Thursday, May 1, 2014

May Day

Finally the rain has stopped.  It started raining noon on Monday and was still going a couple of hours before dawn today.

Rain gauge - 2.5" total.  April total was 6".  At least it wasn't SNOW!

The sprouts have been in and out of the sunroom lately and today is an OUT day.

I've put the tomato sprouts into individual cups yesterday and today I will transplant the Red Robin pot tomatoes from cups to final pots.  They are covered in blooms and a couple have set tomatoes.

None of my saved marigold seeds sprouted this year, so a couple weeks ago I sprang for a fresh pack of dwarf French marigolds.  There were about 100 seeds.  Within 5 days I'd say ALL of them sprouted!  Gonna have to thin those when they get some true leaves.

After sowing 4 whole packs (about 14-15 seeds/pk), I now have 48 Zahara zins.  I really baby those things.  They are pricey little guys due to few seeds and only 80-85% germination rate.

While we are consistently 'enjoying' temps lower than average, at least the nights are mostly out of the 30s.  Traditionally our last frost date is May 18.  We'll see how that goes.  I'll probably planting out late this year, just to give the soil extra time to warm up.  Planting out in cool soil just sets everything back.  I've learned the hard way on that.

Finally, a real surprise.  I saw a rose-breasted grossbeak at the feeder.  The pic is through a smeared window, but it's still a nice shot.


8 comments:

  1. What a pretty bird, not one we get over here.

    I must spend some time with seedlings which need potting on. Just not enough hours at this time of year :} All your new plants are looking excellent

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    1. I wonder if the soil in the gardens will ever warm up this year - it's just so cold this Spring. But warmer days must come, no?

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  2. You have so many seedlings! They look awesome! I have zinnia seeds that came in packets of 10 and 15 seeds. I hope they all grow. :o)

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    1. I love my little germinators in the basement. I've had them for near 20 years now and don't know how I'd manage without 'em. Good luck on those zins!

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  3. I'm starting to think a lot of seeds need to be bought fresh every year--they just don't seem to hold anymore.
    And the price of seed is so high now---I love the Zahara zinnias but couldn't bring myself to buy them---$4 here??? They're getting to be like gold!
    : D

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    1. I didn't save any marigold seeds from last year and I'm just kicking myself! So all I had was some from 2011 and I guess they were too old. Now I've got to start all over again selecting seeds from the dark mahogany ones. The Zaharas were $2.60/pack. $4? Outrageous!

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  4. We had a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and few years ago....just passing through. They are beautiful birds.

    You are fortunate with the rain; we are still short.

    The seedlings looks very good. My tomatoes, once again, are too large! Thanks to a very cold spring so far.

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    1. The grosbeak, like yours, is just passing through this time of year on its way somewhere else. Beautiful color on it. We're cold too. Right now I'm settling for nights above freezing.

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