My Sproutlings

     Sow a seed... This is a new concept for me, but I am very excited to announce that I have received my very first sproutling!  Let me tell you she is such a beautiful little green goddess.  Shortly after Morgatge Lifter popped through, all the others have decided to make an appearance also. 

     I do believe that the boys are just as excited as I am.  I hope that they will enjoy eating them as much as they enjoy looking at and talking to GeeGee (Green Goddess) and all of her followers. As I say the boys are excited and go to our "greenhouse" a few times a day, I am pretty sure I make tripple that many appearances. 

     In addition to starting from seeds, we have chosen these seeds to be Heirloom.  Even though I have always lived in a farming community, I have never know the difference between Heirloom and Hybrid.  And now that I know, why put anything on the table other than the best.  I am determined that I can do something small and simple to help my family live a long, healthy and beautiful life.  Now I know that growing my own Heirloom vegetables isn't going to ensure a long, healthy and beautiful life, but I am convinced it will help. 

     There are many great things about heirloom seeds, but I must say that one of my favorites is bragging about the names and the uniqueness of everything I have purchased.  If everything goes according to plan, we will have some very colorful plates this summer.  Hopefully preserving the bountiful crops will ensure a bright winter as well. 

     Sow a seed has begun, now time to grow it green. 

 GeeGee after she first appeared.

        

Watching her grow.

early season

Today I experimented...We live in zone 5 and sometimes zone 4 and my goal is to see some green sprouts as early as possible.  According to the packages peas can be planted as early as the ground can worked, broccoli up to 3 months prior to last frost, and spinach 4 weeks before last frost.  On the eastern plains of Colorado last frost can range from (last year) last week of april to Mother's day.  We have observed dandelions and grass beginning to emerge, so I thought why not!

My little helper and I planted my heirloom little marvel peas, last years bloomsdale longstanding spinach, heirloom di cicco broccoli, and gypsy hybrid broccoli.  I separated the broccoli seeds by sowing them in different plots. I plan to keep the seeds of the di cicco.  What was also interesting and disappointing was the hybrid broccoli came with 12 seeds and my  heirloom contained 200.  All I can say is the hybrid better be BIG, BEAUTIFUL, and BOUNTIFUL because I feel like I got ripped off.  Mainly because hybrid seeds cannot be saved for next year.

I plan to sow some more early seeds next week (potatoes also) and compare.

I also am starting a few tomato, celery, watermelon, kale, lettuce, and a few herbs.  My baby tomato plants have names like Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Black Cherry, Bonnie's Best, and Roma.  All have different characteristics that determines their purpose. What awes and and amazes me year to year is how life starts from such tiny beginnings.  This is true for ALL life.  A seed with proper care will grow and produce food for my family.  I am always humbled by green sprouts.

Two Cherokee Purple Tomatos stand proud

Boys love dirt

Where the magic happens :-)

My rhubarb from last year survived

Peas in a row

Second rhubarb

My Birthday present from my husband, Bog Boots

Zinnia sprouts called envy...seriously took 2 days to pop up