Gardening For Good: Week 7

In week 7, I planted some seeds, including some for the garden but also some native plants (list further down). I read more about phenology and am going to add those indicators to the planting times chart. I also ordered more seeds (whoops). I didn't really "need" any more, but I was specifically looking for cucumelon/Mexican Sour Gherkin. I've seen a lot of people (mostly Australian gardeners) posting photos of them on Instagram. Some say they are prolific producers, so I thought that would be great for the donation aspect. Also, they are just very cute and small, so they are great for kids (I think they'll be perfect for the lunchbox!). I look forward to seeing how they do! 

My son's seed jar - looks like a marigold germinated

I also identified a couple topics I need to research over the next few weeks. 

The first is about indoor plant food, specifically for the planter where I grow the baby lettuce and kale. Since I harvest different plants at different times, I need a way to replenish the soil rather than change it with fresh potting soil all the time. I am also wondering how people do this for microgreens (i.e., should I use fresh soil for every batch or can I re-use it a couple/few times). 

The second is about growing corn. I have never tried growing corn before, so I want to do some research about it. For example, how many plants/rows for good pollination, how to ensure proper pollination, concerns about pests and disease, etc. I have also herd that they can attract rodents, so I will look into that concern and see what preventative measures I may need to take.     

Young true leaves are growing on the kale

Seeds I planted this week included: 

-- Sweet pepper (yellow bell) 

-- Thai basil (may not get transplanted outside, we'll see how they do)  

-- Nasturtium (peach melba) 

-- Wild garlic (native plant for flowers) 

I am also currently tending to: 

-- Microgreens and baby lettuce (harvested most of the baby lettuce this week) 

-- Kale mix 

-- A cilantro seedling (to keep inside) 

-- Jack-in-the-pulpit, Spring Beauty, and Doll's Eyes - these are all native plants I'm hoping to establish in the woods/wood line. They were moved into the garage, as they need warm/moist and then cold/moist periods to germinate... I'm hoping to get some to grow!