14 Comments
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Vicki Palmquist's avatar

So helpful! And thorough. My husband is the family gardner. I've passed this on to him. Thank you.

Gail Silvius's avatar

I've been harvesting my indoor lettuce and spinach for months. Great advice for us Zone 3a folks. We are still shovelling snow here in Edmonton, Alberta.

Diana Pierce's avatar

LOVE to hear that you are in Edmonton, Alberta! Also, please share your light tips for your lettuce and spinach.

Gail Silvius's avatar

I have lights within 6" of leaves, 13 hours a day, 2 trays. I use cut and come again, so always have one tray in recovery growth mode

Diana Pierce's avatar

Thanks for this, Gail. Could you share your light or recommended light? I'm looking for ideas. Great tips about "cut and come again" and rotating trays.

Gail Silvius's avatar

These are pretty basic full spectrum lights. I gang up enough single tubes to cover the whole width of the trays

Aimee Bissonette's avatar

Terrific info all around. I especially love that you mentioned library seed banks!

Diana Pierce's avatar

I have a friend that sends me those news nuggets! We’re both recovering newsies 😊

Joan Fittery's avatar

Great article and very timely! I was angsting over not having my seeds started yet. I will wait a bit longer. Especially like the tip on using the specialized seed starter soil only in the top inch and using regular potting soil below! I heard you are writing a book on this subject. Can't wait for it to come out! Looking forward to hearing you speak to our garden club, Dakota Gardeners, on March 18!

Diana Pierce's avatar

That presentation is “ Seduction & Symbolism: The Scandalous History of Flowers. 😊

Stephanie Hansen's avatar

Great advice!

Diana Pierce's avatar

AND.. I know you'll appreciate this. On first glance, my top photo looks like a pan of brownies. That's the feedback I'm getting on LinkedIn. But, it's something called soil blocking. But, next year when I re-do the seed starting article, I'll have to call it "Soil Brownies."

Diana Pierce's avatar

I really appreciate Laura's insight. We are so anxious to get green things going but we still have the frost date average. Sigh. Thanks.. love seeing what to make in March!!!