Addiction

They the first step is admitting you have a problem, which I totally do not...

Have a problem, I mean.   I needed another seed starting tray.  Really, I did. 

And what do I plan to start in this seed starting tray?  Zinnias!  

As soon as I got home and got something to eat, I started some of those seeds.  I moved my basil seedlings to the cabinet so I could put the new tray onto the heat mat, but that was no big deal. 

I mean, I could have moved the heat mat to the cabinet then put the new tray on it there, but I'd have had to move the basil anyway.  

I think I'm going to try something different with these zinnias.  Instead of growing them inside, I'm going to put the whole tray out into the bed that I'll eventually transplant the flowers into.  That way, they'll already be accustomed to being outside and in their permanent location.  But, if we get a late frost, I'll just bring the entire tray inside.  

That's why they're inside right now.  We're expecting more severe weather Sunday, followed by a freeze.  There could be another one before it's all over, as our average last frost date is April 4th.  I usually wait until the 15th to plant outside, just to be on the safe side.  

Anyway, wish me luck, but I brought back-up.  I bought a second packet of seeds in case this didn't work.  I'll just direct sow them into the bed if needs be.  

One thing I didn't like about this tray is that the holes in the bottoms of each cell are a bit too big. A lot of the potting soil fell though them and into the water tray underneath.  Of course, it could be that my potting soil was very dry when I first put it in.  I probably should have wet it first, but I didn't think about that in time.  Oh well, it'll be all right. 

Another thing I don't like about the tray is that you have to completely lift the inner tray out to add water to the outer tray if you want to bottom water.  But with it being outside, it'll probably be top watered anyway.  

I also found a butter tub with some Bachelor's Button seeds in it.  They're a couple of years old, so I don't know if they're still viable, but I think I'll plant them anyway and just see what comes up.  I'll wait and direct sow them, though, sometime mid-April. 

And finally, abrupt change of plans.  I'd originally thought about making my perennial bed my fairy gardens, but I think I might make it in my annual bed instead -- which is sitting right underneath Oberon the Fairy King.  

That way, he'll be able to watch over them.