Two days ago I was ready to list the ground cherries as a "worst." The seeds I started in April dried up and died during a week when I was out of town. I planted a couple more ground cherry seeds when I got back, and none germinated. I planted more seeds in late April and early May . One germinated, and then I got busy with work, forgot to keep the seed cell moist, and that seedling died. I tried a different container (the black one above), but because it was outside, I'm not sure if what germinated is a ground cherry seedling or a weed. It looks like other weeds I've yanked.
Every time a seedling would emerge, I would accidentally forget about it or go out of town, and it would die. When I was home and watchful, nothing germinated. Frustrated, I decided to plant exactly ONE ground cherry seed smack in the middle of this purple container so I'd know that it is a ground cherry--if it ever germinated. A week or so went by, and nothing. Then I went outside this evening, and there's the seedling, right in the middle where I planted it!! I'm cautiously optimistic about this. I think my "Worst" may be coming around!
Other "Almost Worsts" are the other tomato plants that I started from seed. Throughout May, they barely grew and there were several days that I came home from long 12-hour workdays and just forgot or didn't feel like tending them, hardening them off, watering them, etc. Some days I was too tired to even care that I was neglecting my garden. But then, after work loads eased up last week and I gave them a little attention, they began growing quite noticeably overnight. The picture above is a mortgage lifter and basil I started from seed.
As for the "Best"--May goes to the strawberries. We've harvested four pints so far!
This month I learned about how resilient plants can be, in spite of their sometimes neglectful owners. I thought I'd have nothing but dried up tomato seedlings and zero ground cherries, but I think I'm getting a second chance.
If you'd like to share any Best and Worst happenings in your garden this month, feel free to link up.
I have trouble keeping seeds and seedlings watered once the garden season really heats up too. Last year, I started sprouting seedlings (and sticking cuttings) in 4 inch pots like the one you show, and keeping those pots in a seed starting tray. I put plenty of water (about half an inch) in the tray every couple days, but that's much easier than keeping seedlings moist watering from the top.
ReplyDeleteSharon--yes, I filled trays with water too. Maybe next year I'll be more organized and more on-top of things.
DeleteI saw some self-wicking seed starter pots that you make from soda bottles on Pinterest that I might try next year. The seedlings could suffer from some benign neglect without being a lost cause. :)
ReplyDeleteI learned the meaning of benign neglect this seed-starting season!
DeleteAngela, I'm belatedly joining the meme. Hope it's not too late.
DeleteSometimes it is just best to let nature get on with it - as has been proved with your tomatoes etc. Your strawberries make up for everything though - lucky you to have so many to munch on.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Elaine, Mother Nature often knows best and will take care of what we neglect. So thankful that things perked up though!
DeleteI have made many of the same mistakes. I forget to water an area where I planted something new or seeded something. And when I remember it is too late. I am getting better, but I still do it from time to time. I think if gardening were the only thing I had to do it would be easier. Your strawberries look splendidly delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I had a few not-so-sweet ones in the batch, too, but overall I'm happy to have strawberries to harvest.
DeleteDitto here...I frequently forget and neglect because I work...I will be joining in Monday....I also love those strawberries and am hopeful for my tomatoes too!
ReplyDeleteI hope your workload eases soon. I hope your tomatoes do well too!
DeleteThx so much...here is my link..hope you like it!
Deletehttp://gardenseyeview.com/2012/06/04/gardens-eye-journal-june-2012/
It is just the nature of seed growing, whether we do it or nature does. Getting needed moisture is like pot luck, too much or too little, then the fittest survive. I am more inclined to water too much and then they damp off.
ReplyDeleteI have never had luck growing strawberries, and I have certainly tried! Congratulations on yours; they look yummy!
ReplyDeleteYour strawberries are just so mouth watering. And your tomato seedling is looking lush too. I am sure it will grow into a very healthy plant. I also think your single cherry tomato plant will do just as fine.
ReplyDeleteBTW - The stats only interest me in retrospect, idle curiosity. For example, because many of my readers are from the US, I use 'indigenous/native', but my plants are indigenous to South Africa.
ReplyDeleteHi, Angela, well, I must say, I LOVE your "best". Yum! We joined you once again for "best" and worst". I'm not sure how to link to your post, but you can find our post here: http://thewiedersgarden.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-and-worst-of-may-2012.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy! My linky widget didn't work, but thank you for linking up. I hope you can get the aphids under control, and congrats on your beautiful roses!
DeleteHi Angela - Your best look totally scrumptious! I've bought a strawberry pot, now to plant the strawberries! I'll be joining up on Tuesday. Sorry I've been absent.
ReplyDeleteThe seedling in the black pot was a ground cherry. The plant in the purple pot looks very different from my ground cherry but maybe we ordered different types. I have a picture of mine posted at the very bottom of my current post. Your strawberries look delicious! I'm sure they taste so much better than the flavorless ones from the store.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! You have a beautiful blog and I enjoy reading your posts. Your kitty picture is adorable.
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