Specific Seed Sowing Fall 2009

This years sowing was done in a way that may not yield successful results. The seed was sown on November 21st after a few days of very hard rain. The soil chosen to form the base of the seedbed was not particularly formulated in any way and had been worked over from the rain. Additionally the bottom of the 2 seedbeds have a layer of weed block added to help prevent the outflow of soil through the wooden sides but this layer of material may inhibit drainage. It remains to be seen how this will effect this years crop.

A quick word about the source of this years soil in the seedbeds.

The soil was gathered from the local landfill at a cost of $20 a yard. The soil was termed top soil by the folks working at the landfill. Prior to sowing a thin layer of Miracle Grow topsoil was added to give some "softness" to the seed bed. The soil from the landfill seemed to be suffering from some compaction. Ideally I would have turned the soil over but due to time constraints I did not have a lot of time to turn the soil over and work in any additional perlite or other aeratiion medium.

The seeds where then sown on the soft layer and then covered with another thin layer of the Miracle Grow top soil. This soil contains larger pieces of bark and peat along with traditional Miracle Grow type soil. The soil is not termed potting soil.

The seeds were then covered with a cold frame with plastic sheeting on the sides and top to prevent loss of soild from wind and to protect the seed from squirrels and other animals.