Blog Archives

Hello Pesto! Basil Seedlings Galore

3/28/2015

Growing herbs from seed always amazes me. What begins as a tiny seedling with a stem no thicker than a hair suddenly transforms into hearty seedlings ready for planting.At least, that's what my basil has done.

We have a long wait yet before we can plant anything outside. I know this because there are still several feet of snow covering my garden spot and raised beds. Checking my seedlings this morning gave me a burst of optimism and reminded me that spring will come when it is time.

If you love basil and are tired of paying hard-earned cash for seedlings in the nursery each spring, you still have time to plant your basil seeds inside.

How to Start Basil from Seed Inside

Fill a flat or plant cells with moist seed starter.
Sprinkle the basil seeds over the top. Plant two or three to each cell for good measure - can can always use the extras in cooking if you need to thin them later.
Press the seeds into the soil with your fingers.
Cover the tray with plastic wrap and set it in a warm area. I set mine on top of the water heater to take advantage of the bottom heat.
Remove the plastic when the seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days.
Place your seedlings on a sunny windowsill or under plant lights.
Thin to one seedling per cell or pot when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Cut them at the base with scissors, instead of pulling them from the soil, to avoid injury to the roots of the remaining seedling.
Use cuttings in your favorite recipes.
Pinch out the center leaves of your basil seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall to force new growth along the stem and between the leaves. This creates a compact plant with dense foliage.

Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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60 Days to Vine-Ripe Tomatoes

3/25/2015

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Maine Garden Ideas is delighted to announce the publication of the eBook 60 Days to Vine-Ripe Tomatoes.

It is now available for a Special Promotional Price of $4.99

Of all the gardening questions I am asked each year, questions about growing tomatoes top the list. Everyone, it seems, wants to grow plump. juicy tomatoes and they want to grow them fast.

60 Days to Vine-Ripe Tomatoes includes a list of 27 tomato varieties that ripen in 60 days or less and walks you through the process of growing tomatoes - from preparing the soil and planting your seeds to pruning, fertilizing and watering them.

As an added bonus you will also learn about tomato diseases to look out for, how to choose the right variety for your family and how to preserve your fresh tomatoes.

Find all the answers to your tomato questions in this easy-to-read book.

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