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Re: Newbie

>Hi everyone. I got tired of this shady area of my yard where no grass
>has ever grown and decided to plant some hostas, ferns, astibles. I was
>so delighted with it, I then started a perennial garden in another area
>with full sun. This has been my first real attempt at gardening. I think
>I've become obsessed! I was wondering what I'm going to do in the
>winter. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start perennials from
>seed? Something I can start indoors and transplant in the spring. When
>should I start this and any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
>Karen Zone 5 MI

I'm in NYS zone 5, which I understand is a lot like Michigan (we were just
in Michigan for my son's wedding and the gardens were lovely);

several years ago I started growing plants from seed, both perennials and
annuals;  it is not difficult, and is very rewarding, although between what
it costs for the electric light bulbs, the electricity, the potting medium,
the water, the time and the effort, I'm not sure it is cheaper;

anyhow, you order the seeds over the winter, from the scads of catalogues
that will be sent to you once you order any; the instructions on how to
plant, when to plant, when to transplant, are usually right on the package;

we put our seeds in flats under lights in the cellar, after they have
sprouted, which is usually after you put them in soil and cover them, and
don't give them  any light but you do give them a warm bottom, like putting
them on the refrigerator or the oil burner;

then it's a matter of keeping them moist, and thinning them after a while,
and then, when the weather warms up so there's no more frost at night,
putting them out, at first on the porch or another protected spot; some
plants can take light frosts and need to be put out early, like cornflowers.

I'm sure you'll get lots of advice from this list, but ask questions if you
still have them.

Isabelle Hayes

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