Dani's Brand New SFG For 2023

danieggert 1/23/2023, 10:48 am

Hi, Dani here from the Chicago area.

Wish me good luck. Trying to do everything by the book.

Have almost everything I need but the 5 different composts

OhioGardener 1/23/2023, 11:09 am

Looking forward to following your progress with your gardens! Pictures are encouraged, too.

**sanderson** 1/23/2023, 4:51 pm

Yes, photos are always enjoyable.

danieggert 1/24/2023, 8:01 am

Yes, I have already been looking at seeds. I have tried in years past to start, but they always get leggy and die. I think I am trying to start too early. I am hoping to do better this year with the SFG method of seed starting. I have come across a seed seller called MIGARDNER. All of their seeds appear to be $2.00/pack. Hoping they are good.

I just use plain 4' led workshop lights and they seem to work. I don't want to spend the $$ for grow lights. I over-winter a lot of my summer annuals with success this way

I am always so anxious for spring. I have to figure out (again) the last frost here in Chicago area, and then add a week. I will re-read the chapter on covering outside garden with plastic to plant and protect the seedlings from freezing. Will that really help?

I really can't do much any more right now. I have found a source for chicken poop manure, and composted horse manure. I hope both of those will be good as 2 of my 5. I will have to wait for the stores to start carrying spring supplies for the rest of my compost.

Since I have two 4 x 8 raised gardens, I don't want to become "over supplied" with veggies, so one will be for veggies and the other for flowers

PLEASE, ANY ADVICE for a newbie in Zone 5 Midwest is much appreciated.

Dani

OhioGardener 1/24/2023, 8:15 am

danieggert wrote:Yes, I have already been looking at seeds. I have tried in years past to start, but they always get leggy and die. I think I am trying to start too early. I am hoping to do better this year with the SFG method of seed starting. I have come across a seed seller called MIGARDNER. All of their seeds appear to be $2.00/pack. Hoping they are good.

The reason seedlings get leggy is either because of not enough light, or because there is no breeze to cause them to become stronger. If you use lights ensure that it is only 3" to 4" away from the seedlings, and use a low-speed fan to create breezes.

If you have not already done so, check out Baker Creek Heirloom for seeds. They have high quality seeds with free shipping. (https://www.rareseeds.com/)

**sanderson** 1/24/2023, 1:07 pm

danieggert wrote: I have found a source for chicken poop manure, and composted horse manure. I hope both of those will be good as 2 of my 5. I will have to wait for the stores to start carrying spring supplies for the rest of my compost.

PLEASE, ANY ADVICE for a newbie in Zone 5 Midwest is much appreciated. Dani

Remember that all manures count as just 1 source.

danieggert 1/24/2023, 6:24 pm

Yup that slipped right by me

Thanks

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Dani's Brand New SFG For 2023

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