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Angels in My Garden Week #5 February 1, 2010
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Hello Fellow Gardeners, This certainly has been a challenging winter, which makes it all the more enjoyable to look forward to spring and working in the garden; but even before we get to kneel on the sun-warmed ground and dig our fingers deep into the soft earth we may have some pleasant gardening moments in store for us. I once had the privilege of watching a bean sprout emerge from the soil, lift it's head and spring to life right before my eyes- a moment of wonder at the miracle of life. I hope you have received your
Turtle Tree seed catalog and started plotting your garden. If you
already have your seeds, you should check the packages for germination
requirements for each type of seed. Some packets will instruct you
to start the seeds indoors a certain number of weeks before planting
outside; for example, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
some types of greens and eggplant. The instructions will probably
refer to the "last frost date" To find out what the last frost
date is in your area go to http://www.victoryseeds.com/frost/.
If any of your seeds require ten or more weeks to develop, you will be
starting them indoors this month. You will need to buy some small pots and a planting medium. I recommend clay pots and organic potting soil. Many people like to use peat pots because you can plant the pot and all in the ground but I have not had good success with peat pots. I find it hard to keep the soil moist as the peat draws water away from the soil. Fill the pots to ¼ inch of the top of the pot; water the soil and let it drain. Plant the seed about 4 times as deep as the seed is wide. So if the seed is very small, like mustard greens, just sprinkle a little bit of soil over the seed. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. I find it best to use a spray bottle, at least until the seeds sprout. Some seeds require light to germinate while others prefer total darkness. Your seed packet should tell you what your seed's requirements are. Once they sprout, all seedlings need light to develop into strong, healthy plants. If you don't have a sunny windowsill you can use flourescent light. In the weeks after they sprout keep the seedlings moist, but not dripping. Small pots and flats dry out quickly, so check the moisture level often. If your seedlings are growing in a windowsill turn them often so they will grow straight and tall. You probably won't be doing any indoor planting until the middle of February but now is the time to start gathering the supplies you will need. If you have any questions you can write to me by replying to this email. Reflection: Everywhere I go I hear of
more and more people taking an interest in growing their own healthful,
vital, life-sustaining food. In the cities, in the suburbs and on family
farms, it seems there is this understanding of the need to return to
pure and wholesome food. And it is creating a brother/sisterhood that
carries an air of joy and excitement at the prospect of this seemingly
small, but terribly significant step towards taking our lives back into
our own hands. Whispers of change that will grow into a mighty roar? The
following is from Prophecies in the Essene Gospel of Peace:
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