I can see a possible pattern growing if I’m not careful. I might start with “True Confessions” for the week: I admit to being behind on almost everything this week.
I had a crazy busy week at work, and then was blessed with not one but four different social events. I don’t want to make excuses, but I say all that to say, I did not get my intended blogs out in a timely manner.
Sending out a special shout out to Raphael Thomas and Christine Dunbar, from Zoot Suit and Dirty Me Divine. I attended both events and I must say I was absolutely gobsmacked by how awesome and creative both of these lovely people are. I had the additional pleasure of a mini reunion with Raphael’s parents, Sherman and Denise, who I have not seen in 25+/- years. Much love and continued blessings. After Dirty Me Divine, I had the pleasure of indulging in “Dinner with the Girls” with Lisa Steadman, Deborah Kagan, Angela Price , Melissa Cassera, and Kristina Italic, each one a “Phenomenal Woman” to quote Maya Angelou’s poem.
Back on the 11th of March I attempted to start a bunch of seeds. I started with flowers as the pollinators this year as I fell behind last time. I have thing for sunflowers, but they take quite a while to get to full bloom. Last year, I missed the window completely. I also started some Zinnias, Cleome, Sweet Peas, Artemesia, some tropical seeds that I failed to label, and lastly Cantelope. Cantelope failed miserably last year also, so I decided to get an early start.
I will post the photos of the latest and greatest. You will notice that some have been transplanted, others are just starting to sprout. It’s important to note the date of planting and the expected germination date. There are many factors that will impact the seed success rate, not all of which are under our control, but include temperature, humidity, dampness, soil etc.
I put beans and peppers onto wet paper towels rather than the soil pellets or directly in the ground. I’m excited to see some of the beans I put on paper towel toward the end of March just starting to send out sprouts.
I do recommend tips and tricks for some seeds. For example, hot peppers they suggest that they are soaked for 24 hours to soften the shell. I have had no luck at all starting moringa.
The tomatoes have been transplanted and seem relatively happy at the moment. I am trying something new by burying a plastic bottle upside-down, with the bottom cut off, and small holes at the other end. I am experimenting with this for both water conservation and root strength. So far, I have been able to skip a day between watering, which helps with my schedule. I do not intend to expand my drip system to the container plants.
I’ve just put some red Okra in seed pellets and next I need to get some Roselle aka Hibiscus started.
Since I’m already late for this week, maybe I’ll just make this a twofer, and include the recipe here.
I made sun tea with some of my dried Roselle and fresh mint. Pretty simple really. I took a large glass Ball jar, but roughly ½ cup dried roselle aka hibiscus, and a good solid handful of peppermint mixed with spearmint. Fill with water, and seal. Set in the sun. In this case I let it set for 24 hours. Strain off, and put in the fridge. Pour over ice, and my special add is a few drops of Cinnamon or Peppermint Essential Oil (or both). Please use quality Essential Oils. (If you would like more information, send me an email)
My latest and greatest on the Winter survivors includes lots of flowers on the Gungoo Pea aka Gandules plants and lots of little baby Satsuma plum babies. Both of which did not bear anything last year.
What do you gain from your garden? What are your fears about gardening? I’m very interested in feedback.
#UrbanGardenLove #FindingMyBliss #DreamBuilding #EatWhatYouGrow
#ArtInLosAngeles #PhenomenalWomen #PowerOfCommunity
The Janet Lee 
what do you do with the collard-gone-to-seed?
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Well, hopefully I’ll be able to save seed and come again!!
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