Free Shipping, Tomatoes, and *The Best* Seed Starting Mix!
Hi Folks,
To start, for the rest of March we are offering free shipping on every order! Even for one or two packets, there is no charge for shipping, so if you have been hesitant because you only have a few types of seeds on your to-grow list, here is a good reason to order.
Also, this is nearly the time to start your tomatoes. If you have indoor lights, then I would start now. If you just have a sunny window to start your tomatoes, then I would wait a couple of more weeks because your seedlings might get a bit leggy for want of light. When tomato seeds sprout, they want to grow! We have a great collection of tomatoes at Sweet Rock that changes a little bit every year as we trial new varieties and discover new favourites. If you are looking for the perfect cherry tomato, we have several varieties, or a mix of them all in one packet.
We have other varieties to trellis, others that grow well in containers, some that grow like a squash, and some for slicing and sauce. There are several thousand varieties of tomatoes in the world, if you can believe it, and what we offer is a tiny, tiny slice of that pie, but every variety has been trialled and proven—to us— worthy of offering. I love growing tomatoes and would grow way more if we had the space and time to do so.
After my last post on seed starting, I have been asked to talk more about what a good seed starting mix is and how to make one, so here is my basic recipe, which is awesome! It will fill a large wheelbarrow. You can make more on a large tarp, or less as you choose.
I use a large white bucket as my measure; you can use something smaller, but keep ratios the same. Start with 2 buckets of peat moss. Mix in two handfuls (think of a handful as approx. 1 cup) of limestone, a handful of oyster shell, and a couple handfuls of fertilizer. (I use Gaia Green Organic 4-4-4). Mix it well, then add 1 bucket of coarse sand. Mix again. Finally, and most importantly, add 1 bucket of compost. If the compost is lumpy put it through a screen to break it up, or work it in with your hands or a shovel.
When this is all mixed it is ready to go, although I think it works even better if it can sit for a month or more. I store my potting soil in a large garbage can and scoop out what I need with a shovel or sturdy pot. The recipe is loosely based on Eliot Coleman’s recipe from his book, “The New Organic Grower”, which isn’t so new anymore.
Having a good seed starting mix is key for healthy plants. Most store-bought mixes are 95% peat moss, with a bit of perlite added, and just enough fertilizer to keep seedlings going for a couple of weeks. If you have ever had the experience of starting your seeds, and they come up fine but sort of languish after a little bit, this is why.
Until next time, “keep calm and sow on”.
