I mentioned in the last column that I had germinated some old tomato seeds from 2003 to 2004. At that time I had 24 seeds with roots. Within a few days, more of them germinated, and under lights I have 210 plants from 215 seeds. This is a pretty good rate. With this start I am aiming for a June crop and hoping the weather will cooperate.
Last week I was able to pick a few leaves from one of the kale plants that survived under the snow and is still looking good. In the cold frame, I have also about 30 lettuce plants at different stages of growth and they are all doing well. Some are big enough so I could harvest a few leaves. I will start a few greens in the greenhouse this coming week. Last week on a sunny day it was 22 C. Time to start making good use of it. I even have enough room in it this year to sit and read some gardening magazines.
Hybrid seeds, the first generation offspring of two inbred parents, have qualities of vigour and uniformity that has made them popular with many gardeners and farmers. They are even more popular with many seed companies. This is not because of the cost but because the seed produced by hybrid plants is not worth saving and so gardeners and farmers must return to the seed company every year for a new supply. More seed suppliers are offering open-pollinated and heirloom varieties.
On the other hand, standard or open-pollinated vegetables and flowers will produce seeds that grow into vegetables and flowers very much like the parents, provided cross-pollination among different cultivars is avoided. For beginners, it is best to work with self-pollinating plants like tomatoes, lettuce, peas and beans.
When you plant your seeds, small ones should be 1/8 inch apart. Medium ones 1/2 inch and large seeds one-inch apart. Usually, you plant the seeds three times the depth of the seed size. Some seeds need light to germinate and some need complete darkness, while others will need a period of cold temperature. Planting your seeds too deep is one of the main causes of failure.
For all of you who don’t save seeds, seedy Saturdays are coming soon. This year, the Shuswap Seed Savers holds its 22nd annual Shuswap Seed Swap and Natural Living Fair at the Splatsin Community Centre, 5775 Old Vernon Rd. in Enderby. This will take place March 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The next seed exchange will be in Vernon March 12.
It is hard to believe but I have been writing the gardening column for four years now. If you have any questions or would like certain categories to be covered, just let me know. I don’t always know the answers but I can research them for you and I learn at the same time.
For more information: 250-558-4556 or email Plantlady1@shaw.ca
Jocelyne Sewell is an organic gardening enthusiast in the North Okanagan and member of Okanagan Gardens & Roses Club. Her column appears every other Wednesday.