Seedling Update and Random Bits!

It's been almost 2 weeks since I started 6 flats of seeds indoors.. Tomatoes, peppers, basil, parsley, geraniums, petunias, gourds, giant pumpkins, onions, leeks and so many more.. Due to some work travel, I was a bit late this year for some things, but it never ceases to amaze me just how fast seeds germinate and the plants grow! My onions are now 3 inches tall and need to be trimmed back with scissors (we toss the trimmings into scrambled eggs - yum!). The tomatoes are entering the 2nd leaf stage and the Chinese cabbage (Little Jade, a new dwarf variety from Renee's Garden) is ready to be hardened off and moved to the cold frames!)

Just popped down to the basement, where the temperature is a steady 15 C and a fan keeps the air circulating 24/7. Blowing air can help prevent a host of problems, but it also toughens up the plants, making them sturdier, stronger and more ready to deal with the 'real world' once they are moved outside.

Here' s a peek under my lights on this cool and cloudy Wednesday, along with a few other photos from the past week!

A photo from the Spring Ideal Home Show last weekend.
Finally, a company that sells quality cold frames! For
contact info and pricing,  check out Nova Tree Company. So exciting!

Paul MacPhee of MacPhee's Landscaping Services. Paul is also
the current President of Landscape Nova Scotia!

Retail Sales Manager, Jackie from Blomidon Nurseries! I had
a great time speaking there last month and will be back again on
Friday, May 25th from 10 am to 12:30 to speak on Year Round
Veggie Gardening and do an extended Q & A session! 

A GIANT pumpkin seedling from garden friend, Pete. You
can't buy seed like this! He sent me some from a 1200 LB
pumpkin! This baby is already 5 inches tall and I have 4 others
that are quickly catching up.

A peek under the lights - look how things have grown in
just a few days. Plus, I have more to start - zinnias, cukes,
zucchini, more gourds/pumpkins, etc.

Ragged Jack Kale. Love that the true leaves are so 'raggedy'
and divided. You can even see the purple centre vein already.

Another photo.. gourds, kale, tomatoes, onions and more!

Portuguese Kale from Renee's Garden. Huge flat
leaves grow 18-inches tall. Heat tolerant with a mild,
sweet flavour. Can't wait!

Last, but not least, my Little Jade seedlings. I'm not sure who
likes Chinese cabbage more - me or the slugs? But, I gotta
keep trying. These seedlings are only 12 days old and
will be moved to the cold frames by Monday I hope after a
few days of hardening off.