I think I am giving up on this...

16 years ago

Last year I had a very successful garden (cuc's, tomatoes, eggplant and basil.) I bought some plants from Home Depot. Everything thrived and I had a great garden. I loved the whole experience so much that this year, I decided to buy seeds and start everything myself. I built new beds. And was so excited about the upcoming season. I bought seeds for everything from green beans to pumpkins.

Well, I tried starting a few different seeds. I've had pretty good success with germination but my kids ended up pulling most of the seedlings or drowning them in water.

Point and case, I am spending countless hours tending to my onions. I had a very healthy and abundant crop going. But, after my kids got through with them, I have 9 plants left. Between my time, the cost of transplanting and the havoc my kids wrecked on them, these onions will probably prove to be the most expensive onions known to man. I am figuring about $2.00 per onion. For all of my time, expense and nurturing, I am better off growing pot. At least I will gain a return on my investment (that is a joke!!!)

The other seeds I have sowed have yet to germinate (after a week.) Maybe I am being impatient because up here, it is too early to start most seeds so I am only working with onions, lettuce and parsley.

And for the record, I started a bunch of lettuce seeds in a cell pack. Watered after I put the seeds in and must have flooded it. Each cell pack had a ton of seeds growing in just the three left cells. I know that I will learn from this experience but at this point, I think I bit off more than I can chew.

I think next year, I am going to buy the heirloom plants from catalogs. And only buy seeds that can be sown directly into the garden.

But, in the hope that all is not lost, I adjusted my shelving units and the seeds and grow lights are about six feet off the ground. Absolutely no way that the little monsters can get to them. Hopefully, things will get better!!!

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Comments (7)

georgez5il
16 years ago
I am happy starting the seed & getting the plant ready to set outside & then harvest. My brother is happy working in the garden & the harvest so He buyes his plants.
It sound like your kids are the problem now so I would buy the plants and when they get older have them help start the seed (plants).
noinwi
16 years ago
Maybe you could start a separate "crop" just for your kids. Let them know yours are off limits and when they "garden their plants to death", you just sneak some of your transplants into their crop so they stay involved and interested. I did this with my GK's one year. They each picked out the seeds they wanted to start, and of course they watered them constantly, but I had replacements going and in the end, they each had a mature plant that "they" grew. They never suspected I was replacing their poor drowned seedlings with healthy ones.
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What does your potting mix consist of? The decline in your Cycad really shocks me. I store about 10 different Cycad varieties, all in pots, every winter in my garage with no harm. They are tough plants. By all means DO NOT discard yours! I bet it comes back to life... In any event, as far as the potted specimens go I suspect there is something going on which is related to an unhealthy root system resulting in a weakened plant unable to cope with an extended dormant period. I also think it is very possible that you may have underestimated how much water they need even when it is cold in the garage. A root ball constricted in a pot still needs some moisture no matter how cold. As for the outdoor plants - I can't help you much since I myself do not grow those particular varieties so I can't give you any advice based on experience. I do overwinter a Trachy wagnerianus in a pot outdoors under an awning so it stays dry, along with several Agaves. x
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deederbug8
16 years ago
To avoid the 'over watering' that kids tend to do to seeds - I gave a spray bottle and told them to mist each day to keep up the humidity.....and I had to do this with new 'adult' kids that never grew from seed before.
I took care of the watering until they understood to ONLY water when the top 1/3 of the soil was dry.
The mister was the only watering they done.....LOL
It's hard to teach newbies.....you have to improvise sometimes.
digdirt2
16 years ago
You might want to check out the Winter Sowing approach to starting seeds (their forum is linked at the top of this forum's page). Then all you'd have to do is keep the kids away from the outside milk jugs or whatever containers you use. It requires much less attention to detail and isn't near as tempting to tiny hands. ;)

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kayhh
16 years ago
Gardening with mom is fun for both of you. Real "quality time" is about doing normal, mundane, every day things together. But they should understand that there are limits to what, how and when they are allowed to touch. I mean, they probably love making cookies with you, but are not allowed to touch the oven ever, since they don't have a grip yet on how to deterine whether or not it is hot, right?

Of course, touching a hot oven has it's own, immediate consequences. Sometimes consequences are a little delayed and imposed by a responsible adult.

Kay.
medontdo
16 years ago
ya, i let my kiddo's do their gardening, they have started thiers in them 72 cell packs i got at dollar general for 350, and they watch them. and water them. its important, i tell them its their job to take care of them!! they do a good job! and i remind them to be careful of the "babie plants". LOL they love it! and tabor helps teach talla how to take care of them. he's 12 and she's 5. :')) don't give up!!!
cactus184
16 years ago
Good response,Kay.....H. Thank you Cactus Pat.

I think I am giving up on this...

Comments (7)

georgez5il

noinwi

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