I finally got the first of my summer seed started today! This is only Phase One of summer veggies with more to be started once these are past their germination stage – about 2-3 weeks, or mid-March with any luck. Speaking of which I could use some.
I started all of today’s seed in the newspaper pots explained in my previous post. I didn’t like having to transplant the germinated seed last time so I hope this one works out well. I did three seeds to a pot and will thin as/if needed. I was also able to write the name of the seed on the outside of the newspaper pot but I’m sure I’ll have to label them another way before the water smears the ink.
I planted:
4 Pineapple Tomato
4 Jelly Bean Tomato
8 Amish Paste Tomato
8 Brandywine Tomato
8 Mortgage Lifter Tomato
8 Roma Tomato
4 Jalapeno Pepper
4 Bell Pepper
4 Eggplant
12 Strawberry
Anyone else started strawberries from seed and been surprised at how small the seeds are? I mean, it’s not as if I’ve never seen the seeds before; I just never connected the seed on the outside of the strawberry with the seed you plant. Can we say “Der”?
Zeb helped me out today, too. He made more newspaper pots when we ran out, filled the pots with coco-peat, and placed the seeds in the holes. Through the whole project we talked about the amazing abilities of one tiny seed to create a huge plant, fruits and vegetables and more seeds to start all over again. We looked at the different sizes and shapes of the seed, talked about the qualities of each plant, tried to name all the foods we could come up with that were purple like the eggplant (didn’t get too far), and talked about plans for the different foods that will grow from these particular seeds. I explained what coco-peat was and why we are using it instead of regular peat, why we planted three seeds to a pot, why we starting only these seeds and when we’ll start more. He also did his fair share of multiplication (figuring out how many seeds were needed in each pot times the number of pots) and generally acted like the goofball he is.
Now I’m going to get off my butt and make dinner so that I can be on-time to a Photoshop class I’m taking. 
Hope ya’ll had a Happy Tuesday!
I was turning my soil today, and then came in and read your post. Inspired to start some seeds. Love your blog.
Wow thats a lot of learning while planting seeds. I can say for sure that is way more thinking than I do when Im planting. I tend to find it very relaxing…all that thinking…not so much. Sounds fun none the less.
Nice! I’m allergic to newsprint and the ink and do wish I could use it for pots but can’t touch it.
We haven’t started warmer weather seeds yet, only a few weeks! Can’t wait!
What a GREAT idea — newspaper pots. So economical, we are so going to do this!
Aww thanks Heather.
SJS, gardening is relaxing for me too. Very meditative when I’m by myself. But it was fun to have Zeb join in. And it looks like a lot of talking and learning but it was really just a flowing conversation of questions and answers and wondering aloud.
Denise, what?!?! I’ve never even *heard* of an allergy to newsprint and the ink. Hmm, I wonder if there is something else you can use/reuse?
Helen, I really like it so far. I hope you have the same results. Let me know how yours go!
This is such a clever idea. No waste either. What a fun way for your children to learn. I’m looking forward to the day my son will be intrigued by these things as much as his mom and dad. We just turned our soil over this past weekend and plan to start indoors as well. Will be trying to the newspaper pots this year. We had read about it in an eco mag and now that I see your creations it has me super excited. Great job- and post.
Oh that looks like fun! Sounds like a super exciting variety of tomatoes… It’s making me long for a fresh tomato sandwich on home made bread…. that’s totally my summer time lunch. Mmmmmm….
Thanks for stopping by to wish Rose a happy birthday! I am slowly getting back into this…but the break has been nice. Been playing my banjo like crazy!
Rose going to school was a very quickly made decision, but after months of her asking. I still don’t love the idea, but she’s in a good place and doing well. She loves being busy, and being with kids every dang day, and that’s just not possible at home. The other two of us need a lot more downtime!
I love your blog’s new look, btw.
Denise, what about brown craft paper? It may be too thick…
cool to see your set up. i’ve wanted to try those paper pots but haven’t yet. i have never started strawberry plants from seed. i’m excited to see how they go for you. where’d you get the seed – did you save it or buy it?
Lisa Winter – I bought it from Bountiful Gardens. I’ll be sure to update if it grows. If you don’t hear anything it probably means I failed.