Indoor Vegetable Garden Update

Just a quick update on my lettuce, spinach, and red peppers. As you can see by the photos everything seems to be growing well. I have already picked two red peppers and have another one that will be ready in a few days. The  blossom didn't make it and I think that is because of the lack of nutrients in the soil even though I am watering with compost tea.

I will be able to harvest the lettuce leaves in a few days or a week. The spinach needs some more time.

Happy Gardening

Winter Sown Seeds

I recently read a blog about sowing cool weather crop seeds over the winter. From what I read it didn't seem too difficult and resembles a cold frame or mini greenhouse. I would love to have fresh greens waiting to be harvested when the snow melts. Quite intrigued , so I decided to give it a try.

First you need some plastic containers with lids. I am using the containers that my spring mix came in. They are a nice size and have a lid. I also had some starter cells and thought I would use them so transplanting in the spring would be a bit easier. 

You need to cut holes in the bottom of your container for drainage and the top for air circulation. According to the article I read, next spring when the days get warmer, you will need to make these holes larger so your crops don't get too hot. Mark the container with the name of the crop you are growing in it. Easier to do now then when it is full. I marked mine on the top and bottom just in case the weather makes in unable to read next spring.

Fill your containers about half way with good soil and then water.  Make sure your container drains well, otherwise your seeds will rot. Sow your seeds according to the manufacturer. Secure the lid and put outside where you would grow that particular crop. I placed mine in my raised bed where I grow my leafy greens.

There you have it. Hopefully, I will be harvesting leafy greens early next spring. Will post an update then.
For more info and free seeds go to http://www.wintersown.org/

My Compost Tea

What is my compost tea? 

It is just a shovel full of compost (homemade or store bought) placed in a 5 gal bucket filled with water. Stir it so the compost is distributed through the water. You can let it sit for as long or as little as you want before using. I let mine "steep" for at least 2 hours and as long as a week before using on my plants. Nothing fancy but it does the trick.

I used this solution about once a week on my outdoor plants during the growing season and currently on my indoor plants. It is a great way to naturally feed your plants, especially the ones that have been sitting in the same container soil for more than a few months.

Just use it they way you would use water for watering your garden or potted plants.
Happy Gardening