First timer problems

Green(Horn)Thumb 5/15/2012, 9:09 pm

This is my first SFG as well as my first adventure from seed. I transplanted some lettuce about a month ago and although it was small it has not grown since transplant.

Second, to try and jump start things I went against the recommendation and started four of my nine spinach plants early. With no heat (NE WI) three of the four transplants bolted. Is this why they dont recommend transplant.

Both of these were transplanted in 3" bio pots so as not to disturb the roots.

Sincerly,

Discouraged

GWN 5/15/2012, 11:17 pm

I am not sure what gardening zone you are in, and at this part of the year, makes a huge difference.
I would expect that almost everywhere both lettuce and spinach will grow if just seeded in the SFG.
Its great to start things indoors but only if they cannot take the outside temperatures.
I am in zone 5 and am starting spinach plants outside, and the ones I started earlier indoors are bolting now.
I believe that things tend to bolt when they are uncomfortable.

**camprn** 5/16/2012, 6:36 am

If it was me, an I believe we are in a similar if not the same zone, I would directly sow all those plants right now in the garden. Give it another try. Very Happy

Did you happen to use the 5 composts when making the Mel's mix as recomended in the book?

**RoOsTeR** 5/16/2012, 7:44 am

I transplanted both spinach and lettuce this year for the first time. One thing I've noticed is that the spinach and lettuce that I sowed directly, caught up almost immediately, seems to look better, and produces more quickly. Maybe it's just a fluke or our weather this year, but I don't think I really saved much if any time by starting my lettuce and spinach indoors and transplanting it.

Green(Horn)Thumb 5/16/2012, 8:27 am

Thanks for the help, that is what I did. The five spinach plants i sowed direct were nearly as big as the transplants.

As far as the 5 composts I was only able to locate three. A leaf, mushroom, and horse manure.

**walshevak** 5/16/2012, 11:35 am

I agree, transplanted lettuce seems to be full grown at purchase time, doesn't get much bigger and bolts faster than direct sow. I've never tried starting indoors myself because it can be direct sowed in pretty cold weather. Try cutting it off leaving an inch of stems and see if you don't get another harvest.

Kay

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First timer problems

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