It’s “THYME” to GROW Outside

The days are warming up and so are the nights. It’s that “thyme” of the year. Time to get outside and get those seeds or seedlings in the ground. 

It’s “THYME” to GROW Outside

Neighbors Reunited

In my neighborhood the growing season is such a fun time. After the coldness of being inside, we all get out and reconnect. All the sounds of the growing season can be heard. Tractors are tilling. Bees are buzzing. The dogs are barking. The children are outside playing again. Laughter is in the air as we share what the other will be growing the garden. Its truly a special and exciting time of the year. 

Are YOU ready to GROW?

So, you’ve decided to grow some food outdoors. Great idea! Let’s get started. These are two possible ways you may get started outside. Number one. You have seedlings to plant in the ground. What that means is either you purchased little starter plants or you started your seeds indoors yourself.

Here’s a tip: If you started your seedlings indoors yourself, you’ll need to harden them off. 

Hardening the seedlings off is the process you go through getting the little plants acclimated to the outdoors. After all, they are baby plants and you don’t want them to go into shock when they change atmosphere.

The process goes like this:

Once your seedlings are established with at least six leaves or more and they have a nice stem, they’re ready to be planted outdoors. You will take seven to ten days to complete this.

• Day one you take the plants outside (not in direct sun) for an hour.
• Day two take the plants out for two hours (no direct sun).
• Day three take the plants out for three hours (no direct sun).
• Day four take the plants put four to five hours (no direct sun).
• Day five take the plants out six to seven hours (no direct sun).

Continue this process for the next few days increasing the amount of time outside. Remember – no direct sun. 

Monitor your seedlings and when you water them make sure to do so in the morning. The hot daytime sun can scorch your seedlings and the roots if they are wet. Its best to start this good habit now. If you can’t water them in the morning- wait until the evening (before dark) but certainly after the heat of the day. 

If your seedlings are looking strong and growing well – between day seven and day ten – leave them out overnight and see how they do. If they survive, they are ready to grow outside. The hardening off process must happen so please don’t skip it. One thing you’ll learn by growing food is the art of patience. Nothing happens fast and nothing should be rushed. 

If you purchased seedlings…

If you purchased seedlings, they should be hardened off already and most likely you purchased them from outside. No additional hardening off is needed. You may plant them outside without the wait.

By this time, you should have your outdoor space already picked out for your seedlings. Prior to this get to know your soil whether it’s too hard or too soft. Do your research and see if its necessary to add anything. You can get books, magazines, or google this information. Your soil may be perfect but its best to make sure. 

If this is your absolute first time growing food you can always grow in containers, meaning a large or medium pot. By doing this you can purchase soil by the bag and almost ensure it will be what you need for your garden to flourish. Keeping it simple and easy is perfectly fine. Asking questions is perfectly fine, its how you’ll learn. Take pictures and notes if necessary. 

Once your soil is ready…

Once your soil is ready, follow directions on the seed packets. Note: save your seed packets for the valuable information you may need later. If you purchased seeds without packets (loose seeds) ask the person you got them from about sowing directions. I find most folks are willing to help.

Finally, when its time to put your seedlings in the ground dig your hole a little bigger than your seedling so that it fits inside the hole with space to fill in around the sides. Give the seedling a few gentle squeezes and wet it a little so it will loosen up. Brace the sides of the seedlings between your fingers and turn it upside down in your hand. The water will keep the soil from breaking up when you take it out. 

Place the seedling in the hole and fill up the sides with the dirt you dug up. Important: keep the seeding in the soil it grew in with its roots intact. Opinions may very on this. I never disturb the root system. Give your seedlings a thorough watering. Ta-da! 

Note: Gently pat the soil around the seedling so there are no air bubbles but don’t pack it too hard or too tight. Your seedlings will need to be watered daily unless you get a good amount of rain on a particular day. Remember to water in the early morning or late evening to avoid the scorching sun. 

Now you watch and wait.

Be patient with your plants and yourself. If you make a mistake, it’s ok. One thing is guaranteed, not all of your seedlings will survive. It really is a numbers thing. However, with more growing experience your success will increase. I’ve been growing food for a decade and still I don’t have a one hundred percent success rate. Be assured you’ll grow in patience with “thyme”. 

Much success in your growing journey and always refer back here. We’re here for you.  Produce not just consume.