So true-to-form this year I’ve planted a few seeds, there is a twist though, these were all seeds collected from plants in my garden. That’s taking it up a notch right? Since my seedy endeavors can only be described as half-hearted at best I don’t have a lot of fancy seed starting equipment (trays, warming mats, lights) so that’s where the stove comes in! (I know, it’s a good thing I have an understanding spouse)…
I figure since I typically heat up the oven daily, that’s heat that could be used to help the seeds germinate (I suppose I should mention it's not a gas appliance). Plus they are right there in my face so I don’t forget to water them, and with the high watt bulb in the stove hood they’ve got a bit of extra light too.
Of course on occasion we have a sunny day and I want to move them outside to soak up the heat on the warm concrete, or maybe I need access to more than 2 burners on the stove. That’s when this kitchen rack from IKEA comes in handy. I can just pick them up and move them!
I know, this is all a little strange…but look! The Echium russicum seeds are sprouting!
So far there’s nothing from the Euphorbia lathyris, Asphodeline lutea or Eryngium giganteum…
All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Hey, that's a great idea! Do they get enough light on the stove? That would be my only concern.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was waiting for them to germinate I wasn't terribly concerned about the light, but now that at least the Echiums are poking their heads up I'm being more careful to make sure they are...for instance when the suns out they're in it (as am I).
DeleteI started some of your E. russicum seeds outside . . . If it doesn't work I may have to borrow this idea for indoor starting!
ReplyDeleteThat's a scary thought (someone following my lead when it comes to starting seeds). Your set up that you blogged about a while back looked to be pretty professional.
DeleteIn your climate, couldn't you just leave them outside in a sheltered position? I think in Portland, watering would be no problem in the great outdoors?
ReplyDeleteWe've had some pretty crazy powerful downpours lately and it's been quite cool (48F high today, 34F low tonight)...but dunno, you're probably right. What do I know? (not much)
DeleteInteresting idea! I've heard of people putting them on top of the refrigerator to utilize the excess warmth, but this way you won't forget about them. That's the coarsest seed starting mix I've ever seen! :)
ReplyDeleteYa the top of the fridge is way out of my line of vision (I'm rather height impaired...and I found myself w/o chicken grit to top dress the starting mix with. I figured as long as it wasn't too deep any seedling could work it's way through pea gravel...
DeleteHoney, what's for dinner? Oh,des pots de terre avec germer et le gravier! Bon appétit!
ReplyDeleteEnough Tabasco and he'll be happy.
DeleteLOL!!!
DeleteI'm impressed! I keep buying seeds, planning to try something beyond in-ground planted veg seeds, but somehow never get to it...
ReplyDeleteI know!!! I see all these lovely seeds advertised and they sound so wonderful, but...that's about where it stops. Glad to know I'm not alone...
DeleteI started all three of those this Spring too! I wonder where I got the seeds? ;-) Mine are in the fridge right now, I need to get them out soon.
ReplyDeleteYa that would have been smart for me to do right? Put them in the fridge. Like I said I'm not very good at this. I did notice a Euphorbia lathyris pushing up out of the soil about an hour ago though!
DeleteA true gardener, even the kitchen gets utilised :) first time I've seen the cooking top being used but every so often we use the oven to sterilise compost...
ReplyDeleteHow does the house smell after that?
DeleteNo smell at all. Small amounts of compost at a time are baked inside a covered sweets tin so the scent is trapped in. Although the smell isn't bad either when you open it.
DeleteI like it! Great experiment.
ReplyDeleteYes, an experiment indeed.
DeleteUgh...I still haven't started my seeds yet...maybe this weekend :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat are you planning to start?
DeleteI've just discovered your E russium seeds hidden in my seed box...I'm going out right now and pot them up !
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteI have no idea what you're growing, but I love that you're growing it on the stove. :o)
ReplyDeleteEven cooked dinner for 4 people last night w/o moving the seeds!
DeleteThat dedication! Now is this how you use smoke from burning dinner to start seed germination?
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea!!!
DeleteI wrote a big long comment last night, and then pushed the wrong button and lost it. Essentially, don't know how you get organized, let alone do it all. I've got my typical ADD mess going on out there, with compost hither and yon, but not spread--and a big mound in the street. Can't remember what's planted, or which ones like lean soil--no doubt planted next to a rich lover. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I'm on a painting tear inside, so conflicted every time the weather says, come on out and garden.
Oh dear dog...
Painting this time of the year? That's crazy! I'd never finish. Back in January I declared that I was just going to start painting the kitchen. Small bit by small bit so it wasn't overwhelming. Guess what I've got done? NOTHING.
DeleteAnd your kitchen still looks tidy and refined. How do you DO that?
ReplyDeleteRemember you're only seeing a tiny corner...
DeleteTry as I might I just can't get interested in seed starting even though I could probably grow some of the more unusual plants that are not available for sale around here. BTW, I ordered a Tetrapanax from Plant Delights last week. I'm being told it can be hardy in the ground here in the right spot with winter protection. We'll see...
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you got a Tetrapanax! Any chance you might come to the GB Fling in San Francisco this June?
Delete