Seeding box

 

     Adding annual seeds to my perennial beds just became easier!  Prior to this year I sowed flower seeds directly into a few spots here and there where I wanted sustained color to carry my garden through the season. That method was rife with challenges and disappointments.  This year Hank constructed a seeding box for me and filled it with good soil.  I tilled in a couple of extra ingredients for success and it was ready to go.  I sowed my seeds on Memorial Day Week-end and now, nearly two weeks later, all varieties have germinated and I am giddy with delight. In a week or two my seedlings will be transplanted to locations in the beds.  It did not take me long to discover the advantages of the "box" over direct sowing.

1.  I never have to step in the box, so seedings are no longer vulnerable to my garden trompings.
2.  So easy to map!
3.  One watering can a day to ONE spot and the seeds are kept evenly moist until germination.
4.  Weeding is minimal and manageable.
5.  I can check on everyone's progress in a single destination walk.

     From seed packets, I have sown: cleome, bachelor buttons, 4 o'clocks, small pulcina zinnias and pinwheel rose zinnias.  I've also sown a few varieties I harvested from favorite blossoms in last year's garden: bronze red marigold, moonlight (lemon yellow) nasturtium, salmon zinnia and an unusual zinnia blossom boasting two shades of yellow in the same blossom .  
     The only seed in which I did direct sowing is morning glory and that is going to be the subject of my next post.  Stay tuned.