It is almost time to start seed for the season. A few years back I picked up a set of seed start containers that work pretty well, but I always end up having a bit of difficulty separating multiple sprouts in each cell, so this year I’m going to try something different. I’m going to try using a “bubble-wrap roll” this year. Basically you take bubble-wrap, lay it down with the flat side up, put down a layer of soil, and roll it up. plant seeds in the top edge and once they’ve sprouted and it is time to put them in individual pots, just unroll the bubble-wrap. This will provide the seedlings deeper soil to extend into (the seed start containers are only about 2″ deep, then they start clinging to the capillary mat below the cells) and give them less root shock when separating them for their own pots.
I’ll still use the seed start containers for other things, like the herbs and one-off plants – I got some bottle gourd and luffa sponge gourd seed, as well as the usual cucumbers, peppers, and other plants I don’t do giveaways on. My main focus, for now at least, will remain the tomato plant giveaway, but I do want to start giving out basil to plant with the tomato plants, as well as some other vegetables.
I may also be able to accept donations this year, even though I don’t have my own non-profit registered here in Montana yet. Since my wife volunteers at the food bank, we are looking into having them accept the donations and then just pay out the receipts for the expenses I generate. Really it isn’t that much, it’s been about $60-$80 for all the supplies (pots, soil, etc), but there have been some folk that feel like they have to pay for the plants I’m giving away. In the past I accepted up to how much I spent, but if I am able to work it out with the local food bank, then any overage will go to them. I really need to get my own org set up because I want to start hitting up businesses to just straight up donate materials and supplies for this, as well as use it as a vehicle for other local community benefit projects. I’d like to be at the point where I can give out fully ready container grow kits, and if this is popular enough, even be able to cover installation of raised beds for people in town.
Our UPS guy is here so…
Song of the day: I Will Buy You A New Life by Everclear
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