What's blooming today?
by Tricia
Here’s an interesting video of an amaryllis blooming.
I love amaryllis.
I have three in my basement right now staying cool. Actually, maybe it’s good that I’m creating this post right now because I think I’d better bring them upstairs and let them start getting some bright light.
I want them to bloom in late January or early February just when I’m really jonesing for some pretty flowers.
Watch the background in this video too … there’s a lot of things going on in that home! LOL
by Tricia
In previous article I discussed the proper way to store collected seeds. Now, when you decide to use the seeds you have stored you should test their viability, particularly if they have been stored for longer than one year.
To test their viability you’ll need:
* Paper towels
* Spray bottle
* Sealable plastic bag
* Permanent marker
This can also be a good way to figure out the germination rate of the seeds that you’ve purchased from a store.
Dampen the paper towel with warm water, next, spread 10 seeds on the paper towel. Carefully fold up the paper towel, then place the dampened paper towel with the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it.
Use a permanent marker to record the date the seeds were placed on the towel. Place this plastic bag in a warm room until germination occurs.
Check this bag in one week and then again one week later. Most seeds will have germinated by then if they are viable. Using 10 seeds lets you easily calculate what percentage germinated. With that information, you know how thickly or thinly to sow your seeds to achieve the desired results.
by Tricia
Every year we find ourselves with seeds that we’ve collected from our plants. Do you know how to store them correctly so that they will still be viable in the new year?
Here’s a simple way to store and protect the seeds that you have collected. Get a glass jar or coffee can with a tight fitting lid. I suppose a small tupperware container or even a film canister could work too.
Purchase seed packages from a nursery. You can buy the small envelopes in 50 or 100 packs. Place your seeds in the packages and label them. Be sure to include the date when you label the packet. Now, before you place the seed packets in the storage jar or container seal them will tape so that the seeds will not spill out.
Place the packets in the tightly lidded container and store them in a cool area of your home. An area that maintains a temperature of 35 to 45 F is perfect. The lower portion of your refrigerator is usually set for this temperature range so you might opt to store you seeds in the fridge. Seeds stored in this manner can last for years.