By Steve Bywater - HHNM Board Chairperson
Seedlings for sharing
My favorite outdoor activity is gardening, something I leaned into a lot last year to deal with pandemic blues. Instead of just starting vegetable seedlings for my own needs, I tried to start as many as I could with the intent of giving the excess away. Instead of a dozen or so tomato plants I had over a hundred, along with peppers, squash, cucumbers and other vegetable garden staples. The goal was to cram as many as possible into my growing space. Although social distancing prevented the normal activities that would allow me to see family, friends and neighbors, it was with them in mind (and in heart) that I multiplied my efforts. I knew many of them would be trying to up their gardening game as a way to spend time at home outdoors, and in mental response to shortages on store shelves.
My wife and kids helped plant seeds, pot up successful seedlings, and label everything. I called local relatives and friends and asked them what seedlings they were looking for, as garden supply stores were closed and online seed catalogs were unable to keep up with the unexpected demand. Delivering a box of seedlings to someone’s door became an excuse to sit in their yard with them for a few minutes, and talk about gardening and, invariably, how they were coping through the pandemic. It fed my soul in a way I didn’t know I needed, and I think they felt the same.
Eventually I had given as many seedlings away as I could to people I knew, and still I had dozens of seedlings ready to be planted. So on a mild Spring afternoon I set up a table at the end of my driveway and put out a public announcement that they were there for the taking. I received a lot of gratitude, and some people exchanged my seedlings for seeds or seedlings of their own, which gave me new varieties to try. I got some Glass Gem Corn from seeds that I got this way, which made beautiful decorations in the Fall.
So as you start your own seedlings this year – I’ll be starting my hot peppers this week – think about starting some extra, and seeing who you can give them to. Maybe arrange a seed swap with neighbors. #TogetherOutside
Here are some resources that I have found useful, to help up my own gardening game.
The Joe Gardener podcast: Lots of great info for gardeners of all experience levels.
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Gardening: They have a composting webinar next month — every garden needs compost!
Hudson Valley Seed Company: A local company selling seeds acclimated to our area, many packaged in beautiful artwork by local artists.
Roe potting up squash seedlings