Photo Art Created by Artist Michael Vickery

 Flowering Vines Ground Covers
Annuals Ornamental Grasses
Perennials Trees and Bushes
Herbs Peppers

 

Spring is in the Air!!

Welcome to our March Newsletter 

We hope this newsletter will have some helpful information on growing from seeds and garden preparation. 
If you have any questions or if we can be of help in any way, just let us know.


Mention this newsletter when you place an order with us and we'll include a free pack of seeds, your choice.

Spring Tips on Getting your Garden Prepared

Getting Ready to Plant:
Before you can purchase the seeds and get them started you need to decide what you need and what you want:
  • Take a walk around your gardens - What did you love about your gardens last year?  What did you hate?
  • See what you have and think of changes you were determined to make last summer because "it just wasn't working"
  • What plants do you want to see added to your gardens - Make your list and get your orders in now so you'll be able to get the seeds started early    

 
While in the garden see what preparations need to be made:
  • Any winter damage that needs cleaning up?
  • Leaves needing to be raked?
  • Any leftover annuals or other dead plants that need to be cleaned up?
  • Don't forget about the container gardens - Any containers need to be emptied, replaced or fixed?  Don't forget to sanitize any pots from last year.
  • See what tools you need to replace from last year i.e. - shovels, rakes, gloves, anything you'll need when it's time to start planting outside.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
Genesis 8:22

 

 Now that you decided what seeds you need and have them ordered here are some tips for successful germination:
  • If you're using seed flats from last year, you need to sanitize them by washing them in 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
  • Always start with a good quality seed starting mix, not regular potting soil as it contains bigger pieces that hinder seed growth.
  • Be sure to pre-moisten the soil with warm water.  Soil should be saturated.
  • Follow the planting directions carefully.  One of the biggest problems in growing seeds is that people tend to plant their seeds too deep.  Most seeds only need to be about 1/8" deep unless noted on the growing instructions.  A good rule to follow:  The larger the seeds, the deeper to plant:  The smaller the seed, the shallower to plant.  Some seeds need light to germinate and should only be placed on top of the pre-moistened soil.
  • Be sure not to let the soil dry out.  If seeds dry out once they've started germinate they will die.
  • The soil temperature needs to be kept at 65 degrees at night and warmer during the day.  A great idea is to use a heating pad at night to help the soil maintain a consistent temperature.  Just be sure to monitor the soil temp so that it doesn't get too hot.
  • Using the plastic dome that comes with the flats is important because it retains moisture.  You can use plastic wrap but be sure it's not laying directly on the soil.
  • Be sure to place your seed in a sunny location.

"...and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit." 
James 5:18

Money Saving Ideas:
  • Use window blinds for markers.  You can get inexpensive mini-blinds at your local retailer for just a few dollars and you can make hundreds of markers from one blind.
  • Use yogurt cups, pudding cups or even egg cartons for starting your seeds.
  • Shop for garden utensils and containers at yard sales and flea markets.  You can usually find great buys and use your creativity for containers i.e. old watering cans make great and attractive planters.
  • Use disposable foil bake pans for planting seeds.  They usually come with a clear plastic lid and are less expensive than the flats that you buy in the gardening department.
  • Save the packing peanuts you get when you order through the mail.  They can be put at the bottom of your patio containers.  You use let dirt and it makes the containers lighter to move around.  They will also help eliminate root rot since the roots are not soaking in water.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
 

Great Plant Ideas:

 

Eucalyptus Silver Dollar - This is new for us this year. It's actually a fast-growing tree native to
Australia but is often used as an annual throughout the U.S.  It's often cut and dried for craft projects. 
It reaches 18-24" in a growing season and is annual in zones 3-7 and would be perennial in warmer climates,
growing into a large tree within about 8 to 10 years.  You get 25 seeds per pack for $2.50

Purple Moonflower Vine -Beautiful petite blooms with a  sweet fragrance.
Blooms at night and closes in the early morning. 
Makes a beautiful show on a trellis.   (Supplies are limited)
You get 5 seeds per pack for $2.50

Scarlet Sage - Great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. 
This herb is often used in gardens as a contrast to yellows, whites and blues. 
Would be beautiful with white alyssum in containers.
You get 100 seeds per pack for $1.50

Heirloom English Lavender - Our most popular seeds.  These seeds
come from plants that have been growing in our family's
gardens for over 45 years.  They are true English Lavender. 
Hardy perennial with beautiful blooms all summer long. 
You get 25 seeds per pack for $2.50

Southern Belle Hibiscus - This is our most popular hibiscus. 
Beautiful large 6 inch blooms that last all summer long. 
Herbaceous perennial in zones 3-6.  You get 25 seeds per pack for $2.50.

Great selection of Hot Peppers -

Habaneros: Caribbean Red, Orange, Chocolate, White
Anaheim, Ancho San Luis, Jalapeno, Cayenne, Paprika
and many more!!

 

Live plants will also be available
starting in early May!

 

Current Specials:

 

Thank you so much for visiting our newsletter.  We're always here to help so please
feel free to e-mail us anytime. 
We will try our best to help in any way we can!!

MountainMeadowSeeds@frontiernet.net

www.MountainMeadowSeeds.com