My herbs, oregano, dill, cilantro and basil germinated. All of my tomato seeds germinated, which is unusual for me. I usually lose a few. This year, I allowed then to stay in the starter pots longer. I think this method allowed the roots to get stronger before I re-potted them. I save pots from the garden center when I purchase my flowers and reuse them for my vegetable plants the next season. My squash, watermelon, peppers and zucchini germinated as well. I'm looking forward to a great growing season.
The plants are ready to be hardened off. What is hardening off? It's where you expose your plants to the elements gradually. First, I sit them outside for a few hours in the shade. The next move is to gradually expose them to the sun and longer hours outside, and than I leave them out overnight. Once they get used to the temperatures, I leave them out until I'm ready to plant them in the garden.
I have about 20 plants ready for the garden. I estimate that I have $5.00 in seeds this year. I would never be able to purchase 20 plants from a nursery or garden center for $5.00 and another $3.00 for potting soil, which I will also use in other areas of the garden. I will direct seed the cucumbers and green beans.
This week I will work on getting the manure in the garden and having it tilled. I should have the plants in by the end of the month. Stay tuned for future posts.
