Look at my little Santiam tomato sprout! Hooray!
Anyone else seeing anything? In fairness, I am using grow lights, so my seedlings have an advantage… –Denise
Related: Home Care for Planters
Archive | February, 2016
Thinking ahead (plant spray)
29 FebCame across this recently. The person who posted it says she’s used it to great effect:
Once your seedlings are up with 2 to 4 leaves, give them the royal treatment ASAP!
Mix together: 1 aspirin + 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap per gallon of water. Add 1/4 cup nonfat powdered milk and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
The soap makes it stick. Aspirin triggers a defense response and stimulates growth. Nonfat powdered milk is a natural germicide and boosts the immune system. Baking soda makes the leaves alkaline and inhibits fungal spores – that’s MILDEW, the nemesis of beans (and a big problem for us).
Use weekly on your young bean plants, all your cucurbits – cukes, zuchs – any mildew prone plant. Use a watering can that has a rose (nozzle) that turns upward to get the undersides of leaves as well as their tops.
Home Care for Sub-Irrigated/ Self-Watering Planters
25 Feb
Thanks to all who came to the workshop last night. I am sharing some tips we use at Benji’s school for PTA plantings…But this is one philosophy or approach, not the only one. Ansley and other gardeners may have different takes on how to proceed — keep your eye on the comments section!
1. (At home) Remove and fill the bottom reservoir cup with about 2-3 inches of water. For one time only, water plant from the top to allow soil and wick to settle. Wick should dangle into liquid to allow soil to “suck up” the water and “self water” the plant.
2. Place in full sun or sunny windowsill. 
3. Add water to bottom cup every 2-3 days. It is OK to spritz soil from the top, but “watering” should be done via the reservoir in the bottom of the planter.
4. If you need to add soil, use organic potting soil.
5. Depending what you planted, be ready to transplant a little early, because, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, Spring may come early. The 2016 prediction for NYC’s last frost is April 1st. (Last Spring Frost prediction tagged as having 50% probability).
Reminder: Seed Starting Event Wed
21 FebIf you’re planning to join CVEarthlab in the community room Wed eve, you’ll need empty soda/water/gatorade bottles (1.5 to 2 liter work best) as well as potting soil. Organic potting soil is preferred for anything edible you may transplant into CV’s raised beds.
We’ll supply organic, no
n-GMO seeds plus wicking and labeling material. Wednesday’s event takes place in the community room from 6:30 to8pm. RSVP to cvearthlab@gmail.com by Monday 2/22.
n-GMO seeds plus wicking and labeling material. Wednesday’s event takes place in the community room from 6:30 to8pm. RSVP to cvearthlab@gmail.com by Monday 2/22.Learn more about planting in self-watering containers here. Thanks!
All CV residents are welcome to become members of the 2016 communal garden. We ask that members donate $25 per household plus contribute time and muscle watering and maintaining the space this season. Checks can be made to CVOI* and left in the office or picked up from your doorman. Contact cvearthlab@gmail.com or come to the event to learn more.
Why join? The season lasts from March to October, even November, and you’ll enjoy the friendly, community spirit plus fresh flowers, herbs and veggies from late spring to late autumn. Last year we were picking basil, parsley, sage and ground cherries, kale and bush beans well after Halloween! 2016 is going to be a great year for the garden–join us!
Feb 24: Save the Date to Start Seeds!
11 FebReady for warm weather, sunshine and blue skies?
Us too.
Let’s get ready for Spring! Join CVEarthlab members in the community room Wednesday 2/24 from 6:30-8pm to plant seeds in sub-irrigated, upcycled planters.
We’ll supply organic, non-GMO seeds plus wicking and labeling material, BYO-potting soil, scissors and a few empty 1.5 to 2 liter water bottles (or clean soda 
bottles). RSVP to cvearthlab@gmail.com by 2/22.
bottles). RSVP to cvearthlab@gmail.com by 2/22.Learn more about planting in self-watering containers here.
All CV residents are welcome to become members of the 2016 communal garden. We ask that members donate $25 per household plus contribute time and muscle watering and maintaining the space this season. Checks can be made to CVOI* and left in the office or picked up from your doorman. Contact cvearthlab@gmail.com or come to the event to learn more.
Why join? The season lasts from March to October, even November, and you’ll enjoy the friendly, community spirit plus fresh flowers, herbs and veggies from late spring to late autumn. Last year we were picking basil, parsley, sage and ground cherries, kale and bush beans well after Halloween! 2016 is going to be a great year for the garden–join us!
–CV Earthlab Core Members, Ansley, Deb, Denise, Judith, Sandy and Shari.
Early Plans for the 2016 Edible Garden
5 FebThink Spring! We’re figuring out what we’ll grow where, and how we might maximize the space and light. With the new building going up on Jay Street, the raised beds will get less direct sunlight. Stay tuned for more information on an event to start seeds in self-watering planters (made from repurposed water bottles) inside…We’re targeting mid-February for the workshop. All CV residents are welcome to join the garden. Want to learn more? Read about membership here. Thank you!
Raffle Prizes!
Concord Village EarthLab 