The Race is On!

The race is on!  Every year, I start to start seedlings and buy plants from various plant sales and trips to the nursery in anticipation of finally reaching that magical “last frost date” when I can finally start planting.  Until then, the seedlings grow in self watering containers to reduce my ability to let them dry out (See Starting My Seedlings Indoors).   The new annuals, perennials and plants for the front pots sit patiently in front of the garage, or in sheltered area on the back patio, just waiting for the weather to be good enough and me to have enough time to get all the new plants planted.

At this point the clock starts ticking, and my family starts asking, “How long are they going to sit there?” or, “Are they going to die there like last year?”  Both are unfortunately valid questions.  My best intentions are to get the new plants in the ground right away, but especially this time of year life usually intrudes and the seedlings can get leggy and tangled, and the new plants can be out there 3 weeks or so.  In that case I admit, I have on occasion been a bit careless with the watering.  I’ve learned to be careful of plants left in a sunny spot, or trays tucked under the eaves.  Thus, the valid question of survival.   Every year I’ve become better and this year so far so good.  I am even babysitting some plants for a friend and a tomato plant that will go to my daughter’s apartment porch.  So only a little extra pressure this year.

I’m hoping to get everything in this weekend, weather and track meets permitting.