Mid-Atl: Jan 22 - Time to start . . .

Can you believe that for our region, Jan 22, 2012 is the time to start your seeds indoors for many varieties:

Broccoli
Cabbage
Parsley

The Last Frost Date for Zones 5-7 is April 15th, and according to Mel, you should start broccoli, cabbage and parsley seeds indoors 12 weeks before the last frost.

Of course check the instructions for the varieties you choose, as they may need to be started earlier or later. And don't forget to keep your end harvest in mind. Maybe plant 1-2 seeds on Jan 22, 1-2 on Feb 5, etc.

I just wanted to let you know so you can order or find your saved seeds (and see if they are still viable). Your broccoli & cabbage seeds should last 5-6 years, but your parsley only 2-3.

Wow, I'm glad I got that seed growing mat and container for Christmas.

moswell wrote:Wow, I'm glad I got that seed growing mat and container for Christmas.

I'm JEALOUS! I just "fixed" my polycarb greenhouse door with industrial Velcro and HOPE my worms don't freeze and I'll be able to start seeds.

Ooooo just realized I should have Duct Taped the "hinge" side and Velcroed the "latches". Better get out there before the freeze hits today.

Lol. Duct tape is a beautiful thing!
Pretty unbelievable it's already time for many to start thinking about getting those seeds going for the coming season. Kim, thanks for the great timeline reminder for everyone in your region.

It's not duct tape....it's Alabama CHROME.

Love me some Alabama Chrome!

My brother reminded me last night of the Alaska Tool Box which contains only two items . . . Duct Tape & WD40.
If it moves and it's not supposed to . . . Duct Tape
If it's supposed to move and doesn't . . . WD 40

And that reminded me of my Parenting Kit . . . Duct Tape & Cattle Prod!
(Still wondering why I wasn't chosen as the American Super Nanny) :scratch:

Kids today could learn alot from that ideal your right on tract.LOL

sfg4uKim wrote:Love me some Alabama Chrome!

My brother reminded me last night of the Alaska Tool Box which contains only two items . . . Duct Tape & WD40.
If it moves and it's not supposed to . . . Duct Tape
If it's supposed to move and doesn't . . . WD 40

And that reminded me of my Parenting Kit . . . Duct Tape & Cattle Prod!
(Still wondering why I wasn't chosen as the American Super Nanny) :scratch:

Maybe I need to add these to my MOM kit

Never heard it called Alabama Chrome - just the Handyman's Secret Weapon! Personally, being partial to pink, my favorite flavor is the Flamin' Flamingo colored roll I keep around. I use white for the all-purpose jobs (read community property), but if it is something strictly mine....NEON PINK DUCT TAPE! A girl has to have her tools....!
GG

I actually use a clear duct tape from Home Depot for my Harbor Freight Greenhouse. Works like a champ and you can't see it!

nKedrOoStEr wrote:Lol. Duct tape is a beautiful thing!
Pretty unbelievable it's already time for many to start thinking about getting those seeds going for the coming season. Kim, thanks for the great timeline reminder for everyone in your region.

Brilliant, Harry!

Well I just opened up my seed starting kit that I got for Christmas. Very, very cheap, thin plastic construction on it. But I guess the cost all goes to the heating mat, so I can't complain too much. I'll be all ready to start seeds with it. And when I don't need it for that, maybe it'll make a nice warmer for the carboy I'll be using to brew beer!

I'm chomping at the bit.

I have a technique I learned from an Oklahoma ag specialist called "Plasticulture". Basically: Cover the garden with plastic, soaker hoses under the plastic.

He didn't do the SFG method, but I did it to a dozen broccoli and according to the ground hog, they were tasty, as I didn't put the hoops up.

I watered 15 minutes every other day.

My goal this year is 200 sf of garden space, including 40 sf of corn.

The plastic allows me to start 3 weeks early and 3 weeks later. Also, after I plant the seeds I can cover the garden with the hoops and trap the heat in even longer.

My compost this year includes bunny and aged chicken manure.

Now you can see why I'm anxious to get started!!

I actually just set up my seed starting kit and the Grow lab in my basement. Just now getting around to getting things on track after the horrible November I had. Went through my seeds and hopefully most are still viable. If not, there is always Meyer Seeds in Baltimore. I have the best success with their seeds.

I am waiting until Mid-March to put up my collapsible greenhouse my wife bought for $75.00 at DJ Liquidators in Dundalk. They run $250.00 on the net. Going out to my shed to find all the gadgets so I am ready for the elements. Last year was a waste so I have to atone for that. I have so many items that my wife has bought me through the years that I really have to take a day and find them all. Not a bad way to spend some early time outside though so you won't hear me complaining.

This is known as Romanescu Broccoflower, and has been around since the 16th century.

This is the Broccoli that I will be planting. 36 for the spring, 36 for the fall. I hope to sell them for 2 bucks a head at work.

From Wikipedia:

Romanesco broccoli was first documented in Italy (as broccolo romanesco) in the sixteenth century^{[citation needed]}. It is sometimes called broccoflower, but that name is also applied to green-curded cauliflower cultivars.

Romanesco broccoli resembles a cauliflower, but is of a light green color and the inflorescence (the bud) has an approximate self-similar character, with the branched meristems making a logarithmic spiral. In this sense the broccoli's shape approximates a natural fractal; each bud is composed of a series of smaller buds, all arranged in yet another logarithmic spiral. This self-similar pattern continues at several smaller levels.

The vegetable is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and carotenoids.

http://www.fourmilab.ch/images/Romanesco/

LOVE Meyer Seeds!

A bit early for me yet... in zone 5b and our last average frost here is Apr 26, so I have Feb 2nd down as my seed start date for broccoli and cabbage.

I did start germination tests last week... 10 seeds of each variety wrapped in wet paper towel, then in sandwich bags, and stuck on top of fridge. So another week or so and I'll know what is still good and what I need to order.

I did start germination tests last week... 10 seeds of each variety wrapped in wet paper towel, then in sandwich bags, and stuck on top of fridge. So another week or so and I'll know what is still good and what I need to order.

Thanks for the detail on the germination test! I'll do that this weekend.

The broccoflour and cabbage is officially started. The countdown begins.

I am offically stoked!