The first batch of the lettuce seeds that I planted a month ago didn't make it. Though they sprouted and have leaf, their stem was too long and that is a sign that they won't be able to be survive. Some of the reason of it was the lack of sunlight. Though the weather nowadays was sunny, the strong wind the blows will surely damage the seedlings for they were to small and weak to survive a strong wind than the usual wind.
This is the only seedlings that was able to be transfer on their permanent pot. As you may see, it has quite long and thin stem and the leaf didn't look healthy and vibrant green. That's why I have to save atleast 2 lettuce seedlings. It is 100% recycled plastic bottle. Once my seeds reaches it's transplanting stage, I will make blog regarding that and especially the pot that I'll be using too.
Now I know that considering the weather was important when trying to plant some seeds. Aside from sunlight, the rain water was ideal on plants which I usualy saw when the rain starts to fall after months of no rain at all. The wild grass grows faster and all the plants that surrounds looks fresh and energized.
But today, I made up my mind to try my luck this time. I really really hope that these mustard and spinach seeds will be successful and made it to the harvest time. This is how I made it.
- PREPARE THE SOIL
It is important that the foundation of your seedlings must have a nourished and healthy soil. My soil was compose of my garden soil, sand, carbonized rice hull and animal manure. I just simply mixed it together.
I prefer to add more carbonized rice hull so my soil will have a saggy texture yet full of nutrients. Aside from that knowing that rice hull acts as a natural moisturizer of a soil that will prevent my soil to have a clay-like texture over time.
- PLANTING TIME!
Now I'm done with the soil, I chose this plastic/microwaveable container to by my seedling pot. It is a 500 ml tub, I filled it with my mixed soil and sprinkle these seeds.
The red seeds are Spinach. It is quite bigger compare to Mustrad seeds. I don't just sprinkle it, I lay it one by one leaving a space for each seeds. Then I cover it with a thin layer of soil, sprinkle some water all over.
Tip: You should put holes around the pot or vessel that you'll be using. Those holes will drain excess water to avoid your seedlings to drown. In addition to that, I made a mistake by watering the them with higher pressure of water like this bottle that I used. It may cause your seeds to go underneath so it may be harder for them to sprout at a shorter period of time. On the other hand, I suggest to use a bottle sprayer to water those seeds. Once it is transplanted, this plastic bottle will be okay tho.
I just repeat the process for my second seed which is the Mustard. These seeds are small and reminds me of feeds for fishes. I put it in my palm and sprinkle around this vessel. Cover with thin soil and water all around till it reaches the bottom. I wanted to ensure that the holes that I made actually works to manage water drainage.
DID YOU KNOW?
*Mustard and Spinach had traces of vitamins and nutrients that helps our body. Their leaves can easily be cooked with just simply sauteing it. There are different recipes to try which is available online. I admired a South Korean style of how they serve spinach. But I was curious about Steakhouse -Style Creamed Spinach.
Mustard (mustasa in tagalog) usually used in Miso which I haven't been tried to cook yet but I already tasted it somewhere. It a soury fish dish and mustasa leaves really balance the taste. Mustard has calcium, beta-carotene and phosphorus.
While Spinach helps to reduce blood sugars (good for diabetic) reduce hypertension, it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is an ideal food for those who want to lose some weight. It is has iron, folate, protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
I am amazed that these vegetables contain all that amazing nutrients that I've been longing for to have on my plate. Yes, being healthy and eating healthy foods are more expensive to achieve and maintain it in the long period of time. That's why I made up my mind that I have to plant my super foods at home. Which I think is more convenient and pocket saver money also. Though I have to wait a month to harvest
these guys, I am patiently and enjoying the waiting and growing process of my vegetables.
I'll be back for update once all the seeds are ready for transplanting on their permanent pot. I hope you enjoy reading my story today. Thank and see you...
all photos are mine, shot on my android phone.
