6. Micro Greens

Basil, watercress, kale, romaine, and cilantro. All have been growing in my basement under florescent lights for about six weeks. They tender, small leaves are just right for the picking. Still too cold to plant outside, they thrive in the basement.

All of these plants don't mind having a few leaves pinched off. In fact it makes them grow stronger.

So fresh, so delicious.

Roasted beet and feta salad with balsamic vinaigrette. 
This was my supper. It was divine. Check out the recipe.

5. Choose The Best One

tomato seedlings 26 days after planting

                                                                                    It's been about 30 days since we have planted the seeds. The seedlings look very healthy. If you recall, I put two seeds in each little pot. Some of the time both seeds have germinated, sometimes only one has germinated.

It it becoming crowded in the pots where there are two plants.

 Using a small cuticle scissors select the weakest plant and cut the stem. Leave the strongest plants undisturbed. There is no need to remove the roots of the undesirable plant, they will eventually break down.

Thats all for now. They need to grow a bit more. Remember to water them and check on them daily. After a few more weeks in the little pots the plants will need to be moved into a larger pot to grow some more as we wait for spring to arrive

Winter is taking its time to leave. In the Canadian prairies our growing season can be rather short. It is safe to plant your tomatoes in your garden when all risk of frost has passed. Tomatoes are a tropical plant and do not like temperatures below freezing. Other plants, like cabbage and kale can tolerate colder temperatures. More about this to come.

4. D.I.Y. Seed Tape

Seed tape is readily available wherever seeds are sold. The problem is that it is only available with a few selective varieties. It is not available in the varieties that I like to grow. So, using packages of seeds that I have purchased and a few things that I have around the house I can make my own seed tape.

 Seed tape is a useful tool when planting very small seeds like carrots and lettuce. It is difficult to space these small seeds when planting them in the garden. Using seed tape makes the spacing of these seeds very easy.






Start with a length of 2 ply toilet tissue. My garden beds are about 3 feet in width so I chose to make the tapes 34 inches long.

Separate the tissue into two pieces.

Mix about 1/4 cup all purpose flour with a bit of water to make a paste.

Using a small paint brush or skewer, dab the paste onto the paper.
Look on the back of the seed package. There will be information about how far apart the seeds should be placed. Different plants have different space requirements. Follow the directions provided.

Place the seeds onto the dabs of flour paste. I used tweezers.

Using a spray bottle. Gently mist the tissue. Do not make it too wet or the tissue will tear.

Fold the dampened tissue in thirds

Press tissue with your hands to firmly adhere the seeds  to the damp paper. Let the tissue dry. Gently fold and store in a dry container. Make sure to mark the container with the variety name.

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Keep your seeds in a safe place until planting day. I still have a few weeks to wait. Some seeds like warm soil in which to germinate like beans, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers. Other seeds tolerate colder soil like lettuce, carrots, and kale.

I made seed tape with lettuce, carrot and kale seeds. More to come at planting time. Stay tuned.

Watch me make them on You Tube.
This is what happens when carrots have space to grow