I finally got in gear and had my hubby drag in my plant rack. This is a metal rack I got at Costco years ago and I think they still carry them. I have several of these and they are worth every dime we paid for them, very versatile.
I set it up with shop lights that have OTT grow light bulbs in them, I have some also that are Phillips Plant and Aquarium bulbs. Both seem to work. The rack resides behind my couch in the Bay window facing the South. With our wraparound porch shading our windows it does not get direct sun so no fear of cooking plants.
Since our living room has been so warm this winter I did not bother with the heat mats under the pots. Some of the seeds are sprouting already so I can see that was a good choice.
These Summer Carnival and Chamois Rose Hollyhocks have sprouted in less that 3 days.
I have a lot of specialty flowers I wanted to get started early. I have Apricot Gaillardia, Showy Milkweed (host plant for Monarch Butterflies), English Delphinium's, and Crazy Daisies.
I had some geranium seedlings that needed potting up so I got those done as well, now they can grow fat and sassy under the lights.
Next month I will start tomatoes, peppers and other more cold tender plants. These hardier ones can be put in the greenhouse when I need more room on my rack.
Playing with my seeds and watching them sprout makes me feel Spring is already here though we have several more weeks of cold weather to endure. I get a thrill each and every time something new pops out of the dirt!
Like I said before, my living room will not win any design awards or accolades but I love the greenhouse effect or should I call it a conservatory.
Come back soon and I will share something fun that my hubby just built me!
here is a link to a post I did last year that had a few more particulars on the seed starting.
Snowy day Seed starting
Pamela
Hi Pam, How exciting what a fantastic idea for bringing on your seedlings I have been down in my greenhouse moving things around today but not for plants. We are having insulation bords delivered tomorrow and they have to go in my greenhouse until Saturday. I am planning a trip to the garden centre later in the week to buy some compost and seeds I can't wait any longer I need to plant something!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week
Sueb
Loved looking at your sprouting seeds and seedling geraniums!
ReplyDeleteI do too, such a simple thing yet is is so encouraging.
DeleteGreat ides Pam.
ReplyDeleteI have seen those stainless shelves at Costco. I hope they Do still have them. They're tall enough for so many seed trays. Perfect. Thank you for sharing!
and they are adjustable to the height you need for the different stages of growth!
DeleteOoohhh! I can't wait to start seeds! At this rate in the Great North, shouldn't be too long! Come share your ideas sometime at my Friday blog party! www.dwellonjoy.com.
ReplyDeleteI will do that!
DeleteCool set up! I wrote about starting seeds this week as well. Great minds think alike, I suppose. I start mostly veggies, and while it's too early to start everything here right now, I did start artichokes and and sprouting some micro greens. I also plan to write about all the DIY containers that you can start seeds in like newspaper, toilet rolls, and egg shells. fun fun fun!
ReplyDeleteI have some toilet rolls saved up, I use those for plants that do no like to their roots disturbed when transplanting, like squash and cukes. I have used newspaper in the past as well. Egg shells dry out too fast for me so I don't have much success with them.
DeleteI love the shelves, Costco huh. SO exciting that the seeds are sprouting, I can't wait for Spring or sunshine, which ever comes first. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
We have enjoyed tons of sunshine and mild temps this winter. I for one have been loving it! After last years overwhelming snow, it is refreshing.
DeleteWhat a wonderful rack full of plants! I love Spring and Summer...I cant wait to dig in my yard this year. :)
ReplyDeleteI bet your garden is going to be fabulous! Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteMary
I love seeing the little sprouts! I started crazy daisies from seed a few years back, they bloomed the second and third year and then disappeared, good luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!! thank you so much for linking in today! I am so glad to have so many wonderful gardens to look at ...and so much great info to read! I hope to see you again soon...and to come back and catch up in a few days!
ReplyDeleteI am so sick of winter I can't wait for spring!
Different type of plants are look so sweet.Plants are really increase beauty in the home and garden.In this pics plants are increase beauty in the room.
ReplyDeletelyrics of songs
How exciting to see sprouts!! Thanks so much for linking up!!
ReplyDeleteXO, Aimee
Thanks for sharing your rack idea at Craft-O-Maniac. I need to plant my seeds indoors and this is a perfect way to maximize sunlight from any window. Now I just need some lamps to warm things up! I linked up this post about sewing swimwear: http://thepetitesewist.blogspot.com/2012/02/swimsuit-sew-along-cutting-out-how-to.html
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