The Seeds are Sprouting!

For our urban garden 2011, we wanted to try some fun heirloom varieties so decided to try our hand at starting seeds.  Since the last frost date for Chicago is usually in mid-May we just started some of our seeds last week.  We are shooting for a June 1st date to get them into the garden to be certain that it will be warm enough.

And one week later we have emerging seedlings!

 

We planted seeds for the tomatoes, tomatillos and two different peppers in yogurt containers. As of this morning we have seedlings for everything but one of the peppers.  I have read that an egg carton is a good tool for starting but since we need such a small number of plants I am thinking that this way we can skip the step of transplanting them before they go outside.  I took snippets of advice on how to do this from various articles out there like this one.

But I kind of forgot to put holes in the bottom or to put sand on top... So let's hope that those seedlings are hearty!  Maybe this will allow them to be ready for the haphazard garden they are going into...

If you are in the Chicago area and want some fun seedlings but would rather not deal with the whole starting seeds process check out some of the sales at the garden events happening in May.

And if you are interested in what seeds we are trying out this year check out this post.

Anyone else starting seeds?  Think they can deal without the sand layer??

Comments

[Mary]

I've started tomatoes from seeds before, and I've never used sand, so I think you'll be fine. Unfortunately, I have an open yard and too many rabbits and other wildlife around to compete with, so my gardening has been pretty limited. Until I get the motivation to build a raised bed with a fence around it, it just won't be worth it. It is so much fun, though, and I really do miss it. Good luck with yours!

[Eileen]

wow look at those sprouts! I grew potted herbs when I lived in Chicago and they worked out great. Just recently moved to Virginia and was excited about the warmer temps so experimented with the addition of tomatoes and peppers, planted outside! in the ground! But then we had a couple big storms and I'm worried the seeds got washed away... we have a few small sprouts in our pots, but they are smaller than yours! May have to try replanting a few... hope it works out! it is so nice to have home grown greens to eat :)