As I write this, snow is falling sideways. All too accommodating of the 40mph wind gusts. Moisture which was dearly hoped for has arrived this April! In past years, I would start planting directly into the garden, just after Mother's Day. In my family, Mother's Day was the day set aside to visit the local nursery, to pick out something new to add to the yard or garden. It was our families annual ritual, part of the rhythm our year. Last year a small field mouse discovered my garden and as quickly as I would plant a seed, she or he would collect it. It took awhile to figure out what as happening, and by the time I did, the garden looked like it was encased in chicken wire and the metal screen you would use on your windows, nothing kept this little one out! So...
... this year I am starting all my seeds inside using wooden seed trays to start them in, lining them in black plastic to help with warmth, and placing them on the window sills so they get plenty of light.
I am recycling packing paper and using a Pot Maker to create the containers to hold the dirt and seeds. They are great because they can go directly into the garden without removing the pot (newspaper can also be used). Some tips on using the Pot Maker: strips should be around 18" long and 4.5" high. Wrap the paper around loosely, too tight and you can not remove the form. Fold the seem under first, then the rest of the paper, usually three folds, finishing it off by pressing it into the bottom of the form.
Lastly fill each one with dirt and dampen, then tuck in your seeds following the directions on the package. Our window gets the afternoon light, it is not direct, but enough to get the seeds started. I might have to create a few clear plastic tents over the boxes depending on what seeds are planted.
This year with the events in Boston, this act of planting brought me a little bit of hope into a wintry cold day. Many blessings to all those affected.
~ Deb
*Last time in Barn Stories: Week Two
