, we'd love to see!

Guerrilla gardening! Winter's a great time to scatter wildflower seeds (at least here in the states for me) as it gives the seeds time to acclimate to weather conditions! if you want flowers in spring, you plant seeds in winter! Maybe find a place you wanna target if you go out, think about what seeds you want to plant, and start planning? Or if you have seeds on hand already, you know what to do! Honestly, I also kinda view picking up litter as hand-in-hand with guerrilla gardening, if you've got the vibes for that at all.

Build community with your neighbors! Even if its just saying hi, or talking about what you're up to!

Maybe guerrilla art as well? Moss graffiti, spray painting, or even plastering a couple of stickers up counts as solarpunk! I will give a general warning that doing stuff seen as illegal probably shouldn't be posted online, but hey, you can participate in the week without telling us what you do!

Speaking of art! Maybe you could make art at home! Whether you use chalk, or pastels, or paint, or pencils, or if you've got a tablet you can use--find some inspiration and draw! I've seen lots of people draw solarpunk fashion ideas, solarpunk building concepts, or just general vibe art!

You could also take a crack at writing! You could write a short story, or get started on a longer project idea! You could even just write worldbuilding-type stuff, like examples of event listings or building histories you imagine a solarpunk society would have, or ideas for holidays and festivals!

Learning an instrument feels pretty solarpunk to me! I (Ani) say this as someone who has 2 guitars around and has forgotten 80% of the stuff she learned in her lessons back in high school. Just in general, picking up an old hobby you miss, or starting a new one works great for this event honestly!

You can also check out the Apartment Solarpunk tag on the Practical Solarpunk blog, it may have more ideas for you!

We hope this helps! Either way, I hope you enjoy the event week!

[thebxghag]

Arts professional to garden blogger pipeline? LOL anyway...

It's very early in the year, but I live in an area with an extremely short growing season, so this year I'm trying to start as many of the plants that would need more love inside as possible. Last year, we planted tomatoes directly into the garden boxes and unfortunately the plant had only started producing fruit at the very end of our viable growing time.

We had to harvest them all still green, as a result, and we had way too many tomatoes for us alone to eat, so the majority of them got given away and we didn't really get to enjoy them over the entire summer.

This year I'm hoping we can start enjoying tomatoes way earlier by planting the seeds indoors now!

Anyway, we get roasted chickens a lot, and it's a lot of plastic waste, and I needed a greenhouse but didn't want to buy a big one because of the cost. These little containers are kind of perfect tho??? They've got venting abilities too which is great.

I'm starting these five plants now and then I still have broccoli and squash to start later in the season, as their indoor starting times don't have to be as long as these ones. I'm doing a pollinator/native plant garden in addition to my vegetable garden this year, and the marigolds are for pest control.

(Not pictured here, a secret sixth plant: the green pepper package since I finished it and tossed it before I decided to do this, oops xDDD).

I have a bunch of other flowers as well, but they can all be direct sown. I'll be planting sweet peas, sunflowers (red and yellow), cosmos, and I have hollyhock but since this area has a lot of small children and people wandering between backyards when you wouldn't want them to, I don't think it's probably safe to actually plant it outside of a balcony garden here so I won't be sowing them this year (I'd gotten them for last year when I was on my own at an apartment, and so my flowers wouldn't have been accessible to anything but birds and pollinators from my balcony).

I've planted mouse melons before in this area, but they were from a mature seedling -- we had a huge yield, and I want to try pickling them still, so I've started them indoors myself this year. Very excited.

Also exceptionally excited about the blue cherry tomatoes if only because I find it very novel when vegetables aren't 'traditional colours'. Hehehehe.

anyway long story short I started all my indoor greenhouses and I don't have like -- grow lights or anything but I'll do my best. LOL Guess this counts as planting day one.

[ryanscabinlife]

I have been swamped these past couple of days outside and it's been extremely invigorating! Here are garden updates and some of the things I'm currently working on

First is the garlic! it's looking fantastic, they're just about 2 feet now and some are starting to get really thick.

Yesterday I planted my tomatoes. I specifically did not even bother starting seed for these guys, coz first of all we don't really have the indoor space, and also we had such great luck last year so we just repeated what we did. We just bought some from our local garden centre. Last year, we had 6 roma tomatoes (our favourite tomato variety) and it fed us throughout the summer and we've even managed to can over a dozen mason jars that we enjoyed in the winter. This year I have 30 of them! Last year, we had 2 cherry tomatoes, this year we planted 6.

Since our property is not big enough to have a well, the garden is 100% being watered by rainwater that we collect. Unfortunately for us, it's been a bit dry lately, hoping for more rain in June. Due to this circumstance, I decided to mulch what I could, in the hope that it will contain the moisture in the ground.

Shawn claimed a corner to turn into a place to relax and read books and god knows what. I will leave that to him but I was tasked to create a border to kinda separate it from the rest of the garden. I want to use some logs, terracotta pots, and other recycled things in our yard. So far this is what a have :(. I have been checking Facebook Marketplace every day for big planters but so far no luck. What's up with people wanting $100 for stuff that they don't want anyway?

I direct seeded a ton of things in the long beds where the trellis structure is including the snow pea I started indoors just a couple of weeks ago

Most of the potatoes are out! I've never grown potatoes before so this is a little too exciting for me

It turns out we have an apple tree and she is blooming! I don't exactly know what she is, my guess is some sort of crabapple. I'm so glad I didn't let Shawn chop her when we were building

And finally, the big project that's keeping me busy. My 42 feet border. This is the part where I don't know what I am doing. I've never planted ornamental flower beds before so it's kinda scaring me. Most of the things planted in this bed are perennials and few annuals on the front. I also broadcasted wildflowers all over. I'm really hoping for a cottage garden look for this one. Can't wait to see it in the summer when it's all filled up (hopefully)

25-May-2023

[tomorrowsgardennc]

looking into growing sunflowers rn! so i have a question, if u dont mind! :33 what variety and/or tips would u recommend to someone who has semi limited gardening knowledge ? ive grown tomatoes and cucumbers but not especially well, and this is my first year rlly putting full energy into gardening! im a little intimidated tbh lol :p theyre just so stunning

ooooh sunflowers 😍😍 good news! they're super easy to grow! BUT... but but but... always a catch: sunflowers suck out a lot of the nutrients in the soil - or put toxins in the soil. depends on who you ask. the internet isn't really sure which one it is. the point, though, is they do NOT want to be planted alongside any other plant!! any type of sunflowrs all next to each other, don't care. happy as can be. but the second you want to put any sunflower next to anything else... anything else gonna struggle. SO! with that in mind... i would recommend the sunniest spot in the entire available area and grow a biiiig patch of them suckers! make them all nustled in to each other, 4 to 6 inches apart is just fine and that way they will hug each other and not fall down on their own. and the soil doesn't matter. around here there is clay, and they grow fine in clay too. sand is okkkk... just need a little extra watering. and sunflowers do love water - so if it hasn't rained in about 2 days then give it a good watering.

also - if you are able - start the seeds indoors. squirrels and mice and birds love sunflower seeds to eat just as much as we do, so if you direct sow them into the ground then they could be eaten! find a pot and fill it with the seeds, cover with soil about 1 inch deep, keep it moist, and once they sprout in about a week and they're about 2 inches tall, transplant outside! they don't mind getting roughed up, so don't freak out if your first time starting from seed -> transplant.

as far as varieties... to be honest whatever one looks the prettiest to you!! they all have the same needs, it's just more how they were bred to look rather than how to grow. my favorite is the mammoth sunflower, simply because they live up to their name and get taller than our one story house!! either visit a local hardware or garden store or go online and just look at sunflower varieties! if you can't choose then do what i do and close your eyes and pick 🫣👉🌼

hope that helps!! 🌼💚🌱

[vecnuthy]

It's so gorgeous outside today. I've fertilized plants and ripped out the grass/weeds from the blueberry bed, and sown seeds for poppies and bachelor buttons. I've also got a few planters that I put lettuce, kale, and arugula seeds in, so !!!!!

I'll probably shuffle the succulents around under the plant lights to make room for the indoor seedling tray so I can get tomatoes/cucumbers started too (even though it's a bit late 😬 but it's fine!!).

Spring time, babes!! ✨️🪻🥬✨️

[gardeningloverfamily]

Introduction to Gardening for Beginners

Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that can transform your outdoor or indoor space into a thriving sanctuary of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Whether you aim to create an English cottage garden, grow organic flowers, or cultivate a vegetable garden, starting as a beginner can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the best way to start a garden, covering everything from selecting plants to understanding garden design principles.

Understanding Your Space

Before you begin planting, it's crucial to understand the space you have available. Whether you're planning an indoor garden, an English cottage garden, or a vegetable garden, the key is to assess the light, soil, and space conditions.

Indoor Gardens

For those interested in indoor gardening, consider the amount of natural light your home receives. South-facing windows are ideal for most houseplants, providing ample light throughout the day. If your space lacks natural light, consider investing in grow lights.

Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor gardening requires an assessment of your yard or garden plot. Observe how much sunlight different areas receive, noting which spots are in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This information will guide your plant selection, ensuring you choose plants suited to your garden's conditions.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is vital for a successful garden. As a beginner, start with plants that are easy to grow and maintain.

Easy Indoor Plants

Spider Plant: Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners.

Pothos: Low maintenance and can thrive in low light.

Snake Plant: Tolerant of neglect and ideal for low light conditions.

Succulents: Require minimal watering and are great for sunny windowsills.

Easy Outdoor Plants

Marigolds: Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow from seed.

Sunflowers: Fast-growing and visually striking.

Lettuce: Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Tomatoes: Popular and rewarding, providing fresh produce for your kitchen.

Garden Design Principles

Designing your garden involves more than just planting; it requires planning and understanding some basic design principles.

English Cottage Garden

An English cottage garden is characterized by its informal, densely planted flower beds. To achieve this look, mix various flowers, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring a continuous bloom throughout the growing season.

Plant Variety: Combine perennials, annuals, and biennials for a dynamic and colorful display.

Pathways: Create charming, winding paths using natural materials like stone or gravel.

Focal Points: Incorporate elements like arbors, benches, or birdbaths to add interest and structure.

Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden can be both beautiful and productive. Consider the following tips:

Raised Beds: Ideal for beginners as they improve drainage, reduce weeds, and make planting and harvesting easier.

Companion Planting: Grow plants together that benefit each other, such as tomatoes with basil or carrots with onions.

Succession Planting: Maximize your garden’s yield by planting different crops in the same area throughout the year.

Gardening Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools can make gardening more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential gardening tools for beginners:

Hand Trowel: Perfect for planting and transplanting small plants.

Pruning Shears: Essential for trimming and shaping plants.

Garden Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.

Watering Can/Hose: Ensure your plants get adequate water, especially during dry spells.

Garden Fork: Useful for turning soil and mixing in compost.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Test Your Soil: Determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a soil test kit.

Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Planting Techniques

Understanding proper planting techniques will ensure your plants establish well and thrive.

Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each plant to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Planting Depth: Ensure seeds and transplants are planted at the correct depth, typically indicated on seed packets or plant tags.

Watering: Water your plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle into their new environment.

Caring for Your Garden

Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy and productive garden. Here are some tips for ongoing garden care:

Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially for young plants. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilizing: Feed your plants with organic fertilizers according to their specific needs.

Pest Control: Monitor for pests and diseases. Use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural sprays.

Indoor Plant Care

For indoor plants, consider the following care tips:

Lighting: Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount of light. Rotate plants regularly for even growth.

Watering: Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Increase humidity for tropical plants by misting them or placing them on a humidity tray.

Repotting: Repot your plants when they outgrow their containers to provide more space for root growth.

Creating a Sustainable Garden

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in gardening. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly garden:

Composting: Recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich compost.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce water usage.

Native Plants: Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance.

Organic Practices: Avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

Inspiration from Botanical Gardens

Visiting botanical gardens can provide inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Here are some famous botanical gardens to explore:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Known for its diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

New York Botanical Garden (USA): Offers a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens.

Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore): Features tropical flora and the iconic National Orchid Garden.

Butchart Gardens (Canada): Famous for its beautifully designed flower displays and themed gardens.

Connecting with the Gardening Community

Joining the gardening community can provide support, advice, and inspiration. Here are some ways to connect:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join clubs to meet other gardeners and participate in events and workshops.

Online Forums: Engage in online gardening forums and social media groups like the #houseplantcommunity or #gardeningtips.

Garden Shows: Attend garden shows and expos to learn from experts and discover new plants and tools.

Conclusion

Starting a garden as a beginner can be a fulfilling journey that enhances your connection with nature and provides a sense of accomplishment. By understanding your space, choosing the right plants, designing thoughtfully, using proper tools, and maintaining your garden diligently, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden. Embrace the learning process, seek inspiration, and connect with the gardening community to grow your gardening skills and enjoy the many benefits this hobby offers.

Additional Tips and Resources

To further assist you on your gardening journey, here are some additional tips and resources:

Gardening Books for Beginners

"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith: Comprehensive guide on growing vegetables.

"The Flower Gardener's Bible" by Lewis Hill and Nancy Hill: Detailed instructions on flower gardening.

"Indoor Gardening: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Grow Beautiful Plants in Your Home" by Leslie F. Halleck: Focuses on indoor gardening techniques.

Gardening Magazines and Websites

Garden Gate Magazine: Offers gardening tips, plant profiles, and design ideas.

Fine Gardening: Provides expert advice on all aspects of gardening.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Wealth of information on plants, gardening techniques, and garden design.

Gardening Apps

PlantSnap: Helps identify plants and provides care instructions.

Garden Answers: Allows you to ask gardening questions and receive expert advice.

GrowIt!: Connects you with local gardeners and offers plant recommendations.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here's a step-by-step guide to help you start your garden:

Assess Your Space: Determine light conditions, soil type, and available space.

Choose Plants: Select easy-to-grow plants suited to your environment.

Design Your Garden: Plan your layout, considering aesthetics and plant needs.

Prepare the Soil: Test and amend your soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Plant: Follow proper planting techniques for healthy establishment.

Maintain: Water, weed, fertilize, and monitor for pests regularly.

Learn and Connect: Continue learning through books, magazines, and the gardening community.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving garden.

[tea-withnofixinsplease]

We're makin leaps and bounds with this whole sustainability thing since we moved from our apartment a few years ago. Whenever i feel like im not doin enough I lay out all the tiny swaps we've done on the table

we no longer by styrofoam cups and reuse the ones we have

We no longer use plastic plates, we either use glass or compostable ones (and throw the compostable ones in the compost)

Our building has solar panels for electricity

Our soaps are zero/low waste

My mother and I started our loc journey so its much easier to find all-natural, plastic free hair care

I use reusable pads

I don't buy new clothes often if at all, 4 shirts in the last 7 years

3/5 of us eat strictly plant-based bc we're vegan,

We have an indoor hydroponic system growing leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and fruits, and we bought seeds in bulk. We're planning on swapping rockwool cubes with reusable and compostable hemp fiber cubes

Since the hydroponic system is so bright, and the led lights last for 5 years at a time, we use the living area lights much less, opting for natural sunlight if the hydroponic system is not enough or is off.

We have a bokashi indoor compost bin for food scraps, and an outdoor cold compost bin for the scraps that cant go in the bokashi bin to make our own soil

We started a kitchen garden, and a pollinator/tea garden, and as of 2023 we now have a plum tree, a grapevine, two blackberry bushes, 5 reusable grow bags, 4 big planters and 2 big raised garden beds, lookin forward to fruits and vegetables in the spring, summer, fall and winter. We're planning to buy one more steel raised bed to ensure that we are cycling through what we're growing each year to limit pest-control methods, even neem oil, and planning on purchasing a lot more perennials and native perennials/annuals.

This fall Im gonna purchase a mushroom growing chamber kit for more low waste vegan meat alternatives and to add some healthy mushroom soil to the compost cycle

Our laundry detergent is environmentally safe

Our washing machine is water-efficient

We have a fridge with a water filter for cooking and drinking water

We have reusable grocery store bags

Im gonna try to grow lufas next year to replace our kitchen sponges and steel wool scrubbing pads,

Our property is small, and our neighbors are not as social/gungho about bartering or Co-Op food gardening,

but I'm proud of wat we've done so far, and I can do a lot more, and I plan to do so, so any advice would be welcome

[apatosaurus]

Garden report 5/13/24:

The dill (pictured) and wildflowers outside the fence are starting to sprout. The dill is in that same bed with the (probable) catnip, on the opposite end.

In the center 4x8!raised bed, the bean plants are delicious to something (insects or slugs or both) and several sprouts have been nibbled to death before really getting going. There is a row of beets that I thinned. Today I put in some marigolds to try to deter pests and planted some edamame in case a different bean would be more resistant. I also bought some tomatillo plants for this bed and put them in today, and planted a few more “Mexican sour gherkin” (cucamelon) seeds. The third picture is a close up of the cucamelon plants I started indoors that survived. Three pea plants survived my attempt at a cover crop.

The front 4x8 bed inside the fence is mainly for full size cucumbers this year. One surviving seedling from indoors is hiding among the lettuce at the far side of the photo. I planted some additional seeds of the same variety around the trellis on that side. On the near end, I bought some cucumber plants at the nursery and planted a few more seeds. In the middle of that bed are a few chard plants (they didn’t all come up) and a row of beets that I thinned today.

There are radishes here and there in both 4x8 beds, but I harvested most of them to make room.

Not pictured are the strawberry patch, which is quite lush with leaves, and the little containers in the paths that I haven’t cleaned up yet. Oh, and I didn’t get pictures of the tomato plants or the sweet bell pepper plants in EarthBox containers toward the back of the garden.

If my future self is looking back to see what to expect in mid-May, it’s a slow start in some ways, but definitely getting there.

[turtlesandfrogs]

Seed Starting for Beginners- another class I taught Pre-pandemic, edited down for posting here. 

Seed Basics:

Anatomy: seeds basically consist of seed leaves (aka cotyledons), an embryo, and a seed wall. The cotyledons are food storage, and usually the first leaves that emerge and photosynthesize*. Seeds are dormant, but they are still alive and they are still exchanging gas (breathing) and using up energy stores. Ideally, most vegetable seeds are stored somewhere cold and dry. The colder and drier a seed is kept, the slower it’s metabolism, and the more vigorously it will sprout once conditions are correct (though, as this is biology, there are plenty exceptions- pawpaws come to mind). I keep my seed packets in a closed glass jar with a silica packet in my freezer. If you want to nerd out, here’s a link to a pretty famous seed vault, where seeds are kept below 0 degrees fahrenheit: https://www.croptrust.org/our-work/svalbard-global-seed-vault/ 

Sprouting/germinating/breaking dormancy: For most vegetables, all that is needed for seeds to sprout is warmth and moisture. Some will germinate better in the dark, some will germinate better with light (the package will tell you what is needed). For fruits, herbs, and flowers, sometimes they will need additional steps, such as cold stratification, or breaking the seed wall. 

Basics of Seed Starting:

Step one is to decide what you want to grow- vegetables, herbs, flowers?

Important questions:

What do I actually (want to) eat? (Ie, don’t just grow radishes because they’re easy- will you actually eat/enjoy it?). What would I eat more of if it weren’t so expensive? Make a list. 

What grows well here? What Hardiness/heat/climate zone are you in? Do you have microclimates to account for? What are they? Connect with your local extension office (in the US) to find out what grows well where you are and keys to success

Step two: Figure out when to start your seeds:

First, check the seed packet/website description and find your last frost date. Some plants, like broccoli, have a wide general time range to plant them in, but some varieties are meant for spring, or summer, or to overwinter. It’s best to get the specific variety’s information if possible.

If not that, then using a seed starting calculator like Johnny’s is next best. 

Or, go to a regional planting chart like Tilth’s. Or find your local extension office, they probably have a planting calendar.

Keep track of which ones are sown indoors, sown directly, and when the switch happens. For example, you can sow cucumbers a week or two before your last frost indoors, or a week after the last frost directly into the ground. Also note when plants started indoors should be transplanted outdoors

Consider the “winter sowing” technique- Basically, sowing seeds in mini greenhouses (aka, cloches), usually made from used plastic containers, and letting the seeds come up when they will. Makes very sturdy plants, might not get as early as a start.

Step Three: How?

Containers: Please use standard plastic tray, newspaper pots, peat plugs, used food containers, etc. that have a decent amount of space and adequate drainage.

Why not egg cartons/eggshells? Because they a) do not have enough space for seeds to do much more than sprout and b) the egg cartons tend to dry soil out very quickly.

Medium: Seed starting mix, potting soil, whatever, do NOT use garden soil without killing the weed seeds first. If you use a seed starting mix, keep in mind that it won’t have enough fertility to support the seedlings for very long. It is meant to be used to germinate seeds, and then have those seedlings transplanted into a richer mix to grow on. Also, I recommend NOT using coffee grounds as part of your seedling mix, because they have been shown to inhibit germination.

Which do well with transplant, which do not: (paper pots are great for those that don’t like transplanting)

Take well to transplanting: brassicas (think broccoli family), nightshades (tomato family), leafy greens

Fussy and need help to transplant well: Squash, cucumbers, melons, etc

Just don’t: carrots, beets, other root crops.

If they don’t transplant well, focus on direct sowing. The above IS NOT an exhaustive list.

Light: Give them as much as possible, a south facing window, or indoor grow lights. If you’re using a light, look for one that says full spectrum, daylight, or says it is over 5000 kelvin.

The warmer you keep the seedlings, the brighter the light they need. Warmth determines their metabolism, and light is their fuel/food, so you can keep them from etoliating/stretching out by keeping them at cooler temperatures. Slower growth at the same light intensity yields sturdier seedlings. Keeping seedlings at cooler temperatures can help you get stocky, sturdy, vigorous plants. This is a really big key, so pay attention. A lot of people struggle with weak seedlings that have stretched out in their search for light, and that can be avoided if you match temperature to light levels.

Actually doing it:

Fill your container(s). Tamp down soil- movement of water depends on capillary action, which depends on the soil particles being close enough together. Consult package on depth, or use 3x diameter of seed. Plant. Water. Wait. 

Watering: keep evenly moist, do not let them dry out. Not so much that it’s soggy though- so after you water they shouldn’t be sitting in a puddle of water an hour later. I prefer to bottom water. To do that, put your container in a tray of water, and let it soak up. If you’ve tamped it down properly, you’ll see the surface moisten. 

So they’ve sprouted, now what? 

If you’re using a peat or commercial seed starting mix, it likely doesn’t have enough fertility to support growth beyond the first few true seed leaves. That means that as soon as you see true leaves coming out, you have two choices: either use a water-soluble fertilizer, or gently transfer the seedlings to a more fertile soil mix. 

The big day: planting outside! 

Harden off first! The wee ones have been indoors, in very gentle conditions, and need to adapt to the outdoors environment before you transplant them out there. If you don’t, the cold can harm them, and they can also get sunburnt, or even damaged by wind. Acclimate them by putting them outdoors for an hour the first day, a few hours the next, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors until a week or so has passed. DO NOT transplant out frost tender plants (nightshades, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, etc) until the danger of frost has passed (unless you have a tunnel or greenhouse).

Transplanting, general: Water plants well the day before. Pick a moderate time of day if it’s been hot. Prepare the hole- bigger than the pot was, and deeper if tomato or brassica. If it’s one that needs extra fertility, thoroughly mix in some compost (I use one to two shovelfuls of rich compost). Loosen the plant in the pot by gently squeezing or tapping, make sure the roots aren’t circling (if they are, gently tease them apart), and put in hole. Back fill hole and press down. Water thoroughly.

For sensitive plants: all the above, but “mud in” the plant, that is, water enough that water sits on the surface for at least 15 seconds. Cover- if it’s hot, a cardboard box or light sheet to shade, if it’s cool a bucket to hold in extra warmth. 

Success through the summer: 

Provide fertility: some plants, like potatoes and kale likely won’t need much additional fertility beyond what’s already in your soil. Some crops, like corn, squash, and broccoli need a lot more fertility to make a decent crop. Either way, if you notice your plants aren’t growing very well, it’s likely a matter of fertility- or watering. 

I prefer to provide this fertility through composts & cover crops. You can also just use a balanced fertilizer,  but look into mycorrhizae before you decide how to go about it. Whether it’s organic or not, it’s generally a good idea to follow the package directions for best results. It’s just as easy to over fertilize and burn your plants as it is to under fertilize and get stunted growth.

Learning More:

Visit community gardens, visit the Master Gardener demonstration gardens, your local extension office for local information, here’s the link to Washington States: http://gardening.wsu.edu/

Facebook groups can be very helpful, gardening forums as well. 

Useful websites in General:

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/seed-planting-schedule-calculator.html seed sowing date calculator- put in your last frost, get general dates for everything. Honestly, poke around their growers library in general, they've got some cool stuff. 

https://davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates/#b for last frost dates (and a lot more).

https://garden.org/apps/frost-dates/Olympia%2C+Washington/ another last frost date site

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150515111628.htm Gardening in a polluted paradise: Is it safe?

Seed Companies I use:

Based in Western Washington:

Uprising Organics (All Open Pollinated)

Based in Western Oregon:

Adaptive Seed (All Open Pollinated)

Territorial Seed

Nicole’s Garden Nursery

Based in B.C.:

West Coast Seed

Based elsewhere:

Fedco Seeds (Co-op)

Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Employee Owned)

There are, of course, many more, but those tend to be my go-to.

 

*Some seed’s cotyledons stay in the soil, and the embryo is the part that emerges. Examples include snow peas, beans, and corn. Others have their seed leaves emerge as their first leaves, e.g., broccoli and sunflowers.

[moss-coated-lady]

Basil

- Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

- Plant Type: Herb

- Sun Exposure: Full Sun

- Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral

- Bloom Time: Summer

- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White

About Basil:

- Aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

- Warm-weather annual herb planted above 50°F.

- Common types: Sweet basil, Purple basil, Lemon basil, Thai basil.

Growing Conditions:

- Needs 6-8 hours of full sun daily.

- Soil should be moderately fertile, moist, and well-draining (pH 6.0-7.5).

- Suitable for containers or raised beds for better drainage.

- Avoid insecticides and grow away from pollutants for culinary use.

When to Plant Basil:

- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting.

- Transplant outside when soil is at least 50°F.

- Nighttime temperatures shouldn't drop below 50°F.

Planting and Spacing:

- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant seedlings 10-12 inches apart.

- Mulch with compost or leaves for moisture retention and weed control.

- Basil pairs well with tomatoes in the garden.

How to Grow Basil:

- Keep soil moist, use mulch in hot areas, water during dry periods.

- Prune above the second set of leaves after six leaves have developed.

- Repeat pruning when branches have 6-8 leaves.

- Fertilize sparingly with 5-10-5 fertilizer.

- Pinch off center shoot after 6 weeks to prevent early flowering.

Harvesting:

- Start picking leaves when plants are 6-8 inches tall.

- Harvest in the early morning for the juiciest leaves.

- Regular picking encourages growth throughout the summer.

- Even if not needed immediately, pick leaves to keep the plant thriving.

How to Store Basil:

- Best method: Freeze leaves in airtight bags.

- Alternative: Dry basil in a well-ventilated, shady area or in the oven at low heat with the door slightly open.

[minivantiny]

Growing Tomatoes "The Muggle Way"

Summary:

Inspired by Yunho's wish to taste a freshly grown tomato, Mingi embarks on a gardening adventure.

Professor Flock's Muggle Studies classroom has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The desks and chairs are arranged in a semi-circle, creating a space that encourages lively discussions. The walls are decorated with colourful posters depicting various Muggle inventions, which contrasts with the magical tapestries typically found in Hogwarts classrooms. The shelves are lined with an assortment of quirky Muggle gadgets, including typewriters and rubber ducks, adding to the room's unique charm.

As Professor Flock posed his intriguing question, the classroom seemed to come alive with a mixture of curiosity and disinterest. Some students slumped in their chairs, fighting off drowsiness, while others feverishly scribbled notes or exchanged amused glances. The Hufflepuff student at the back, known for his outspoken nature, couldn't resist throwing in a cheeky question:

"Can't we just Accio food from some Muggle shop?"

Professor Flock answered with a grin, "And you think you wouldn't get tired of doing that every day?" The Hufflepuff, acknowledging the wisdom in the professor's words, nodded in amused agreement.

"Well, actually," Professor Flock continued, his animated gestures capturing the class's attention, "some local grocers buy food from the Muggle world and sell it to other wizards. That way, only a small number of wizards would have intimate knowledge of the Muggle world, while the rest would buy it with wizard money from magical stores."

The information hung in the air, prompting a mixture of contemplative nods and raised eyebrows. Amidst the sea of students, Yunho sat in a desk, absorbing every word with genuine interest. The intimate setting of the class, with only 12 seats, allowed for a more personal connection between the professor and the students.

As Professor Flock continued his lecture, he encouraged discussions between students. Students began to share stories about encounters with Muggle artifacts, debating the usefulness of certain inventions. Laughter echoed through the room as one student recalled a particularly baffling experience with a Muggle "bicycle."

The classroom, despite its modest size, became a vibrant space where the boundaries between magical and Muggle worlds blurred. Professor Flock's engaging teaching style and the students' varied reactions created an atmosphere of learning and excitement, proving that even the smallest classrooms could hold the magic of discovery.

Yunho lingered after class, eager to delve deeper into the details of growing non-magical plants with Professor Flock. With a smile, he approached the knowledgeable wizard.

"Professor Flock, I was wondering if you could tell me more about growing Muggle plants like tomatoes and onions without using magic," Yunho inquired, his curiosity evident.

Professor Flock, delighted by Yunho's enthusiasm, gestured for him to join him at his desk. "Ah, the classic Muggle way! It's a fascinating process, my dear Yunho. Let me give you a brief overview."

Yunho leaned in, absorbing every word as Professor Flock began to explain. "Firstly, you'll need the right soil. Muggles often use a mixture of sand and loam for their gardens. It provides good drainage and aeration for the plants. Now, for tomatoes and onions, they thrive in slightly acidic soil, so keep that in mind."

Yunho nodded, his mind absorbing the details. "And what about planting the seeds?"

"Ah, excellent question! Muggles typically start by planting seeds indoors in pots, especially in colder climates. This gives the plants a head start before transplanting them outdoors. Make sure to follow the guidelines on the seed packets for the proper depth and spacing."

Yunho, scribbling notes on a spare piece of parchment, continued to inquire. "And watering? How do Muggles manage that without magic?"

Professor Flock chuckled, appreciating Yunho's eagerness. "Muggles water their plants manually, usually with a watering can. They gauge the moisture levels by feeling the soil; if it's dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water. Remember, it's a bit of trial and error, but you'll get the hang of it."

As their conversation continued, Professor Flock shared more insights on the complexity of Muggle gardening, from dealing with pests to the benefits of companion planting. Yunho absorbed the information like a sponge, grateful for the chance to expand his magical knowledge into the realm of the mundane, yet fascinating, Muggle practices.

Yunho couldn't contain the excitement bubbling within him as he practically skipped down the Hogwarts halls, eager to share his newfound knowledge with Mingi.

Finding Mingi at the Hufflepuff dinner table, his plate already half-empty, Yunho approached with a grin, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Mingi, you won't believe what I learned in Muggle Studies today!" Yunho exclaimed, excitement glimmering in his eyes.

Mingi looked up from his meal, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Yunho's excitement. "What is it, Yunho? Something interesting?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Seating himself next to Mingi, Yunho dove into a descriptive recap of Professor Flock's class. He vividly described the quirky Muggle gadgets and the insights into how wizards obtained non-magical products. Mingi listened attentively, occasionally nodding or chuckling at Yunho's enthusiasm about such simple things.

As Yunho reached the topic of growing Muggle plants, he couldn't help but let slip his personal desire. "You know Mingi, I'd love to taste a freshly grown tomato someday, like the ones Muggles grow in their gardens, the proper 'Muggle Way'."

Mingi, ever attentive to Yunho's interests, leaned in with genuine interest. "The proper 'Muggle Way', you say?"

Yunho's eyes sparkled with excitement as he grinned. "I can't help but wonder how different they might taste compared to the magical ones we're used to."

As the conversation flowed, Mingi secretly hatched a plan to fulfill Yunho's wish. His small gardening haven behind the Beasts classroom would be the perfect spot to grow tomatoes without arousing suspicion. The mischievous gleam in Mingi's eyes went unnoticed as Yunho continued sharing his enthusiasm for Muggle studies.

Intrigued by Yunho's passion, Mingi made a mental note to surprise him with a taste of freshly grown tomatoes, grown with care and dedication, a secret gift from one Hufflepuff to another.

So he got to work.

The very same day.

Mingi, armed with a bag of seeds from "The Magic Neep" in Hogsmeade, embarked on his ambitious tomato-growing venture behind the Beasts classroom. The plot was set, the seeds were planted, and the pots were filled, but little did Mingi know, his gardening journey was about to take an unexprected turn.

Unbeknownst to him, Mingi had chosen clay soil, believing it to be a magical boon for his tomatoes. The pots were generously filled with magical fertilizer, expecting it to work wonders. As the days passed, Mingi's tomatoes weren't thriving; they were practically begging for mercy.

In the midst of his gardening disaster, Mingi scratched his head, wondering why his plants seemed more interested in protesting against their magical confinement than growing into lush tomatoes. It was then that he stumbled upon a gardening guide tucked away in the corner of the greenhouse, its title reading, "Gardening for Muggles: The Unseen Magic of Soil."

Wide-eyed, Mingi realized his mistake. He needed loam or a mixture of sand and loam, not the clay soil and magical fertilizer concoction he had been using. With a sigh, he resigned himself to the fact that gardening, even 'The Muggle Way', required a bit more attention to detail than he had initially thought.

Weeks later, as the first raindrops fell from the darkened sky, Yunho hurriedly exited the Beasts classroom, his footsteps echoing through the deserted courtyard. The heavy rain quickly escalated, prompting him to dash towards the castle to seek shelter from the downpour.

In his haste, Yunho caught a glimpse of a determined figure behind the Beasts classroom. Through the misty rain, he spotted Mingi, wearing a vibrant yellow raincoat and matching rubber boots, battling the unexpcted weather to tend to his struggling tomatoes.

Yunho's footsteps slowed as he observed Mingi's dedication. Dirtied with mud, hair sticking to his forehead, Mingi reflected loyalty to his words. He saw Mingi frantically attempting to move a gardening pot under a hastily constructed wooden shelter, struggling without a hint of magic.

A small blush crept onto Yunho's face as he realized Mingi was enduring this for him, inspired by Yunho's simple desire to taste a freshly grown tomato. Mesmerized by Mingi's unwavering commitment, Yunho decided to respect his friend's privacy and retreated, leaving Mingi to wrestle with the unpredictable forces of nature.

Three months had flown by since that day. On a lazy Saturday morning, Yunho stirred in his dormitory bed, basking in the luxury of a day free from classes.

Deciding to savor the rare opportunity to sleep in, Yunho stretched and turned his head towards Mingi's bed, only to find it suspiciously empty. The Hufflepuff dormitory room, usually filled with the soft snores of its occupants, felt unusually quiet. Furrowing his eyebrows in confusion, Yunho sat up and scanned the room, wondering where his roommate had vanished to so early on a weekend morning.

His eyes landed on a parchment paper neatly placed on his nightstand. Intrigued, Yunho picked it up and unfolded the note, revealing a message that stirred his curiosity. "Meet me behind the Beasts classroom, I have a surprise for you - S.M." Yunho's eyebrow raised in confusion. He had momentarily forgotten about the discreet encounter with Mingi and his gardening incident.

Yunho, now fully dressed and ready for the day, ventured out of his dormitory, the mystery note from Mingi still clutched in his hand. The Hogwarts corridors were a mosaic of magical portraits and enchanted tapestries, and Yunho's footsteps echoed through the ancient stone halls as he made his way toward the Beasts classroom.

As he strolled towards the Bell Tower Courtyard, the unexpected sight of Yeosang and Jongho sitting on a couch near the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom caught Yunho's attention. Both engrossed in their Advanced Potions textbooks, their focused expressions hinted at the challenges of their studies.

However, it wasn't the textbooks that drew Yunho's gaze; it was the unusual intimacy between Yeosang and Jongho. Jongho occupied the left corner of the couch, while Yeosang sprawled across the remaining space, his head nestled comfortably in Jongho's lap. The scene seemed so oddly familiar yet foreign to Yunho, as if he had stumbled upon a private moment between the two students. Yunho was taken aback at the carefree ease with which Jongho and Yeosang embraced their closeness.

Uncertain whether this was a regular occurrence for the two friends, Yunho hesitated to intervene. Instead, he opted for a simple wave, receiving warm greetings in return. A small smile adorned Yunho's face as he continued down the stairs.

"Well, that was interesting," Yunho murmured to himself. With a gentle smile, he continued his way towards the Beasts classroom, eager to uncover the surprise Mingi had in store for him.

When Yunho arrived, there were no signs of Mingi. He curiously scanned the surroundings, the anticipation building with each passing moment. Just as a hint of uncertainty crossed his face, a familiar voice sliced through the air.

"Yunho! Over here!"

Yunho's eyes lit up at the sound, and he turned around to spot Mingi waving enthusiastically from a few meters away. A wide grin spread across Yunho's face as he made his way towards his best friend.

"Hey, Mingi!" Yunho asked, his curiosity bubbling over.

Mingi, with an air of excitement, motioned for Yunho to follow. Leading him to a spot behind the Beasts classroom, they reached a breathtaking sight. A massive tree stood proudly a few meters away, its branches reaching towards the sky, offering a comforting shade. The small river nearby added a soothing melody to the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity.

As they approached the tree, the Hogwarts Castle came into view. Perched on its majestic hill, the castle stood as a testament to centuries of magic and history. The sun, casting a warm glow over the turrets and towers, painted the scene with an enchanting radiance.

Mingi gestured towards the impressive view, a proud smile on his face. "Surprise! I thought this would be the perfect place for what I had in mind."

Yunho's eyes widened in awe as he took in the breathtaking scenery. The sprawling Hogwarts grounds, the river gently winding its way, and the castle looming in the background created a memorable scene. It was a scene that resonated with the magic of the wizarding world, and Yunho couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected beauty that Mingi had unveiled.

Mingi's hand pointed towards the meticulously arranged picnic blanket on the ground, a colorful spread that hinted at the result of Mingi's secret gardening adventure. "The tomatoes grew so much faster than I thought they would, and I had no idea what to do with all of them," Mingi confessed bashfully, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and hesitation. "So I asked the castle house-elf staff if they could do something with them. I also helped! Given that they prepare our meals every day and that my request was probably additional work, I felt horrible watching them handle everything."

The blanket, adorned with an array of vibrant tomato dishes and salads, gleaming with the essence of Mingi's dedication. Yunho, initially struck speechless by the unexpected feast, finally managed to find his voice.

"You did all of this.. for me?" Yunho's words carried a hint of shock, his eyes reflecting both gratitude and amazement.

Mingi, with a humble grin, responded, "Well, don't get me wrong, despite the hard work, I actually enjoyed growing plants like this. You get a nice feeling of accomplishment."

As Mingi picked up a plate filled with freshly picked tomatoes, he extended it towards Yunho. "You said you wanted to try a fresh tomato, so.. here's your chance. I might've already eaten about half of this plate.. They're delicious!" Mingi's smile widened, showcasing his satisfaction with the final result.

Yunho, unable to resist the allure of the freshly picked tomatoes, accepted the plate gratefully. The first bite was indescribable, a burst of a tart and tangy flavor that surpassed all expectations. The tomatoes, nurtured with care and dedication, left a sweet after teaste in Yunho's mouth, almost as if he could taste the love Mingi has put into growing them.

The duo settled onto the comfortable picnic blanket, surrounded by an array of tasty-looking dishes, each infused with the magic of Mingi's efforts.

As they delved into their meal, Mingi regaled Yunho with tales of the misadventures that had peppered his gardening journey. Amidst the laughter and shared stories, Yunho couldn't help but find humor in Mingi's gardening mishaps. "How could you put them in clay soil? I told you Muggles use sandy loam!" Yunho teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Mingi simply shrugged his shoulders with a grin, taking another spoonful of the delectable tomato salad. "Instructions unclear," he noted.

Yunho found himself captivated by the enchanting scenery surrounding them. The Hogwarts Castle, with its towering spires, stood proudly against the azure sky. The river nearby whispered tales of secrets shared only with those who sought its solace.

Amid the tranquil moment, a comfortable silence enveloped them, the special bond between Yunho and Mingi flourishing without the need for words. Yunho sighed, a contented smile playing on his lips as he gazed at Mingi, grateful for the genuine connection they shared.

After a few heartwarming seconds, Yunho finally broke the silence. "Thank you, Mingi."

Mingi turned his head towards Yunho, his eyes reflecting the warmth of their friendship, and he smiled sincerely. "You're welcome, Yunho," Mingi replied, the words carrying a depth that transcended the simple act of growing tomatoes. In that moment, gratitude and appreciation hung in the air, reinforcing the bond between the two of them.

Later, standing in front of Mingi's flourishing gardening haven. The tomato bushes stood proudly, their branches laden with plump, vibrant fruits that seemed to display the joy of their caretaker's dedication.

"What should we do with them? We can't eat all of this by ourselves!" Mingi exclaimed, his eyes scanning the multitude of tomatoes.

After a brief pause, Yunho's eyes gleamed with an idea. "What if we gather the tomatoes and offer them to the headmistress? She can ask the kitchen elves to include them on the menu for dinner today." Yunho's suggestion hung in the air, an opportunity to share the fruits of their unexpected harvest with the entire Hogwarts community.

Yunho and Mingi exchanged a knowing glance, their unspoken agreement sealing their decision.

Later at dinner, Headmistress Weasley took center stage, her poised and authoritative presence commanding the attention of the entire Great Hall. The hum of conversations gradually subsided as students turned their focus to the headmistress, a sense of anticipation filling the air.

"I would like to announce that tonight's dinner is indeed very special," Headmistress Weasley began, her words flowing with the effortless grace and eloquence that characterized her speech. The students, initially confused, now listened attentively. "One of our students has generously offered fresh ingredients for tonight's dishes, cultivated with dedication and care. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Song Mingi, a fifth-year Hufflepuff, who has spent the last three months cultivating his own tomatoes. He selflessly contributed these homegrown treasures to our school's kitchen, expressing his desire to share the fruits of his labor with his fellow students."

A gentle smile graced Headmistress Weasley's lips as she continued, "In recognition of his outstanding efforts, I am pleased to award Song Mingi with 50 house points for his remarkable contribution to our Hogwarts community. Now, without further ado, let us all relish in this extraordinary feast. Bon appétit."

As she concluded her speech, the Great Hall erupted in a chorus of cheers and applause. The tables, adorned with a variety of dishes, showcased Mingi's tomatoes in all their glory – in vibrant tomato salads, rich marinara sauce paired with pasta, and even as delectable snacks in the form of cut-up tomatoes. The Hufflepuff table, especially, erupted in jubilation, celebrating Mingi's altruism.

Amidst the cheers and applause, Yunho couldn't help but gaze at his best friend with admiration, recognizing the purity of Mingi's heart reflected in this special moment.

[garden-with-squid]

5/19/24

It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper check in/took notes about the garden. The tomatillos are doing alright, wilting every 2 or 3 days so I’m trying to keep up with the watering. Tomatoes need to go into grow bags. Potatoes have pest damage and look like they’ll be ready to harvest within the next 2 months.

I got into a staring match with the damn squirrel, and while I don’t have the guts to kill it, it does piss me off. It’s eaten leaves off the green beans (which I still got some harvest from), peppers, okra, edamame, etc and I think it’s stunting all their growth.

The okra and watermelon is going so slow, and I had to resow the watermelon actually, and there’s the pest damage - it’s admittedly frustrating, but it is my first time growing these plants. The sunflowers grow quickly though and that gives me a sense of progress.

Bed 1 still looks the best just because it’s filled. On the positive, the two surviving zinnia plants look good, I’ll pinch them off once they grow a few more inches. Struggling with the edamame - the red basket is an attempt to keep the squirrel out, though it blocks too much sun. The Japanese eggplant is doing very well thankfully. Peppers at also getting chomped so haven’t set much fruit yet. I think the borage is choking out the surrounding plants, need to cut it back a lot again. I’m also struggling to direct sow cucumber, they don’t survive past the first leaves, so I’ve sown indoors in a paper pot in the hopes of transplanting when it gets big enough to compete.

In bed 4 I removed the snapdragons (lord of rust) and planted cosmos and dahlia tubers I got on sale. I was feeling very sad and wanted some flowers.

It’s actually been a bit overcast this month but little rain, temps in the 70s on average. As usual, the garden feels a bit behind schedule - I could hypothetically be harvesting a bunch of stuff or much further along if I had started earlier.

Feels on-time: potatoes, tomatillos, green beans, sunflower, watermelon (I trust it’ll grow faster in June)

Plant could’ve be bigger: okra, cucumber, edamame, peppers (Greg Alder’s post says late May is best time for transplanting; they grow faster so less bug damage)

Could have been harvesting: eggplant (an early crop from the overwintered plants, if I transplanted them earlier), cherry tomatoes, flowers, STRAWBERRIES and other berries

I guess it’s not that bad then. If I really wanted to, I could’ve kept more broccoli and greens growing now, and if the onions/garlic were still in, they’d be getting pretty big and juicy for a June harvest. The poppies are going to seed, and I love the colorful assorted wildflowers we had growing in that one corner. I hope they go to seed and come back next year.

[corkcitylibraries]

Sow...Let's Grow

Come May the garden is bursting with life, my irises are in full bloom, my strawberries have just started to flower, my peas, sweet peas and Martock beans (readers of this blog may remember I was given these beans at a seed saving talk held in Hollyhill Library during Heritage Week last year) are all well on their way and one of my jobs for the weekend is to build them a trellis. The weather is fine, the days are long and at this time of year there is nothing I love more than pottering around my garden watching everything bask in the sunshine.

Here are all the seeds you can plant in May (and it just so happens we have them all in stock in Hollyhill Library!)

Enough that you could plant something new every day of May and still have seeds left over. I have planted my calendula seeds in amongst my garlic and onion bed as a companion plant. Companion planting is sowing two specific seeds next to each other because they each have properties that are mutually beneficial to each other. Calendula is a great one as it is not only extremely attractive to pollinators, but it also deters aphids and whitefly. Common crops that will benefit from calendula being planted near them include: tomatoes, beans, courgettes, and all brassicas and alliums.

To sow calendula seeds you can start them off indoors in a sunny window and plant them out once they are about 5cm tall or you can plant them straight outside if the risk of frost has passed. Use a good compost or well raked soil and cover the seeds with a thin layer, water well and you should be able to see your seeds growing in 1 – 2 weeks’ time. Calendula is an annual so it will only last the year, but they are also great self seeders.

A more in-depth exploration of companion planting can be found in Jill Billington’s Planting Companions, available to borrow from Hollyhill Library. The author talks about natural compatibility and the importance of understanding your garden climate, for example, how shaded it is, the acidity of the soil, when choosing what to plant in your garden. She focuses mainly on flowers and goes into a lot of detail about using height and space to your advantage but if veg is more your cup of tea then Jessica Walliser’s Plant Partners: science-based companion planting strategies for the vegetable garden is the one for you. This book really covers all the bases with chapters on weed management, support structures, pest management and pollination showing you how to really maximise the space you have and the plants you can grow. Working with your garden and understanding how the plants interact with each other would probably be described as holistic gardening today but the concept of listening to nature and learning from the environment around you has been around for hundreds of years.

Happy gardening 😊