What should be a simple post, became a long story.
We have had a mild winter, by Chicagoland standards.
No measurable snow---since December 17th,
which was just enough to sort of be a whitish Christmas.
After dust begins collecting on the seed catalogs that arrive--
promptly after New Years. Some earlier this year...sheesh!
After dust begins collecting on the seed catalogs that arrive--
promptly after New Years. Some earlier this year...sheesh!
 |
| http://oldnewgreenredoblog.blogspot.com |
In our house, Spring begins the first week in February.
Hubby drags out the seeds and trays and sets up a mini-green house
in the kitchen for starting tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli.
GREEN: We reuse containers and trays, and finally invested in large baker's trays for the greenhouses.
GREEN: We reuse containers and trays, and finally invested in large baker's trays for the greenhouses.
 |
| http://oldnewgreenredoblog.blogspot.com |
After 5 weeks, this is how the plants looked yesterday in the mini-green house in the kitchen.
We do use pellets, make sure to squish and loosen them before planting otherwise they are too stiff to allow roots to grow.
SPRING usually starts when we move the seedlings into bigger containers
out on the larger front porch greenhouse.
We use this for convenience, usually with a heater.
The greenhouse is on the south side of the house and
sheltered from north winds and has full sun all day.
Long shadows, keep the backyard greenhouse cooler until mid to late April.
On the kitchen island hubby plants tomato seedlings into bigger containers.
Broccoli, ready for transplanting, when they droop---it is definitely time.
Drooping tomatoes---so ready for big containers
And we were ready and waiting.
Today, one more day of transplanting more tomatoes and peppers.
Lots of peppers ready to grow into plants. I will start marigold, zinnias and other perennials in pots/trays directly into the porch greenhouse as soon as it is warm enough.
So far here is the set-up. I'm sure we may add more shelves, later.
After one night of transplanting, see how they perked up in the mini-greenhouse.
Peeking at all those southern Spring posts had me itching to do a springy one.
But deep-down, we, Midwesterners and Northeastern Americans SHOULD know better.
Since, Spring is a state of mind Chicagoland, fleeting at most---WINDY---(+60mph) last Wednesday.
And, the above SPRING egg wreath took flight twice and is now in the house.
This morning....along with the half the country,
no bunnies, daffodils, or budding branches here...
At 7AM out the bedroom window.
Like most of the upper states---we HAVE SNOW!
Not too much so far, but we have Lake-Effect snow expected tonight (4-6")---so the medium greenhouse stands, shivering and plant-less.
This really isn't much compared to what the east coast will get.
I tried to look at the green side of life---from my ivy planter.
But each ivy leaf strains to grab Spring. Sigh...
No Spring here either.
The Dragonflies try to stay in flight, the right one is spinning---must have been the windstorm lat week.
Our backyard from the back porch. Oh, I so miss the view from the back porch.
Alas, the porch is still packed up for winter! And, 22 degrees isn't particularly comfortable.
But a sure sign of Spring, despite the weather.
SHhhhhhh, birdies are nesting.
Not sure if it's the Junco family or the English Sparrows that were there last year.
The turf war has been extensive over who has ownership---
there is a new nest inside--details to follow.
Welcome to my Spring
Chicagoland Style.
Thanks always for visiting.
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.
All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown. Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle
I will be sharing at these fine Parties!
Share Your Style
Share Your Cup
Welcome to the Weekend
Best of the Weekend
Nifty Thrifty Sundays
Dagmars Home Link Party
Share Your Cup
Welcome to the Weekend
Best of the Weekend
Nifty Thrifty Sundays
Dagmars Home Link Party
Sandi
 |
Oh gosh, that is seriously an impressive groups of plantings. I can't believe you are still getting snow over there. Perhaps Spring is just around the corner. When it does eventually come you will have a oodles of veggies and flowers all ready to plant out. Stay warm!!
ReplyDeleteWe did get an additional 4" while 8 miles away they got an additional 8". Such is Lake Effect snow. Think Buffalo NY on a smaller scale, lol. Thanks for stopping by, Sandi
DeleteOh how wonderful! I have 15 flats going down in the basement in front of the sliding glass doors. I am just LEARNING as this is my first time!
ReplyDeletewonderful, you might want to do a cheap plastic greenhouse, despite the light there, I'm sure it is cold at night. And good luck. Transplanting into larger pots/cups--really does help--as you bury the stems as much as you can and then they get very strong roots. Our crazy three greenhouses is necessary here, with the prolonged cold.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sandi
Sandi, Wow what a turn around. At least the plants were inside. Spring is dragging her feet. Have a great day! Sylvia D.
ReplyDeleteIt really is early, but when we have nice January and February, you think you have 'missed' it, ha! Mother Nature has a sense of humor in Chicagoland. Mine has worn out over the years, lol. Thanks for stopping by, Sandi
DeleteYou really have been busy getting ready for spring. Once it arrives you will certainly be prepared! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
All the plants are outside on the porch now---and we are having problems, keeping the temp low enough. Thanks for stopping by, Sandi
Delete