Some of you will be starting seeds and plants indoors or in a greenhouse this month or next. It's time to get the information for that.
First, and most important, you have to be honest with yourself and give nature some information:
• Can you truly offer to start seeds early indoors?
• Do you have a place to do this? How much space?
• Do you have time to tend to the seedlings?
If you know right now that you will not be starting any seeds indoors for your garden, scroll down for the note about seed and plant substitutions. You may not need the information, but if something on your list is suddenly unavailable, you'll be glad you read about what to do in advance.
Seeing this series for the first time? Start from the beginning here. It's not too late!
Gut Gardeners
First, re-read the two paragraphs on page 25 of the Garden Workbook, "Moving on from here in partnership."
Next, read from the last paragraph of page 144, "The #1 Important Decision," through the first paragraph on page 145. Then return to this email.
Now that you've answered those questions, hit the start button and tell nature what you have to offer for seed starting. This is absolutely critical. Don't skip this.
Once you've told nature what you're working with, you can proceed with getting your seed starting information. Read pages 145-147. A blank copy of the chart you'll need is on page 117. Download it here:
"Indoor Seed Starts" Chart »
(Print it or fill it in on your computer/tablet.)
Those pages will give you the questions to ask. Instead of PKTT (kinesiology testing), you'll be getting your answers from nature in other ways — through your gut instinct or hints that appear as you go through your days this week.
2.0 Gardeners
First, read from the last paragraph of page 144, "The #1 Important Decision," through the first paragraph on page 145. Then return to this email.
Now that you've answered those questions, hit the start button and tell nature what you have to offer for seed starting. This is absolutely critical. Don't skip this.
Once you've told nature what you're working with, you can proceed with getting your seed starting information. Read pages 145-147. A blank copy of the chart you'll need is on page 117. Download it here:
"Indoor Seed Starts" Chart »
(Print it or fill it in on your computer/tablet.)
About Seed or Plant Substitutions
Sometimes a seed or plant variety seems to magically disappear from the planet between the time you test and the time your orders start arriving. If any variety of seed or plant that you tested for earlier is now out of stock, you need to carefully choose your substitutions. Connect with your partner (nature) and tell them you need "an alternate or equal variety" to put in place of the plant or seed that is no longer available. Then test your available options.
After all of your careful testing and planning of your garden and layout, you don't want to add in a new variety that would throw the balance off and require you to do all those charts over again with a new seed and plant list!
Who knew?! There have been a number of times when we need a replacement or substitution and all of our go-to seed sources come up empty. Guess where we've been lucky to find the perfect seeds?! Etsy! The seeds often come from avid home gardeners and arrive lovingly packed with sweet notes.
• Etsy.com Hint: Search the seed variety you're looking for, not just "seeds."
We've been saved by eBay a few times as well.
And here are more good seed and plant sources:
• The Tasteful Garden
• Territorial Seed Company
• Hudson Valley Seed Company
See the end of Part 3 of this series for our starter list of sources.
Anytime you feel overwhelmed or get stuck, call our Question Hot Line. We will encourage you, get you unstuck and help you keep it manageable and simple.
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The Gardening Series