Seed Starts

Just over two weeks ago the St. Joseph’s Church 7^th & 8^th grade confirmation group spent an afternoon assisting staff at the Interpretive Center with a unique annual project. Together we were able to plant hundreds of seeds that require early growth and will be transferred to our teaching garden later this spring.

It is only appropriate that local youth is a part of seed-starting, since throughout the remainder of the year the entire garden will serve as a teaching tool, a place to observe birds, insects, and other natural phenomena, and even feed participants of camps and programs with deliciously fresh and healthy snacks.

What did we plant?

·         Pumpkins

·         Watermelons

·         Several varieties of Cherry Tomatoes

·         Cucumber

·         Herbs, including Dill, Cilantro, Oregano, Basil and Chives

·         Snake Gourds

·         Edible Flowers- Marigolds and Nasturtium

·         Red Popcorn

Each different seed variety requires a different depth placement into each tray unit of moist bedding. Carefully placing seeds into trays and labeling each unit was the bulk of our work, which came as a simple challenge to our competent and organized teen volunteers.

After topping each tray with a clear plastic cover, we didn’t touch the entire rack for nearly a week when supplemental water was required (close to when the first tiny sprouts became visible). The rack, containing 4 tiered trays of 32 units each, has been living in the Interpretive Center classroom which boasts 12’, 180 degree, south-facing windows. As anticipated, the sprouts have steadily demanded more water. The sprouts have now grown too large for their cover.

Stay tuned for updates as we look towards the seed sprout’s transition to the outdoors where we will soon plant sugar snap peas and lettuce!