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Posts from the ‘Flower & Garden’ Category

Potting My Nasturtium Seeds for the GROW Project

Spitfire Nasturtiums from Renee's Garden

Can you believe it’s been a month since I started growing my Spitfire Nasturtium seeds for the Seed GROW Project?  You may remember last month I was having a hard time getting my seeds to germinate. I got a couple tips from reading the posts of other participating bloggers and had a little more success.

I was able to get TWO seedlings to grow by scoring the seeds with a knife and soaking over night. I started these on April 4. Only getting two is still a little disappointing.

As I mentioned before, I’m planting these two out by the chicken coop in one of the rooster pots.

My chicken coop/rooster pots

I’m excited to have these TWO beauties grow up my chicken coop. They’ll not only provide stunning color but they’ll also give the chickens some shade.

The chicken coop (see the pot in the background)

Nasturtium, Climbing “Spitfire”: Brilliant, scarlet-orange blossoms shine out among trailing green foliage, attracting hovering hummingbirds. Train up short trellises or tripods for a cascade of bright blossoms.

In case I haven’t mentioned it, my garden is zone 8a/7b. My soil is a sandy loam and I get quite a bit of rain. I’ve planted these first two seedlings in full sun.

If I can get any more of the seeds to germinate I’ll find some other spots in the garden to tuck them in. I did start some more seeds indoors on April 23 but haven’t yet had any pop up. I’ve got my finger’s crossed.

Seed starting container

In case you’re wondering how I started my seeds to get such horrible results, here’s what I do:

1. Clip & soak seeds overnight

2. Plant in sterile seed starting mix

3. Place in plastic covered lettuce container for moisture

4. Kept moist and next to the window for warmth & light

It’s funny that I’m having a harder time growing these than tomato and pepper seeds.  Those seedlings are HUGE.  At least I have TWO Nasturtiums. I’m not a total failure.

You can follow my progress using my Seed GROW Project tag for this site.

You can read all the participating blog posts here on the Seed GROW Project site. Like all the other participants, I’ll be posting my progress every first Sunday of the month.

“I’m growing Nasturtium “Spitfire” for the GROW project. Thanks, to Renee’s Garden for the seeds.”

Let’s Pretend I Left These on Your Porch…


May Day is a celebration of spring. Happy May Day = Happy Spring!

I AM an Artist. Are You?

Magnet poetry

I was feeling a little poetic last night and came up with this little haiku on my refrigerator.

It may sound a little silly to some of you. But, the more I garden the more I feel like an artist and the garden is my canvas.

It’s also the best stress relief. When pulling weeds, imagine you’re removing negative people/events from your day.

And, since the sun is coming out, that’s my cue to get off the computer and start gardening!

Bring out YOUR inner artist and plant a garden!

Snohomish Master Gardener Plant Sale – Saturday from 9-2!

That’s right – this Saturday is the annual Snohomish County Master Gardener plant sale!   The sale features over 150 tomato varieties,  plants donated by Master Gardeners (from their own gardens) and eight specialty nurseries.

I went to the sale last year and LOVED IT!  To read what I got at the sale last year, click here.

The sale runs from 9-2 on Saturday only! Get there early so you get first pick of the plants.

WSU Snohomish County Extension
600 128th St. SE
McCollum Park, Everett

Our Walkway is Complete – Wordless Wednesday

Here's our new pathway to our front door. I love it!

Our front walkway is done!! Now to add sod and add finishing touches.