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Growing plants from seeds (rather than from starts) is proving to be quite challenging. In the raised bed outside, I planted beets, chard, radishes and carrots about 2 weeks ago. On the advice of a gardening book, I planted the radishes and carrots in the same area. The theory being that carrots take a long time to germinate (over two weeks) whereas radishes sprout more quickly, thereby reminding me to water the area where the carrots are hiding. Given the success of the radishes thus far, I now recommend radishes to any beginning gardener. While I think I see a few carrots starting to come up, I am still optimistic that more will sprout. So far no sign of the beets and chard.
The early success in the basement greenhouse was followed by a realization that I actually gave the seeds too much light. I used the artificial light for 12-14 hours per day, excited that the plants were growing so quickly. Unfortunately, plants are not accustomed to grow that quickly. The peas, leeks and cucumbers grew too rapidly, leaving their stems long and stringy....not good. The light essentially stretched out the sprouts, making them very weak. I brought the greenhouse outside for a few days to acclimate the plants that did sprout and eventually transplanted the row of peas and a couple of feeble leeks. I am doubtful that the peas will have what it takes to flourish outdoors. I wove them into the lattice for support. The greenhouse experiment has been dissappointing. I will try the greenhouse again, but will limit the light to 6-8 hours a day, an amount more similar to the 6 hours they get outdoors. I also believe that as we approach summertime, the raised bed will get more sunlight.
The seeds in the basement greenhouse have received about 12 hours of light each day since I planted them 5 days ago. Yesterday, the peas began to break through the soil. Here are the sprouts today, so exciting!
Growing plants from seeds (rather than from starts) is proving to be quite challenging. In the raised bed outside, I planted beets, chard, radishes and carrots about 2 weeks ago. On the advice of a gardening book, I planted the radishes and carrots in the same area. The theory being that carrots take a long time to germinate (over two weeks) whereas radishes sprout more quickly, thereby reminding me to water the area where the carrots are hiding. Given the success of the radishes thus far, I now recommend radishes to any beginning gardener. While I think I see a few carrots starting to come up, I am still optimistic that more will sprout. So far no sign of the beets and chard. 
The early success in the basement greenhouse was followed by a realization that I actually gave the seeds too much light. I used the artificial light for 12-14 hours per day, excited that the plants were growing so quickly. Unfortunately, plants are not accustomed to grow that quickly. The peas, leeks and cucumbers grew too rapidly, leaving their stems long and stringy....not good. The light essentially stretched out the sprouts, making them very weak. I brought the greenhouse outside for a few days to acclimate the plants that did sprout and eventually transplanted the row of peas and a couple of feeble leeks. I am doubtful that the peas will have what it takes to flourish outdoors. I wove them into the lattice for support. The greenhouse experiment has been dissappointing. I will try the greenhouse again, but will limit the light to 6-8 hours a day, an amount more similar to the 6 hours they get outdoors. I also believe that as we approach summertime, the raised bed will get more sunlight.
