I found this in our garden--Orchid/Iris Lady Beatrix Stanley. They pop up early, even before crocuses but never this early. And it is the beautiful blue in the photo. I might not have blue petunias this year (they still aren't popping up), but these are such a dramatic harbinger of spring.
Our cat London is keeping me company while I plant. Although she often gets into trouble, she doesn't dig in the dirt or bother seedlings I start in the kitchen. Maybe that's because I plant grass for her and her sister Ebbie and it's all theirs.
This is thinning week. I really hate pulling out those baby shoots. I use a tweezers to facilitate the process. In the peat pots I might leave two shoots for a little while if they're far enough a part. As you can see, the root is already over an inch. If I don't thin them, they will get tangled and stunt growth.
The first seeds I planted are growing much faster than last year. I lowered the grow light and in only a month, a few have four leaves. I water every 24-48 hours, adding water to the pan the peat pots sit in and then spritzing the top. I'm thinking about planting a few more petunias since they are coming up this fast. I'd like mature plants to add to patio containers in May.
Hopefully this week I will ready a second grow light in preparation for planting tomatoes.
Have a great week and happy planting!
Karen Rose Smith
2012 Karen Rose Smith
