Showing posts with label forcing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forcing. Show all posts

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Greenhouse Dreaming and Ramblings

My "Accidental Forcing" bulbs are thriving in my kitchen window. They seem to be quite happy which makes me quite happy. In other parts of the house I have set-up my greenhouse (hopefully in a better position than the "stock" photo from yesterday's post.) I have placed the greenhouse in front of my sliding glass door which gets the most light and sun of any room in the house. It's also a placement which should ensure pretty consistant temperatures.

Yesterday, I excitedly said that it was time to start pepper plants. However, I was mistaken. After checking my Storey's Basic Country Guide and speaking to a local farmer (he's a Farmer's Market favorite) I learned that I needed to wait at least until Mid-April. So, before rising from bed this morning I told my husband that although it may be too early for vegetables. It's never too early for annuals. I think he rolled his eyes at me. But how can I get a new greenhouse and not immediately start some seeds? It just seems wrong not to!

So today I turn my attention to deciding what kind of annuals I'd like to decorate my front porch with this year. Suggestions are welcome as always.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Accidental Forcing

I spent most of yesterday (another cold and icy day) wishing that I could begin my winter sowing like Robin has. Unfortunately, my last frost date is May 22nd. It's so long to wait.

I have bulbs stored in my basement (as most gardeners do) but only because I wasn't able to get them in the ground last fall before it froze. I keep them stored neatly on a shelf about 4 foot off the floor. So late last night as I journeyed down into the basement to retrieve frozen pork chops for Thursday's dinner I decided to give my bulbs a peek. I was shocked to find that many of the bulbs had begun to sprout! Why!?! I grabbed up my little babies and hurried upstairs. Yes, I forgot the pork chops. (I hear you giggling!) I grabbed a new pot that I had gotten on clearance and began rescuing my premies.

As I lovingly planted the newborns again my mind was screaming, "Why!?!" I've successfully stored bulbs before. Why did they sprout so early this time? After considering the question all night: I blame my husband! He has fluorescent shop lights placed all over the basement and I've only just realized how many hours he has spent in the basement lately as he works on one of his winter projects. I do believe that I accidently forced the bulbs by leaving the basement lights on!

What a happy accident!