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continued from page 66
very tempting. If you have not
had a garden before it may be a
good idea to start small so that
you don’t overwhelm yourself.
Starting plants from seeds is
fun and is cheaper than buying
transplants. Your garden center
will have many seeds and seed
starting supplies to help you get
started. However, you can also
use recycled containers such as
plastic cups and plastic food
containers, even egg cartons.
Make sure to punch holes in the
bottom and keep containers in a
waterproof tray.
In addition to sterilized seed
starting potting mix, there are
compressed peat pellets. These
disks expand when dipped into
warm water.
You can buy seed starting
trays that include plastic dome
– 68 –
H O M E & G A R D E N
Plan Ahead for Next Year’s Garden
tops that create a mini-greenhouse.
A complete seed starter
kit can include a seed tray base,
seed tray, potting mix, a water
reservoir and a clear cover and a
capillary mat which provides
bottom watering by wicking
water away from the reservoir.
After your seeds are planted,
cover with plastic wrap to create
a greenhouse atmosphere. Keep
them from direct sunlight until
seeds germinate. Then move to a
sunny, warm spot or put under
grow lights.
The way the prices of fresh
produce keep climbing, you may
be tempted to pull all your flowers
out and devote your growing
space to just vegetables; but you
can mix it up. Flowers and vegetables
do get along, and can
look real good together. You do
have to make sure the plants
have similar growing requirements.
So plant that eggplant
along side your Mexican zinnias.
Head lettuces can nestle next to
your delicate coral bells. Put a
few tomato plants behind a row
of marigolds and add a border of
curly parsley. Don’t forget vertical
gardening too. Let some pole
beans climb up those stately
sunflower plants. Do not forget a
space for the children. They will
love to be able to eat the things
they have grown themselves.
So put on some tea and grab
a catalog or garden book and
plan that wonderful garden that
you are going to have.
Editor’s Note:
June Liardi, a St. James resident for over
30 years, is a wife and mother of three
sons. June will be writing articles on gardening,
nature related craft projects and
family activities.
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OUR TOWN • DECEMBER 2008