Seedling Progress

Hey ya'll just checking in with a seedling update today.  When I planted those seedlings back in February, I planted either two or three seedlings of each variety.  Today I picked the best seedling for each type of veggie, and then I planted them in slightly larger containers than their little paper cups.  Aaron is in charge of making the garden decisions in this family, I just enjoy playing in the dirt!  

Since I didn't want to move my little guys around too much I used a large plastic tote to transplant them in.  If you are noticing that I used cacti/citrus soil, it's not something I did intentionally or would suggest, I'm just cheap and didn't feel like buying more soil.  :)   I wish we had a compost pile to use, but that is something we are working on.  This bag of soil was left over from my cacti project from a while back.  I transplanted the seedlings into small plastic containers from the dollar store.  We bought them about three years ago for this purpose.  We just grabbed whatever container we could find, and popped a hole through the bottom when we got them home.  

I filled the container with soil, and then made a small well or bowl in the middle for the seedling.  I then carefully peeled the paper off of the seedling.  

Then, I placed the seedling in the well I made in the soil, and added some soil to the top to fill in the edges.  

When I was finished with my first set I watered everyone, and placed them back under their grow light. 

I'm getting sleepy, and I still have more work I'd like to get done.  I also wanted to welcome all the new comers to 365 DIY, and thank you for coming by!  To all of those who are here on a return visit, thanks a ton for checking back in!  Hope ya'll enjoyed, and happy DIYing, chris!    

Painted Planter - Day 2

Day 2 of the painted planter!  The first step is to remove all the tape.  The planter I used was ceramic coated in a thick smooth glaze, so the latex paint didn't really bind with the surface of the pot.  In order to avoid all the paint peeling up with the tape, I first ran a razor over the edge, and I peeled the tape off slowly watching for any hang-ups.  Once the tape was pulled up I smoothed the edges with my fingers.  Then I painted over all the patches of paint with clear varnish, this will help keep the paint from peeling off in the future.  If you are using a clay pot you shouldn't have to do this.

Now on to the fun stuff!  Since it's cold outside, and there aren't very many hours of sunlight I used a large plastic tote to do this project indoors.  In the tote place a pot filled with plenty of fresh soil, the newly updated planter, and the plant you're transferring (my plant is a gerbera).  

Add about an inch or so of soil to the bottom of your planter, depending on the difference of size of the two planters.  Next, squeeze the bottom of your planter all around, you may need to go 'round multiply times.  This will loosen up the plant, so that you will be able to turn it upside down, and the plant should slide right out (even if it is absolutely root bound, like my plant).  

I would definitely suggest you transfer your plants before they become this root bound though.  I've had this plant since I got married on 4/16/2011.  We used gerberas as part of our centerpieces for our larger tables.  I honestly didn't think this plant would survive this long, so I never bothered to replant it.  It's a strong little sucker!  Keeps popping up flowers and growing more leaves, I couldn't be more proud. :)  

Now back to the task at hand!  Place your plant in the center of your pot.  Add soil around the edges, and don't compact the soil too densely.  It's important for there to be some air in the soil, so that the roots have an easier time pushing their way through.  You also want to be mindful not to fill the soil above the current or previous level.  

Once you are done filling the planter with fresh soil be sure to clean off any excess soil, and then water your plant.  

Look we even have a new flower starting!  

Happy DIYing!