As always the Great Backyard Bird Count was fun and interesting. I will summarize my results and those of the overall count in future posts. This project continues to grow each year with more participants and checklists submitted.
The weather continues to be extremely variable this winter. A few weeks ago we enjoyed 60 degree temperatures. Two days ago we had 3 feet of snow and blizzard conditions.
I now turn my attention to starting some vegetables for the upcoming season. Although it is still a little early for some plants, for onions and leeks the time is right if you start from seeds. Especially if you're starting late season varieties.
I also recently started some kale and lettuce and placed outside in the snow and cold, using a technique known as winter sowing.
Starting Onions and Leeks:
A few weeks ago, I started two varieties of onions. Onions are more commonly planted using onion sets or onion plants. However, I really enjoy Sweet Spanish which are hard to find either as sets or plants, but are available as seeds. These onions get to be softball size and store fairly well, although not as well as typical yellow onions (usually Stuttgart).
I also am trying Cipollini, an Italian flat variety. These onions are also sweet and their shape allows them to work well for roasting or pickling.
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| Preparing Planting Container With Soil |
The containers I use were originally for holding peat pellets, but I re-use them using a good potting mix. I like to use one that already has plant food added.
First, thoroughly wet the soil and level off. Sprinkle seeds on the soil being careful not to plant them too densely.
Finally, cover the seeds with about a quarter to half inch of soil and tamp down lightly. Again wet the soil, using a fine mist as to not to disturb the seeds.
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| Cipolloni Onion Seed |
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| Sweet Spanish Onion Seeds |
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| Leek Seeds |
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| Onion Seeds |
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| Sweet Spanish Onions Sprouting |
I currently have the onions and leeks indoors since winter has refused to subside. Hopefully in a week or so I can set up my mini greenhouse on the porch and get the plants outside, at least during the daylight hours.
Winter Sowing: Yes, Plant Outside in the Snow!
Believe it or not, it is possible to plant seeds in containers now, place outdoors in the snow, and they will germinate in the Spring. The technique is called winter sowing.
The best results will be with cold hardy, short season vegetables such as kale, lettuce, spinach, onions, leeks, radishes, and Brussels sprouts. Tomatoes and peppers will also germinate, but will be delayed compared to those started indoors and will mature much later. The nice thing is that seeds sown this way require absolutely no care once planted until they germinate.
For more information, visit Winter-Sown.org.
The technique is simple, start with a one gallon milk or water jug that is clean. Cut the jug in half except to leave one area to act as a hinge, Drain holes should be drilled in the bottom also.
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| Use a Knife or Drill For Drain Holes |
Fill the container with a good seed starting mix or potting soil and wet thoroughly. Potting soil actually works better since it tends to absorb and retain more moisture, whereas seed starting mix (usually just peat moss) tends to dry out very quickly.
The excess water will drain via the drain holes. Never use your garden soil for starting plants, since the microorganisms (bacteria, fungus, mold) can hamper the germination process and even kill seedlings.
Plant the seeds and cover with the appropriate amount of soil as per directions on the seed packet. Water again lightly. I use a spray bottle for this since a mist doesn't disturb the seeds during the watering process.
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| Planting Siberian Improved Dwarf and Red Russian Kale |
The final step is to seal the containers with duct tape and place outside. That's right, place them out in the snow with caps removed. The opening in the top will allow moisture to enter and also prevent the containers from overheating once spring arrives.
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| Seal With Duct Tape or Clear Package Tape |
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| Placed Outside (Before The Snowstorm) |
I also planted two more containers (not pictured and now buried!), one with Romaine lettuce and another with Butter-crunch lettuce.
Thanks for visiting. In future posts I will follow the progress of the onions and leeks, and I promise a post regarding starting heirloom tomatoes. Also more bird photos to come.
