Sprouts!
Step 1) Plant seed. Step 2) Cover. Step 3) Water. Step 4) Wait for it… Step 5) Sprouts!
Many of the plants in my Square Foot Garden (SFG) are transplants. Either I grew them indoors, or I bought them from my locally-owned garden supply store (a bit more expensive than going to big-box stores, but worth it IMHO). After reading through forums on Reddit, and other garden blogs, I half expected only 20% of the seeds to germinate and grow sprouts. When I sowed my seeds, I assumed I’d be back at the starting line on my knees in 2–3 weeks.
All of the seeds I planted have sprouted and it looks like the beginnings of some healthy crops. When I started planning a couple of months ago, I could not have imagined the excitement I would experience each morning observing how the garden has changed. Not to gush too much, but the garden is doing better than I expected and it’s important to celebrate short term wins!
I don’t think my success has anything to do with me, but don’t tell my partner that! specifically. It’s most likely a combination of:
- The soil I used for the raised beds (1/3 of each: peat moss, vermiculite, and compost)
- Choosing the right spot in the yard that gets good sun
- The weather has been rather warm for April, and
- The use of local organic heirloom seeds — although I am not sure how much that matters.
Now I have to get serious about protecting the vegetables. As with any gardener/farmer, I hope to keep rabbits, squirrels and other critters out of the crops. I’ve looked into fencing online and at various stores, but it seems expensive, and I’m assuming I can make something for a fraction of the cost. I welcome any responses readers have about pesticide-free methods used to protect gardens from Peter Rabbit and friends.
Here are photos of the first signs of what I hope to be a bountiful harvest this spring and summer. I’ve also shared the time t0 sprout from seed. Every few days I’ll show progress.
Radishes — One week (that’s 7 Days.)
Carrots — 9 days. Once they all shore up, I’ll thin them out.
Beets — 9 Days. You can see the red veins — So Pretty!
Potatoes — 11 Days
Green Onions — 11 Days
Onions — 12 Days
