Seed Project 2016

This year we’re gardening again. We’ve done a small garden the past two years. 2014 was not a good year – we didn’t prepare the soil well, didn’t sufficiently water the plants, and didn’t protect the harvest from birds or squirrels. We did better in 2015, when I took a gardening course through the Maryland extension, and we got a modest crop of tomatoes, a few zucchini, and strawberries (from the plants we started in 2013).

This year, we have fallen farther into the gardening trap. We’re not increasing the plot size (yet!), but we are planning for more veggie varieties and starting some from seed. So far the seeds are started for the cabbage (an Asian variety of Brassica rapa called “Mei Ching Choi”) and onions (Allium cepa of the “Ailsa Craig” variety).

Cabbage is quick! These were planted on Feb 13, just over three days ago. Already, more than 50% have sprouted! Here’s the little cotyledons earlier today:

For the selection of varieties and plant types for the early garden, I consulted the recommended vegetable cultivars for the MidAtlantic region (HGIC 70, U of Maryland) and bought seeds from Johnny’s and Territorial Seed.

Many more helpful tips and information sheets at the University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center.

Thinking of doing this yourself? Here’s another helpful resource from the University of Minnesota Extension: “Starting Seeds Indoors.”