CMGA Monthly Talk for March

Nichole Gregory
Photo by Tammy Valdovino

 

The CMGA would like to thank Nichole Gregory for giving her time for  a wonderful talk on Starting Seeds on Thursday. Nicole has been a resident of Flagstaff for the last 7 years. She took the MG Class in 2012 and has been avidly growing seedlings each spring ever since.  She spent the hour showing photos of her garden and seed starting. Indoors/outdoors/ and a combination were covered. She talked about all the needs for seedlings in detail - light, water, good soil, air, and fertilizer. One tip I learned about light is that it needs to be al around the plant not just on one side in a sunny window. This can best be accomplished by an overhead light (preferably florescent) and possibly using mirrors if you don't have this.

The best part of the talk for me was all the many aspects she covered on doing it sustainably. One tip was using a trays that are just seed flats from the nursery, or cardboard box tops for paper boxes (from the office) covered with a plastic trash bag, and secured with tape, so they are able to hold water. Then the cardboard rolls (toilet paper or paper towels), egg cartons, or paper cups are just lined up inside, filled with dirt and labeled. To water, pour the water into the tray and allow the plants to soak it up from the bottom

Toilet paper roll with a paper towel on
on the bottom held in place with a
rubberband.

  

Photos by Nichole Gregory

Last month, Kim Costian talked about soil and although she didn't discuss this, she is also a strong believer in watering seedlings from the bottom. Less problems with overwatering and less water is used. Nichole puts these little tubes directly in the ground when ready to transplant, as they will break down on their own. The less the roots are disturbed the better when transplanting.

One practical tip I learned was using a bit of garlic or chamomile in the water you use to start seeds. It is anti bacterial and may help prevent some of the dampening off by sterilizing the seed and medium. Another reminder about water was tepid - avoid cold or hot water and let it sit for 24 hours to decrease the chlorine content. Over watering and unsterile soil can also contribute to dampening off.

If you have any specific questions or problems you can contact her at nichole.gregory1@gmail.com