Weekend Seed Sale thru March 31st

Just announced on facebook....SEED SALE!!!

All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,
non-patented,  untreated, heirloom garden seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday
are shipped within 24 hours, (except for holidays)
NEW Varieties added to our SPECIALTY HEIRLOOMS page
For more info: Ordering Info & FAQ 

Three varieties on sale:

BLACK BEAUTY EGGPLANT

LONG ISLAND BRUSSELS SPROUTS

TOM THUMB LETTUCE

And if that wasn't enough...2 FREE Seed Packs with purchase 

of the following Seed Combo Packs

Mary's Salsa Pack

Mary's Pepper Pack

Tomato Lover's Pack

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!

HAPPY PLANTING! 
 

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Mini Garden with Microgreens

Today is I started my own microgreens! (I started this post 5 days ago)  
What are migrogreens you ask?  They are "micro" version of produce!  They're like sprouts but without the jar and the rinse/drain cycle. 

Broccoli and Radish microgreens

From FreshOrigins:
"A microgreen is a seedling having a a central stem which has been cut just above the soil line during harvesting. It has two fully developed cotyledon leaves, and usually one pair very small, partially developed true leaves. Differences in the size and leaf configuration are based upon the specific plant variety. For example, Micro Borage is a very large microgreen. At 1″ in height, it has a pair of very large cotyledon leaves and no true leaves. By comparison, Micro Mint has extremely tiny cotyledon leaves and will have 3-4 sets of true leaves at about 1″ in height. More typical in size and leaf configuration for micro greens is Micro Basil at about 1-1 1/2″ in height, and 1/2″ to 1″ in width across the top and includes  the cotyledon leaves and one set of very small true leaves."

There are LOTS of varieties of veggies/herbs that can be grown as microgreeens such as Radish, Broccoli, Alfalfa, Arugula, Beets, Basil, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Chervil, Cilantro, Cress, Fennel, Kale.

Today I started with Radish and Broccoli.   
You can make your own.  Buy sprouting seeds and save $.
*2/12/13 Update:  Mary's Heirloom Seeds is sponsoring a giveaway HERE.

I used a recycled container.

Add a layer of dirt filling the container approx 3/4 to the top.  Spray the dirt with water.  Do not pour water over the dirt or you'll displace the soil.

Sprinkle seeds over the dirt.  I sprinkled one side with Radish and the other with Broccoli.

Radish (L), Broccoli (R)

Add a thin layer of dirt and thoroughly wet top layer with water using a spray bottle.

Label your greens (optional).  Place in a sunny spot to grow.  Spray once per day.

After 36 hours, the seeds are already germinating!

Day 3 (below)

Day 4 1/2 (below)

You can buy a Microgreens Seed Combo pack from from Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  After 6-10 days I'll snip the microgreens just above the soil and added them to salad.  They would be great on homemade pizza! 
Featured at In and Out of the Kitchen , Tutorials Tips and Tidbits and Weekend Wonders! 

Linking up HERE and Wildcrafting Wednesday. 

Tomato Seedlings and Saving $$$

I'm taking a short break from Tinctures and Herbal Remedies to bring you "Cup" planting and "Kitty Containers"

Yes...I am growing Tomatoes!!!!  And eggplant, beans, peppers, basil, cabbage, carrots, dill, yarrow, chamomile, sage, radicchio...I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the varieties.  But I didn't forget to Companion Plant!

Japanese White and Black Beauty Eggplants in Peat Pellets

I hate using plastic!  But then again, I also hate wasting money.  I transplanted the Genovese Basil into these red cups to give away as little "Thanks You" gifts and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on containers.  For $2.50 I have 50 cups, or 50 gifts! 

Genovese Basil seedlings

Red cups...Not just for frat parties and country songs!

These instructions can be used for LOTS of varieties!

Here, I'm planting Tomatoes! 

So here's how I plant seeds:
**Keep in mind that I'm preparing seedlings at a time that I might be moving to a new (to us) house.  I would normally just transplant into the ground**

For Peat Pellet planting: 
-Soak tomato seeds for 12-24 hours before planting.
-When you're ready to plant, soak the Peat Pellets (5-6 minutes)
-Plant your seed in the center and lightly cover with soil

For "Cup" planting
-Soak seeds for 12-24 hours before planting
-Cut 2 holes in the bottom of your cup.
-Fill the cup 3/4 full of potting soil or seed-starter mix
*Seeds do not need fertilizer*I recommend seed-starter mix*
-Moisten the dirt and then make a small "hole" in the center
-Plant seed 1/4 inch in the "hole" then gently cover with dirt 

Tomatoes planted in red cups and peat pellets

WOOHOO!!  I get so excited when I plant seeds.

For Peat Pellets: when your seedlings grow about 1-2 inches tall it's time to transplant. You can transplant into a "cup" until you decide where your seedling will go.  You can also transplant into a large container or into the ground.

Did you think I was going to stop there???
Keeping in mind that we might be moving, I decided to make use of 3 of the 100 or so kitty litter buckets(maybe more like 20 but who's counting)  We get these for FREE and there's no way I'm throwing them away OR putting them in the recycle bin.

For "Kitty Containers":
-Rinse thoroughly
-Drill 6-9-12 holes in the bottom. We drilled 3 rows of 3 holes.
-Pack the bottom with a layer of leaves.
*Allows for drainage and FREE nitrogen and nutrients when the roots hit the bottom, plus they'll hold moisture.*
-I add 1 banana peel to the bottom as well for Tomatoes.

-Add your container-garden soil
-Carefully, remove the seedling from it's small container and transplant into your "Kitty Container."
*You want to bury the lower part of the stem.  This will give the tomato plant more stability and a great root system.
-Water thoroughly  

For more information there is a Growing from Seed page.
February 7th (tomorrow) is the last day for the .99 cent seed sale
The "RED" variety seed sale ends February 14th
Orders $35 or more will include an extra pack of Pink Oxheart Tomatoes

Have you planned you garden yet?  Are you already growing?  Do you have any questions about where to get started? 

I'm linking up HERE.

Tips for Gardening in Small Spaces

You don't need a farm or even a yard of any size to have a garden.

Do you have a balcony or patio that get several hours of sunlight each day?  Do you have a windowsill that gets several hours of sunlight each day?  Container gardening can be very simple to start herbs or flowers and even a few vegetable varieties.

First, decide what you want to grow.  Do you want an herb garden, veggies or fruit (yes fruit), maybe just a few bee-friendly flowers.  I like to make a list that way I can go back and add to it or get rid of items if I change my mind.

Second, check out each variety to be sure they will grow using the methods available to you.  Will your garden be container only?  Will you use small, large or all shapes and sizes of containers?

Carrots growing in a recycled container.

 Third, what type of soil will you use if you are using containers?  If you have a small yard, soil quality might still be an issue.  I recommend homemade compost but that isn't always an option.  I use a mix of several items from the garden center and home.  This recipe is primarily for container gardens but works well in raised beds as well.  Here’s my recipe:

4  large bags organic garden or potting soil
1 small bag Perlite (optional)
1 small bag Peat Moss or Coconut Coir (improves drainage)
1 cup organic bone meal (high in phosphorus)
1 cup organic blood meal (high in Nitrogen)
1 cup crushed eggshells (for Calcium)
Compost: 1 large bag store bought OR equivalent homemade
Do you live by the ocean?  Check out Seaweed in the Garden.

And now to get started!  When I'm ready to plant seeds I clear off a table and fill it will seed-starter materials.  You guessed it...Peat Pellets.

Each bowl is labeled so I don't confuse the seeds.

Did you choose an herb garden?  Basil is probably one of the easiest herbs to grow.  Purple Opal Basil is beautiful and flavorful and grows very well in containers.

Purple Opal Basil

On another subject...Mary's REAL FOOD Cookbook is OFFICIALLY available for pre-order sales now.  You can purchase the book at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  

I had a wonderful time putting the book together and I am excited about the positive response so far.  Have a Great Weekend!

New Seeds!!!

A few months ago my new seeds arrived and so I updated the website.  This weekend I planted a few seeds to get ready for next year.  I'm a few weeks ahead of schedule but what the heck, I'm going to plant a few seeds every weekend.

On Saturday I planted German Giant Radishes.  I tried this variety earlier this year but it was too hot.  I also planted Red Burgundy Onions and more Little Gem Lettuce.  Unfortunately, due to unforeseen issues a few of my previous lettuce plants were destroyed.

On Sunday I planted Bulgarian Giant Leeks, Purple Top Whiteglobe Turnips and Table Queen Bush Squash.  I don't dare post a picture of the current state of my covered patio.  When I see little sprouts I'll share but not yet.

If you don't live on sunny South Florida (or even if you do) and would like to know what to plant for your area and when to plant it send me an email or post a comment.  I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

Happy Planting!

Growing from Seed in Containers

I have talked about container gardening a few times in the past few months.  At the moment I have plants growing both in the ground and in containers.  I noticed recently that I have less of a pest problem in containers than in-ground.

Whether you live in an apartment (or tipi), a house or a farm, container gardening is a simple solution for low-cost, organic gardening.

Most herbs love containers.  A window box or small tray can produce most of your herbs for cooking.  A few easy starters include: Basil, Cilantro, Sage and Thyme.

My favorite veggies for containers include Peppers (all varieties so far), Lettuce and Spinach, Squash and Tomatoes.

It's not necessary to purchase fancy or expensive containers.  I prefer to use recycled pots and containers.  For seedlings, I have cleaned (sterilized) yogurt or cottage cheese containers and then poked holes in them for drainage.  When I ran out of plastic I used recycled toilet paper rolls. When I ran out of TP rolls I bought peat pots.

Get it? Cheap!

One item I did splurge on was organic seed-starter mix.  In the past I have mixed my own but this season I was behind schedule so I bought a bag. Gasp!  It wasn't all that expensive and it saved me a bit of time.  Drainage is very important for starting seeds.

For self-watering trays I re-use plastic or styrofoam trays.  When seedlings are ready to be transplanted there are several low cost/no cost options available.
1. Clean kitty litter buckets
2. 5 gallon utility buckets
3. Thrift store or garage sales
Use your imagination!  Decorate ugly buckets or pots.  Just because it isn't stamp "planter" doesn't mean it wouldn't make a great plant container.

Happy Planting!

Seed Starting Basics (part 2)

No, I didn't forget to include seeds in the first post.  More important than clean containers, soil, water and sun are SEEDS.  I am biased when it comes to garden seeds as I run an online seed company.  However, I did years of research before I came to the decision to only grow plants from organic, heirloom, open-pollinated, non-gmo seeds.

Why?

I'll simplify here because my soapbox isn't big enough for me to be here all day.  Heirlooms seed varieties are a seeds variety over 50 years old and have not been modified and are open-pollinated.  GMO seeds are genetically modified organisms, also called "franken-seeds."   

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are created using gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, GE)  In 30 other countries around the world there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S. on the other hand, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale. 

For more information,
check out http://www.nongmoproject.org/industry/about-gmos/

Depending on the variety of vegetable or herb seed you choose, germination can take between 3-21 days.  

Don't forget to label your seeds!!!  Recently, I ran out of recycled containers so I bought Jiffy Pots.  I placed several jiffy pots in recycled trays and then simply labeled the tray.  Same with recycled toilet paper rolls in the plastic tray with only the tray labeled.  The seeds I planted in plastic containers are individually labeled with painter's tape.

Starting plants from seed take patience and commitment.  Seedlings (baby plants) should be ready to be transplanted between 4 to 6 weeks from germination.  If seeds are started in a small container it might be necessary to transplant earlier into a larger container.

While seeds are germinating and seedlings are growing tall it's time to decide what to do with them once they're ready to transplant.  (more on transplanting later this week)

Happy Planting!

Seed Starting Basics

There are a few VERY important things to remember when starting plants from seed.

1. Containers. I use recycled containers from previous plant purchases, yogurt or cottage cheese containers and even empty toilet paper rolls.

2. Soil.  It is possible to mix your own seed starting soil using potting soil, perlite and moss.  Otherwise, your local garden center should carry a pre-mixed seed starter soil.

3. Water.  It is important to moisten the soil before you plant seeds so you don't wash them away.  While seeds are germinating keep the soil moist but not soggy.

4. Heat or sun.  In Florida I am able to leave most of my seed pots in a covered patio area.  In other parts of the country it might be necessary to start seeds indoors using a grow light or by placing pots on top of a fridge or a sunny windowsill.

Most of the seeds I planted last week are growing wonderfully.  Several are just barely peaking out of the dirt.

If you are growing seedlings indoors it is important to "harden off" plants about 2 weeks before transplanting.  To do this, set them outside and water less but don't forget about them.  If a frost warning has been issued cover seedlings or bring them inside.

It's not too late to start a Garden!

On My Mind...

My sister Jen (right) and I (left) 2010 San Diego

An herb garden is an easy way to start and can be started indoors even in late October.

If you have a windowsill that gets several hours of sun (and if you can keep cats and/or dogs out of it) what are you waiting for?

Basil is a great place to start.  Basil requires plenty of sunlight and water.  Keep in mind Basil needs proper drainage and does not like standing water.  If starting from seed, germination takes about 7 days and can be started in a small recycled plastic container with drainage or a Jiffy Pot.  

Once the plant has grown several inches tall it can be transplanted into a larger container.  As the Basil grows, clip flowers to ensure the plant devotes it's energy to growing more leaves.

It's that easy!  Happy Planting! 

*Today I joined an "On My Mind" discussion from Down to Earth.*
"This is a Friday photo feature that anyone with a blog can join. To take part, post a photo on your own blog, write a short caption explaining it, and link it back to here from your blog by saying you're part of "On my mind". Please write a new post, don't link to an older one. When you've done that, come back here and add a comment below, with a link to your blog."

Fall Planting

Gardening in South Florida has been an amazing experience.  At this moment it is 2:15pm and wunderground.com tells me it is 84 degrees outside and with the humidity it "feels like" 90!  And it's late October!!!  

This summer was very hard on my garden.  It was HOT!  For a few weeks we had NO rain and then it rained for an entire week.  

The morning temperature has been wonderful with a slight breeze and even after being outside for an hour after lunch I didn't feel like I was going to pass out.

For some strange reason I have been more plant-motivated this month.  Does that even make sense?

On Saturday I planted:

Table Queen Bush Squash

Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach

Detroit Dark Red Beets

5 Color Silverbeet Swiss Chard

And already I have little sprouting seeds!

I have run out of seedling pots (all recycled) so last night I had to purchase a few Jiffy Pots for the rest of my Fall planting.
This morning I planted:

Fine Verde Basil

Catnip

Dill Vierling

Echinacea Purpurea

Strawberries

But that's not all...Tomorrow I intend to plant more.  Soaking in little shot glasses on my kitchen table are Habanero and Pimiento Peppers, Brussels Sprouts and Little Gem Lettuce seeds.

Have I lost my mind?  Gone over the edge?  I'm not sure but I'll be really happy when I don't have to keep going to the store for salad stuff.  Even with the weekly trips to the farmer's market I find myself running to the grocery store for items I have run out of or forgot to pick up on Sunday.

Are you planning a Fall Garden?  Have you already started?

Speaking of changes...

I planted these Little Gem Lettuce less than a month ago.  After I took this picture I clipped off a few leaves and added it to my salad.  It was yummy!

Below is a recently transplanted Cal Wonder Bell Pepper.

I don't think the Pak Choi does very well when transplanted.

Next time I'll sow directly into a medium container.

After several months of hard work in the yard I am making several BIG and unexpected changes.  I have realized that at my current pace, the side-yard project, will continue to be very expensive.  The purpose of this project is to not only save money but to produce healthier, more nutrient dense food while learning more about Urban Homesteading.  
And yes, I did use the phrase. 
(Not sure what I'm talking about? Just ask!)

Last month I had to pull out the Cucumber and the Pumpkin plants due to a nasty aphid infestation.  However, I did find a useful recipe for pest control using olive oil, garlic and water which I have been using almost daily.  This month I was horrified when I notice several of my tomato plants had had their leaves devoured by tomato hornworms.  Never have I seen such humongous green worms!

SO, for the next few months I will be planting everything in containers.  Planting in containers can save both time and money.  I will be able to better regulate the amount of water used, soil quality and pests.

Today I planted a few more varieties of veggie seeds.  I soaked the seeds overnight and this morning cleaned out as many containers as I could find. 

Container Gardening

I am currently reading an interesting book about gardening in containers.  I checked it out of the library a few weeks ago.  I have enjoyed it SO MUCH that I'm thinking about buying it from Amazon.

The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible by Edward C. Smith is very easy to read, easy direction to follow and includes many of the veggies I currently have in my own garden (and more).  I have been in need of inspiration lately.  Between the rain and gloomy weather, the uncertainty of the garden and a little extra work around the house I am taking a much needed break to sit down and plan a course of action.

I have had great success so far with lettuce and peppers growing in containers so it's about time I expanded my container garden.  After a weekend of transplanting, I currently have Pak Choi, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Little Gem Lettuce, Pimento Peppers, Hungarian Heart Tomato, Huckleberry and Red Burgundy Onion growing in containers.

Next weekend I hope to plant Spinach, German Giant Radish, more Little Gem Lettuce, and 5 Color Silverbeet Swiss Chard.

City Farming: September Preview

September is right around the corner.  I'll be posting every day in September with "How To" growing instructions for my favorite veggies...Not to be confused with Mary's Top 5!

No matter how big or small your space you can have a garden just about anywhere.

Apartment dwellers might find satisfaction in a simple herb garden or a more elaborate patio container garden.  I've done it.  It's possible.  My friend Bridigit has had a brilliant start on her apartment garden and has given me permission to share.

Patio containers

Basil

Having a yard, large or small, may increase your yeild or at least provide space for more options.  My sister Jennifer shared a few pictures of her recent success in the garden. 

Tomatoes

Armenian Cucumber

Stay tuned for germination tips and more vegetable gardening!

To raise or not to raise?

That is the question!

My current garden is planted in containers. Having recently moved into a house from an apartment, containers were my only option. Now that I have an actual yard I am weighing my garden-style options.

Do I plant everything in the ground or keep a few in containers? Do I plant directly into the ground or a raised-bed?

I have looked at so many different garden designs and layouts and I'm still not sure which to choose.

This is an amazing garden and beautifully laid out. Although I don't have this much room, I could grow something similar.





A large container garden is another great option. I would need more recycled containers for something as large as this space.




Planting in hills would be a great idea but I think that rainfall in my area might wash it all away.





And last but not least, the raised bed garden. But wait...there seem to be several methods to the raised bed garden. The most popular, from what I've read, is the Square Foot Garden method.


Raised beds can be made to fit just about any space. If I have a large area to use I can make several beds. Or if I only want to use a small space I can build a smaller bed.