Thursday, January 06, 2011

It's Only The Beginning

The seed starting light stand is on its way and I have placed an order for the seeds from Burpee.  I received many catalogs and went through each one to see where I could order the most seeds at one time rather than paying numerous shipping fees.  For what I needed this year Burpee had the most of what I wanted.


I ordered the narrow four-shelf model which will fit very well in the space that I have available in my basement storage room.  The plant light stand is from http://www.birds-n-garden.com/

For the veggie garden I am going more conservative this year with varieties that I know will perform well.

Baby Leaf Mix (5 gourmet baby lettuces)

Looseleaf Blend (5 loosleaf lettuces)

I find that my family likes the lettuce blends so this is a better choice for me rather than the new single introductions.


Mariachi Pepper (2006 AAS Winner)
Very prolific pepper on the spicy and hot list

I am going to start some old friends like Amaranthus and some new zinnias, impatiens and petunias.

Amaranthus 'Love Lies Bleeding'
I will grow this in full sun this year not overshadowed by grasses.


Amaranthus Green



Zinnia, Zahara Double Fire

Zinnia, Highlight Zahara Yellow

Tidal Wave Petunia Silver (All America Winner 2002)

Impatiens Wild Thing

Well, I am back seed starting after several years of down time.  I didn't think I would take this on again, but this is one of the results of blogging and wanting to try some plants that were not readily available on the market. 

I won't be starting any of the veggies under lights this year, buying already set plants in the spring. but the flowers will take center stage with selections that I have not seen at the nurseries or garden centers.

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26 comments:

  1. DarlaThu Jan 06, 09:25:00 AM 2011

    I know you are excitied to start your seed adventure up again. You have some nice plants picked out here. Waiting on the grow shelf is exciting too!

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  2. Becca's DirtThu Jan 06, 09:28:00 AM 2011

    Loooove your selections. How many trays will your light/shelves hold. Where did you order it from? It is a lot of work doing the seedlings but it so worth it in the end when they are so pretty. I need a system like that. My windows are filled up.

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  3. BalishaThu Jan 06, 09:50:00 AM 2011

    I think that I have the same shelf unit..only one shelf less. I really like it. I keep my houseplants on it and start my seeds on the long table under the windows. I have lights hanging over the table too. I really don't think that I will be starting many seeds this year..maybe some zinnias that I want to plant along the side of the house. I might change my mind as spring arrives :)
    Balisha

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  4. joeyThu Jan 06, 10:08:00 AM 2011

    Wow, psyched and ready to go! Good luck, Eileen, and Happy 1st Blog Birthday ... it's been a joy visiting :)

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  5. scottweberpdxThu Jan 06, 01:40:00 PM 2011

    Love your seed choices...and that light stand looks great...I'm really feeling the need to finally invest in something similar...I'll have to check their website.

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  6. Diana LaMarreThu Jan 06, 03:11:00 PM 2011

    I have never seen the green Amaranthus. One year I grew the red from seed. It was many years ago. I have no luck with most seeds, but the amaranthus did grow well. I loved them. Unfortunately, I have never seen the seeds again!

    I would love to grow them again, so you can be sure I will be keeping my eyes opened for a packet of both the red and green seeds!

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  7. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:28:00 PM 2011

    Thanks Darla,

    I don't know if I should have started this again but I am going to give it a try.

    Eileen

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  8. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:30:00 PM 2011

    Hi Becca,

    The stand holds four shelves 22 by 11, so I am not going to be able to plant a lot, but I think it will be enough for my garden.

    Eileen

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  9. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:31:00 PM 2011

    Hi Balisha, I used to have lights over a long table in my other house, but I do not have room to do that here. I think the four shelves will be enough.

    Eileen

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  10. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:32:00 PM 2011

    Thanks Joey,

    I just have to restrain myself and not start any seeds too soon.

    Eileen

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  11. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:33:00 PM 2011

    Hi Scott,

    I put the company for the plant light stands on the blog post.

    Eileen

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  12. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 03:35:00 PM 2011

    Hi Zoey,

    I grew the red amaranthus last summer but I put it next to tall grasses and they didn't have enough height and bent over.

    I bought them as plants at a local nursery but they didn't have green.

    Eileen

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  13. LonaThu Jan 06, 05:10:00 PM 2011

    Hi Eileen. You are getting a great start on your seed ordering. I have not made up my mind yet but I better be getting with it. I love the double Fire zinnia and the Silver wave petunias. So pretty. You are going to enjoy your shelving unit so much.

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  14. BethThu Jan 06, 07:14:00 PM 2011

    Hi Eileen, Thanks for stopping by. I'm also ready to buy my seeds. My goal is to have my best garden yet! Of course that's my goal each and every year. Looks like you're working toward that as well. Enjoy your grow lights and seed starting.
    Blessings, Beth

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  15. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 06, 07:15:00 PM 2011

    Hi Lona, my stand was just delivered tonight, now to put it together. I have to wait to plant the flowers as it is too early and I would be deadheading in March.

    Eileen

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  16. TootsieThu Jan 06, 10:52:00 PM 2011

    is this your FF post? It sounds exciting!!! I can't wait to follow along and see how your new adventure turns out! Good luck!

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  17. BernieHFri Jan 07, 01:26:00 AM 2011

    You do sound so excited ... wonderful choice of plants to start from seed. I really love that green Amaranthus and that Zinnia is a knock-out. Have fun with all your preparations for the coming growing season.

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  18. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 05:42:00 AM 2011

    Hi Tootsie, I forgot to move my FF badge up to the top, done! I may need some tips from you once I get started again with growing seeds under light.

    Eileen

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  19. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 05:43:00 AM 2011

    Hi Bernie, we just have to put this contraption together, looks like lots of parts!

    Eileen

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  20. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 05:46:00 AM 2011

    Hi Beth, I know what you mean about making the best garden each year. We always start out that way and then the fun starts trying to keep everything alive!

    Eileen

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  21. CanadianGardenJoyFri Jan 07, 06:15:00 AM 2011

    Eileen girl I love this blue and those snowmen are adorable !
    Wow on your seed starting project !
    I would love to do something like that but there is no room right now .. I grew the red amaranthus one year and it was spectacular : ) .. love those zinnias and the petunia in that colour is gorgeous !
    I am really interested in how this works out for you girl ;-) I'll be checking on your progress !

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  22. CarlaFri Jan 07, 06:54:00 AM 2011

    Good morning! I wasn't too interested in seeding this year, until I got the first seed catalogs. Your photos are making me drool. You MUST share that planting stand when it arrives!!

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  23. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 07:44:00 AM 2011

    Hi Joy, this was my concern when I began thinking of doing this, I have little room. This is a very narrow unit, only 27" wide so I hope it works.

    Eileen

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  24. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 07:46:00 AM 2011

    Hi Carla,

    It is boxed laying on my living room floor. I hope to get it together this weekend.

    Eileen

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  25. Jennifer@threedogsinagardenFri Jan 07, 07:05:00 PM 2011

    You put me to shame and are miles ahead of me! I haven't even though about what I will grow next year, let alone ordered any seeds or plants. I love the orange zinna and I have always been intrigued by Love Lies Bleeding- it is one of those often forgotten gems. Have a great weekend.

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  26. Gatsbys GardensFri Jan 07, 07:34:00 PM 2011

    Jennifer, I have to relearn this seed starting all over again. I don't think I will be planting anything for about a month.

    Years ago, I planted petunias too soon and I had these huge plants that I was cutting down in March under the lights.

    I need to read up on the growth cycles again.

    Eileen

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