CGN Network Newsletter Article, February Topic: Seeds...

This is your community garden co-coordinator, Tarinii. This is  a reminder that we have a Seed Starting Workshop this March 9th, from 2-3:30 @ The Grove Street Community Center. I am so thankful to be able to host this workshop and get everyone excited about seeds!  It would be great if you could be there as we will be potting up all of our spring seedlings. If you’re not able to attend the workshop, here are some reminders to help you have the most success with your seeds this year! 

1. Take inventory: Hopefully, you have a growing seed selection of your own! If you don’t this is a time to begin to think about beginning to start one. Make sure you know what seeds you have in your collection, check the date and engage in seed germination to check for viability. 
   
2. Order seeds from catalogs early: if you’re a seed contesseure like me, you’re already searching all the seed catalogs for the best selections. Some of my favorites are Southern Exposure Seed Exchange , Sow True Seeds, True Love Seeds.  Begin making your list of seeds and processing your orders to be  prepared for the season. The earlier the better when purchasing seeds because seed stock can often sale out quickly! 
   
3. Visit local CGN gardens: Take some time to visit local gardens that are storing seeds for the community. This a reminder that Bountiful Cities has seed libraries throughout the CGN network. The libraries are in various locations and are there for all community members to have access to seeds. Some of our seeds are from various seed companies while others are grown by local farmers and growers.  This year, you are in luck, we have a good supply of the Neck Pumpkin which is in the Butternut family and is a favorite amongst our friend Cathy Cleary. This pumpkin can grow 18-24in and is  ideal for home, community or to be sold at local farmers markets. 
   
4. Create a Crop Plan: whether you're a homegrower with a kitchen Gardner, small scale or large scale farmer creating a crop plan is essential. Your crop plan generally is determined by how much land you have access to and the list of vegetables, herbs and flowers that you’d like to grow. Planning can save time and help create organization especially when Spring comes around and it starts to get busy! 
   
5. Source your potting soil & all materials needed for the growing season: Make sure to purchase potting soil that is loose and well-drained to prevent any type of disease or mold from growing in soil or on the plants. Begin to clean out and sanitize all your trays so that you know which ones and which ones are appropriate for the seeds that you want to grow this year! Giving your seeds the proper amount of space to expand their roots is essential… Lastly, consider fluorescent lights and/or heat mats. 
   

Stay tuned for monthly topics. I hope this could be of use for home growers, beginning gardeners, farmers and simple lovers of the earth.