The rogue sunflower growing underneath your bird feeder, the seeds ready for spitting contests during watermelon season, even the poppy seeds on your morning bagel, little beginnings of plant life are everyday, but we just have to look around and realize it.
So where do we start looking for seeds to grow without supporting the giants of retail?
Trade with your friends: Exhibit 1--those little plastic jewelry baggies are perfect for an impromptu seed swap. I've never been able to use all the seeds that come in a pack all by my lonesome, so why not share?
Etsy does it again! Check out the seed selection from Greenthing, A Breath of French Air, and SapphireChild, who also offers some reasonably priced plants! Do a search yourself and find many many more!
So you've got the seeds and need to decide the best way to get them started. There are plenty of options out there (exhibit 2), including peat pots and peat pellets, plastic trays that come with mini-green house lids, the options are endless. I say save your money and make your own. NatureMoms has some great ideas (including using eggshells). This year I'm going with the toilet tube cut in half variety (exhibits 4 and 5).
1) Collect empty tubes a plenty.
2) Cut them in half lengthwise.
3) Fold the tube lengthwise and cut 3/4 inch slits on each crease. Cut two more slits, each one about halfway between your first two. These are the tabs that will make the bottom of your seed pots.
4) Fold 'em like you do a moving box (Jena can help you with that!) so they stay closed.
Now they're ready for a loose, loamy seed starting mix. You can make your own, or venture on down to the indie-owned hardware store and start getting to now your local business owner!
Other seed sources: John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds, Pinetree Seeds , Seed Savers Exchange.
If you're looking to increase your houseplant garden, don't forget to check out your local flea market! Get creative and you might find some sort of crazy container to put it in. . .like, say, an old tea pot!
Next Friday we'll get to planting and talk suitable seed environments.
Comments, questions, suggestions of your own?
I'll be glad to field 'em in the comments section below!
Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her
brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies
aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.
