Spring Gardening

I didn't find the energy last spring to order seeds. I bought starts and planted whatever starts I could find.  I didn't find the energy to order seeds this year. Michael and I stopped by Lowes as he is going to make a seed starting station for me. He nudged me into buying seeds. 

Judy, a dear friend, gave me this our second year here. It is great for starting seeds, and growing winter herbs. However I could only start two trays at a time. I planted more and rotated but it wasn't optimal. 

I bought some grow lights a couple of summers ago but never got around to using them. Michael put this together for me. 

After a cup of tea and a bit of reading this afternoon, I was motivated to get out all the new seeds, the old seeds and organized them. I had downloaded a free Alaska seed starting guide from Common Ground Alaska. I would link it, but I can't find it on their site just now.  

I started some ribs and baked beans - low and slow.....and then headed to the growing station. 

From checking out the ebook I found I was a "bit" behind but not by much as our last frost is May 30th. 

 I have some old seeds and some new seeds. This is a great time to experiment. I overplanted and we'll see what happens. I planted 108 tomato plants (several varieties) so I'm hoping I don't have 100% germination. I've NEVER been able to get a strong tomato plant from seed. Michael says if it doesn't work, we'll buy starts. If it does, we'll have lots of tomatoes.  I also started snowball cauliflower, marigolds, sunflowers, broccoli, brussel sprouts and celery. I had 7 trays....this set up can handle 24 trays of seeds. I need to buy more trays. LOL 

If I rotate the trays, I can get 4 on a shelf

I labeled with the name of seed, date planted, days to germinate, and year the seed was packed. 

The basil is about ready to die out and make way for new spring summer basil. 

Even with the gardening gloves - I just can't resist. Tis the season of the black thumb...or black thumbnail at least. 

I need more pods and trays.  I have no idea if I'll us it to the full capacity this year - but I can already see it's going to be much easier to have this big growing station.  Oh, I ran into the greenhouse, and it was 80*. I decided to plant some spinach and lettuce in the greenhouse. My hope is to be harvesting it about the time I plant out in the beds...and then use the inside space for tomatoes, beans and peppers. 

Michael came home from his appointment. He, Dad and I had a yummy dinner. Allie got home from work and grabbed some and a couple of hours later Stacia got home from classes. It turns out ribs are a favorite around here. I'll have to do that often this summer. It is perfect to get started and go on with the day outside. 

As I gardened last year, I dreamed of moving the hot tub from the garage to our new outside deck. Actually, being able to set up the hot tub and enjoy it after an afternoon in the garden. My back was sore this evening and I headed out for a nice, leisurely soak after dinner. This gave me time to catch up on polos too.