Starting

As we edge into March, I have seeds and spring planting on the brain. We haven’t started seeds indoors for about two years, but I think I might do it this year. I want to get better at it. We often have them get too  leggy, and I think we could use another light, but first steps first. We have plenty of older seeds to use up, so why not?

In thinking about all this, I’ve been thinking of alternative seed starter ideas.

First, soil blocking from Laura of Spud Lust. (Bonus: if you click on that link you will also see newborn baby bunnies!—er, newborn kits). I don’t think I’ll get to them this year, but how cool!

Second, newpaper seed pots from Hip Chick Digs. Peep this video.

I figured out how to do the newspaper roll, but I think I need soil to get it completely right. It tended to unroll without it. But I think I will do it! By the way, when I showed this video to Coop Daddy and my sister in law, they both thought that was ME talking. So, I guess that’s what I sound like, if you haven’t heard my voice in real life

But it’s not me, it’s Renee Wilkinson of Hip Chick Digs. By the way, she wrote a fantastic book on homesteading in smaller spaces, including urban yards. It is called Modern Homestead: Grow, Raise, Create. I checked it out from the library but I think it is purchase worthy. And wow, people, her movable coop/run/worm bin design is crazy cool – I wish I could find a photo link to it online. You will have to check the book out to see it.

In all actuality, it is highly likely we end up just throwing seeds in the ground and buying tomato starts. I have a hard time trying to figure out timing for these things, and it doesn’t help that I live in the north. Still, I want to figure it out this weekend. Dan was gone again this week and Greta had a fever, but nothing is on the agenda for the weekend but family time, seeds, and garden plans.

Finn playing quietly, Greta still sleeping, coffee at my elbow. Beef roast in the crockpot, library books in the book bag, most of the laundry folded. It’s gonna be a good weekend.