Time once again to stroll around the greenhouse and check in with the kiddos. Some are growing rapidly. Some not so much. Each in their own time. Go back and check out this post to see how things have grown in the past ten days.
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The dusty miller seedlings have been bumped up to two inch soil blocks since the last photos. They are growing very quickly in their new roomy digs.
These are newly emerged Iberis (candy tuft) seedlings. They germinated very quickly and evenly on the heat mat this week.
The Scabiosa seedlings have also been bumped up to soil blocks and have been growing quickly. You can see the “true” leaves emerging.
The dianthus are off to the races in their new soil blocks. They always amaze me with how quickly they grow once they get bumped up. They’ll be ready to plant out in just about two weeks.
The alpine strawberries are still itty-bitty but you can start to see their adorable ruffle-edged true leaves.
These are newly germinated Centurea (bachelor button) seedlings. I normally sow these directly in the field in the fall and there are heaps there already, but this is a new variety that I wanted to try (‘Frosted Queen’) so I’m hoping they’ll transplant okay.
Say hello to Agrostemma ‘Ocean Pearls’ seedlings. Another newbie this season, I’m pleased with how quickly and evenly they germinated on the heat mat. Growing pretty rapidly already.
The Cerinthe seedlings are up! This is seed I saved from last year’s plants, and it’s always nice to see collected seed germinated nicely.
Oh lisianthus. Still as tiny as ever. They are getting a second set of leaves though.
The snapdragon seedlings are mad at me as I haven’t had the chance to bump them up to large soil blocks just yet. That will happen early next week and you’ll be amazed by how fast they grow after that!
The queen anne’s lace is growing wonderfully. I really love these!
Artichock seedlings looking fabulous and getting just the first hint of their distinctive white “fuzz” on their veins!
The feverfew are starting to put on their true leaves. They’ll be bumped up to soil blocks shortly.
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Out in the field, there are plenty of signs of growth as well. Here the nigella seedlings that came up with last fall’s sowing are putting on lush growth as the weather warms. I actually need to take the time to thin them out.
Howdy, tulips!
Welcome narcissus!
I see you use soil blocks, too. We love them and have used them for years. Have gone to seeding most things directly into the 1 1/2″ size blocks where they stay until transplanting. Works great for everything except the biggest sorts of plants.
You’ll love Frosted Queen. It has reseeded itself in our garden for the last 15 years and we harvest tons of it.
Margaret – do you have trouble with the moisture level in the soil blocks when seed directly into them at that size? I’ve hesitate to sow into the blocks because of that. Also, since I germinate my trays on heat mats, it’s more space-saving to seed into tiny cells and then bump up. But I do like the idea of saving a step…maybe in the future. So glad to hear you like Frosted Queen. I’m looking forward to having it for mixed bouquets.
I just love hearing about your adventures in the garden! Love your obvious patience and nurturing of all those babies…you have such a calm way of expression! Can’t wait to see them all grown up and dressed in their finest petals!
Aw, thanks, Julia! Nurturing seeds/seedlings is one of my greatest pleasures in life. I will definitely be sharing their petal perfection when they grow up! 🙂
Babies!! I love this time of year! Thanks for sharing these lovely glimpses. I’m an organic grower looking to switch to soil blocking- any tips on making an organic soil blocking mix? (I totally understand if its a trade secret:)
Ok, back out to the greenhouse, thanks so much for your ever-present inspiration!
Best,
Emily
Hi Emily! No trade secret for the soil block mix. I use at 1:1 ratio of ProMix potting soil and a very aged, high-quality compost that I screen thoroughly so it’s nice and fine. I sometimes add a bit more potting soil than compost if the plants I’m putting in the blocks are a little fussier about being too damp. I’d definitely encourage you to try soil blocks. They definitely produce a nicer plant and take the pressure off to get things transplanted before they get root bound.
Thanks for the info, Jennie- I’m excited to get blocking!
Happy Spring!
Emily