Introducing the first sprouts of the year

After planting cherry tomatoes from heritage seeds (kit thanks to the lovely Russ & Shelley!) they germinated very quickly on my sunless kitchen counter.



Two days later, after spending their days in the bright southern exposure of my living room, some friends decided to show up. There were three varieties of tomato: red, yellow, and pink. Unfortunately, I can't remember which I planted where, so I will have to wait and be surprised by these wee sprouts. Still crossing my fingers for the other two varieties. It's a mystery to me why five of six seeds of one type would germinate, but none of the other twelve. Not disheartened, but curious nonetheless.


These babies were planted two weeks ago; they would have a lot more neighbours if it hadn't dropped below freezing the day after I started them, and stayed there ever since--my soil preparation happens in the garage, which rarely rises above ambient outdoor temperature. Moistening potting mix, even in work gloves, is a chilly proposition.

The dainty four-leaved sprouts are arugula, which I had great success with last year. The seeds are still from my initial purchase; next year I'm hoping I'll need to dip into the seeds I harvested myself. I may leave a few arugula on the window sill, but still others will be forced to face the elements. (Planted: twelve. Germinated: five)

In the fall of '05 I saved a plate full of pumpkin seeds from a jack'o'lantern, and used two last year, resulting in a blunder-plagued but hearty vine, and one misshapen fruit; this year I started early, because I want some pumpkins to be proud of. Although hard to see, there are four sprouting in three of the pots; the smallest wasn't there yesterday, so I haven't stopped counting yet.