Could the weather be any better?! I love walking around the neighborhood and seeing how far along everyone is with their spring yard work and gardening plans. The crazy warm weather makes me think I should be putting seedlings in the ground, but this is New England so patience is key.
My budding gardener got a new set of tools
We set up a variety of containers to plant seeds, which is always a cheaper option than buying a flat of seedlings. The herbs went in first, Basil, Dill and Oregano. The little gardener planted her own pickling cucumbers that she picked out at the garden store.
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| Source: Design Sponge |
When it comes to containers for seedlings, there are lots of eco friendly options. I use leftover ones from past seasons and this year I’m trying the egg carton which can go right into the ground. The newspaper cup above is from an old post at Design Sponge but I love how simple it is. Plus it can go right into the ground too. If you have yogurt containers, those will be a perfect size for seedlings but take the plastic off before putting them in the ground.
My husband had fun with the circular saw and whipped together some raised beds. Plus we are getting one big one made from red cedar installed by Soil and Seed. When you choose wood for raised beds, skip the pressure treated ones and opt for red cedar or old wood that is still in good shape. Avoid chemicals in the wood that will eventually seep into your soil and your food.
One of the reasons we choose to get the raised bed installed is that it will also be filled with organic soil. Despite having our own compost, it won’t be enough to fill a 4×8′ bed. I also had a hard time finding organic soil at the big box stores last year. Doable, but we realize that totting little toddlers around to pick up lumber, soil and build the whole thing just doesn’t make sense. We would rather spend the time doing the plantings.
I love the new plant-a-grams from Williams-Sonoma. I’ll be bringing these to the local farm stand to pick out the balance of seedlings to get our garden growing. They also have one for a vegetable garden and a salad garden, yum!
Next step will be getting the raised bed installed and making a plan. Look for that post mid-May! In the meantime, check out Part 1: Getting Organized, and Part 2: What to Plant and When.
What are you looking forward to growing this year? Anything new?
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great ideas! I'm gearing up for planting too. Unfortunately, I don't have a place in the house to start seedlings. Since we live far south (TN) I'm hoping just planting them in the soil in a week or two will be fine. what do you think?
I love her little tool box! How adorable! We're starting our first garden this year. We're hoping to grow some lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, peppers and strawberries. It's all new for us.
Hi Steph,
For the southern interior area, check out these links of what is safe to plant when. Good luck! http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/What-To-Plant-Now/Southern-Interior-Gardening-Region.aspx
This week we put some unused applesauce cups from a preschool project to work – the boys & I started basil & cilantro. They've been checking those cups everyday to see if the seeds have started to grow yet, despite me telling them repeatedly that it will take a few days.
I think its so great you involve your children in your gardening! My brother and his wife do they still have young children and we always have too although our children are older now. Looks like you guys are keeping busy!