Veggie Bites
One Hundred and Seventy-nine
As usual, the weather is being weird. Freezing cold at one moment and unseasonably
warm the next. I am finding it difficult to predict what the garden is going to do. I am
watching for broken branches that I can cut. Be careful not to cut maple branches as
the sap may be running.
My apologies for not sending out a Veggie Bites for a while. It has been a busy time
here as one of the too-many cats was very ill. Hopefully now with special food and
medicine she will rally. So far, she is doing well.
I have been reading about interesting ideas in various books, many recommended by
friends. One of these books mentioned something called a Vision Board. It is very
similar to the garden journal I am working on. This is when you find pictures and
articles on what it is you desire for your garden, and you put these things on a large
board. This board sits in your room where you can see it, think about it and plan. It
could be very helpful or daunting depending on how you view it. Please do not be
discouraged by magazine pictures of pristine gardens. These gardens have staff, and
you are only you. You are doing a wonderful job.
The various seeds I ordered are starting to arrive and that is exciting. I am also going
through my existing seeds to choose those that have to get started now. In the past,
my luck with pepper seeds has been, well, not that great. Maybe I do not have
enough light or heat. I also learned that pepper seeds have a strong shell that can
inhibit their germination. As I read more about this, the article mentioned camomile
tea. Apparently, camomile tea has mild antifungal properties which is why it is
recommended as an addition to your water to prevent damp-off. As well, it seems to
break down the exterior of pepper seeds allowing for better germination. As a result,
I decided to do an experiment! I never recommend anything until I try it myself and
even then, I try to find further research on it. So, I have soaked my pepper seeds for
24 hours in a jar of mild cold camomile tea. And we shall see. I am continuing to be
careful with my watering. I have a water softener, so I make sure that I get untreated
water for my plants, and I let it sit so that it is room temperature. No need to freeze
my tiny seedlings. If you are on city water, let the water sit for 24 to 48 hours before
you use it.
I put a few of my favourite pepper
seeds in the tea.
Speaking of seeds, the Carp Seedy Saturday is fast approaching. March 9, 10am to
2pm at the Carp Fairgrounds. If you are not able to attend, check out Seeds of
Diversity at https://seeds.ca/. You will find under the tab, What We Do, a list of all
sorts of Seedy Saturdays and Sundays. At these events, you will find local vendors
and horticultural societies. The seeds for sale are usually reasonably priced and there
is also often a seed swapping table. I am looking forward to this event and our
members have collected a great many seeds.
It has been cooler lately, so I am making more fires in the woodstove. I only burn
wood, because I use the ash. Once the ash bucket is full it goes into the chicken
coop. It will mix with bedding and dirt and chicken leavings and add an extra layer
of nutrients to my spring soil mixture. The chickens like to roll around in it as well.
Some of the too-many cats enjoying the warmth
of the woodstove.
At present it is cold, but it is supposed to go up a lot in a couple of days. I shall
continue to dress in layers. Enjoy your week. Judith
(Email: sghorticultural@gmail.com) Veggie Bites are available at