Adventures in Gardening Kickoff 2009

Ok, Ok, I could not wait any longer. I know spring isn't quite here yet, and I can't start my seeds for another week but I was so excited to actually do something TODAY.

Before we moved in September I went to my flower beds and dug up some of our tulip bulbs, hoping to transplant them here. However, since we moved into our new house in November they have been spending the winter in the garage rather than in the ground. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to use them and was fearful of them dying since I thought they might miss this growing season. Thank goodness my sweet visiting teacher Molly told me I could just force them indoors. Duh, why didn't I think of that?! (And that way the dear won't eat them). I had saved a bunch of plastic pots from plants I purchased last year and had everything I needed in my garage. The high temp was around 28 degrees today, but that didnt' stop me. I spread out my "project" vinyl tablecloth and Leah and I had some "grown-up girl bonding time" (guess the movie?). Planting our tulip bulbs. According to my how-to gardening book, Gardening 1-2-3, from the Home Depot, my tulips should bloom in about 2-3 weeks.

I did lose a few bulbs to mold where I didn't cut enough holes in the bottom of my bag I stored them in, but most of them looked great, with 1/4" green growth already starting out of the top.

We did 10 pots, with 3 or 4 in each for a total of 34 bulbs. Hopefully they will all bloom! My main concern is the amount of light they'll recieve from my west facing windows, since I have NO south facing windows. I may try to move them around from East to west for optimal sun.
Next week I'll be starting some seeds indoors as well. For starters I will be planting Zinnias, I got 2 types from Burpee: Zinnia Pinwheel Mix ht 10", and Zinnia Cut and Come Again Mix ht 24". I am lucky to have lots of shrubs and berms in my landscaping so I'll be planting shorter plants to compliment my larger existing ones.

My dilemma this year is over the Impatien Seeds I purchased. (Also from Burpee: Impatiens, Flavour Hybrid Mixed, Red, Pink and White.) I love these colorful shady flowers, and used them in my courtyard last year. When I saw the seed pkt I thought it would be great to start them myself. Well, come to find out Impatiens are quite tricky and finicky to start. They are particular about their conditions and temperature. So, I'm trying to decide if I should go buy a warming mat to keep the seedlings comfortable, and hopefully grow, or if I should give in and just take the $$ for the heating mat and buy the actual plants... hmmmm...decisions, decisions!