First, thanks to Dan Quail I am always hesitant to type out ‘tomato’.
The online organic seed suppliers have been perused. Varieties picked. There are a few favorites from last year Green Zebra and Hillbilly while adding a new choice or two: Blondkopfchen-Heirloom Tomato Seeds and Black Cherry Tomatoes have both topped the list. A number of my siblings garden as well so the emails have begun to fly about who is getting what and I become surprisingly competitive about picking the best varieties. I imagine us standing around for a taste test in late summer and the look of surprise, the nods and appreciation on their faces …the glory! Grow-up, it’s tomatoes (which I type slowly and sound-out as I go).
Growing Hope out of Ypsi has a plethora of wonderful programs to assist schools, community groups and backyard gardeners. I filled out their application for the Four Square Society which puts me in touch with Growing Hope informational resources, as well as, other gardeners. Depending on your financial situation you can also apply for supplies and assistance with installing your garden. As part of the Society I agree to track my garden’s progress and share a story or two along the way. Hence ‘Part 1′ of the story. If you didn’t already know this …Growing Hope is the Best!
Next I made the decision to not throw money at this project. Typically I would go to the hardware store and purchase some pre-designed and pre-built thing that I could take home and be ready to go. This time I’m going to go at this with available resources. So… I have begun to save everything from milk cartons (ala 4th grade bean growing) to finished toilet rolls. Yup, toilet rolls. I snagged this great little trick from some mag while standing in line at the hardware store. You cut the roll in half and use each end for an individual seedling. The whole deal can go right in the ground when the time comes. Kind’a grosses me out when I dwell on it, but to the greater good… I also began collecting odd lights from various corners of the basement …of my mom’s house. She’ll never notice. I know the variety of lights (all bulbs will be growing lights) may effect growing efficiency, but again no spending money if I can make an available resource work.
I’m hoping to pick-up my hot pepper plants from local supplier Renaissance Acres Organic Herb Farm as they carry heirloom varieties.
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