Cleome 'art seed pack' from the Hudson Valley Seed Company (even if the seeds don't grow, I'll still have the beautiful package.)
I’m a reluctant seed starter. I have these fanciful visions of nurturing flats of seeds throughout the winter but it’s really just wishful thinking.
I am so reluctant (read lazy), that I only start seeds that I can plant right into the ground in my Connecticut garden once the weather warms up in early spring.
Yes, that means I am somewhat limited to which seeds I can direct sow.
And, if truth be told, I don’t always have the best luck with the seeds I do manage to get into the ground. For some reason, I can’t seem to get cleome seeds from a packet to germinate, but the three white cleome plants I planted a few years ago self-seed all over the garden.
If only my seeds could thrive on my good intentions, I’d have the most fantastic garden around!
Too Good to Pass Up
Good Bug Blooms seed packet from Hudson Valley Seed Library
I’ve decided to try my hand at seed scattering again this spring and, based on a tip from a one of your fellow readers (thanks, Valerie). I bought some Good Bugs Blooms seeds from a new-to-me local seed company, Hudson Valley Seed Library.
One of the things that makes Hudson Valley Seed Company so interesting is that they are an “accessible and affordable source of regionally adapted seeds that is maintained by a community of caring farmers and gardeners”. Even I know we could also benefit from more regionally grown seeds.
And their art seed packs are simply beautiful. What a great way to showcase the work of local artists while at the same time celebrating the joys of the garden.
Seed Starting Tips from the Experts
Since every good seed-starting blog post should impart a bounty of wisdom on tips & techniques for starting seeds indoors, and I clearly am not the person to do that…I have to rely on other experts to share their knowledge and experience.
Cornell Cooperative Extension: Starting Seeds at Home (Lots of tips for successful seed starting)
Hudson Valley Seed Library: Seed Starting 101 – A 6-part series (If you’re a ‘direct sower’ like me…skip right to Part 5!)
Joene’s Garden: Seedy Ideas for Connecticut Edible Gardens (Joene offers some great suggestions for varieties that grow well in her Connecticut garden)
Now it’s your turn to share. What’s your favorite tips for starting seeds – indoors or right outside?
I love looking at these packets but have never bought them. i do buy their seed at Hudson valley. I will check out the sites too since I love to get as much info as possible thinking it will help me….I think it is half luck
The seed packet art is wonderful, Debbie. I love that Hudson Valley Seed Library promotes local artists.
My piece of advice for starting most seeds indoors in Connecticut: use grow lights. Withoug supplemental light – I use 10 to 12 hours each day – seedlings become leggy and weak. Connecticut’s late winter/early spring sun is simply not strong enough to start seeds that will turn into strong-stemmed transplants.
Good luck with your seed starting this year and thanks for the shout out.
Debbie, So glad that you are giving Hudson Valley Seeds a try! I think it is great to support our small, regional businesses. My experience was great with the Good Bugs Seed pack and also with their Bennings Patty Pan Squash. Beautiful abundant squash all summer long. I hope to pick up quite a few new packs to try at the Flower Show next Saturday, and also to get some ideas on framing the art packs. They are beautiful!
Thanks for the seed starting info as well. I, too, am a reluctant seed starter. I want to make some shelving units with lights but can’t seem to get myself going…..
Those packets are little pieces of artwork, stunning. One thing gardeners don’t always think about is that seeds grown locally will be adjusted to local conditions and do better in their gardens. It’s so easy to order seeds from big companies across the country that I guess that bit of information gets lost in the mix.
gorgeous packets! I like to try to start new things all the time. Then I have lots of extra to pass onto others.