Farm Update, Seed Starting Tips, and Avocados!
Hi Folks,
A couple of weeks ago I was going off to everyone about how we were going to have an early spring, and then of course, we were hit with 10 days of freezing weather and two bouts of snow. My poor avocados! Yes, this is true. But first some seed starting tips. Despite the sense of humour that Ma Nature has, spring is on the way, and if you have a bright sunny window— or even better a heat mat and an indoor grow light, you can start a host of cold hardy plants right now. Then when it does warm up, they will be ready to transplant into the garden.
I have been to four Seedy Saturday events so far this year and at every event I am told by someone how hard it is to start seeds. It is not hard, but there are a few things to know. First, if you are a beginner I recommend that you use store bought starting mix. It will cut down any potential problems with weeds and fungus’ from home made potting mixes. They aren’t the best, but they will work. Home made potting mixes can be outstanding, but they can also be vectors for disease and despair.
Second, when you plant your seeds, don’t plant them too deep. The general rule is to sow them about three times their diameter or length in the soil. Gently firm the soil to avoid air pockets.
Next (secret tip), when you water in your seeds, use warm water. Unlike some humans, plants don’t like cold water plunges. And place your seed tray in a warm, bright spot. Some seeds, like peppers, need up to 20 degrees celsius to sprout well. Even cold hardy plants like kale won’t sprout well below 15 degrees. They will, but slowly and resentfully. Light is good too because some seeds like lettuce and stinging nettles will sprout better with light.
What you can start right now with just a bright window and some warmth: spinach, lettuce, kale, broccoli, the mustards, celery, arugula, etc. If you have a light go ahead and start some peppers. They need a longer season to produce fruit, and if you start them now you can get massive harvests later on. Wait a bit for tomatoes. They grow so fast that they will be ready to go into the ground by mid-April, and it will still be too cold outside for them. If you have a greenhouse, well then… go for it!
Lastly, I am on a quest to discover an avocado tree that will survive our winters and produce fruit. You are welcome to join me. I have started literally hundreds of avocados from seed in the search for the mutation that will allow one to survive and thrive. They have all died. Am I crazy? Below is a picture of two avocados that have survived this winter outside, completely unprotected with nothing more than a few burnt leaves. They endured temperatures down to -5 degrees celsius, two snowfalls, and a solid two weeks of below zero temperatures. I am pretty sure they are mad at me and are craving warmer temps, but look! The big one is two years old, and over 5 feet tall!
We all need projects that inspire us. This is mine. And bananas. But that’s another story. I hope you are inspired to start some seeds today, or soon, and grow some food. Everything in our “Greens” section is 10% off until March 10th!
Thank you,
Sal Dominelli
