Roots First: Cold Starting Seedlings

 

Roots First

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things  grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

(1 Corinthians, 3:6-11)

I never had the time to advance beyond a beginner’s level for gardening. My success in growing plants was limited between raising kids, ministry responsibilities, and running a business. The most I could grow were a few roses, tiger lilies and some ground cover. I tried a few other varieties off and on over the years but they failed for various reasons; Some had the wrong sun exposure, were being watered incorrectly, lacked care, or had pests. It was a time when not many flowers graced my space. My approach to my yard was haphazard and unintentional. That was until 2 years ago; with our kids grown and having families of their own, we found ourselves in a large house that we didn’t need. We packed our lives and traded a tiny yard and big home for a cozier setting on two acres. My yard became a blank

canvas. I was excited to fill it with color. I bought dozens of seed packets, watched zillions of YouTube tutorials and since it was late fall decided to try some cold starts. I soon discovered that seeds come in all shapes and sizes, and that not all are suitable for cold starting. Out of the 20 seeds I started about 12 actually produced any seedlings. My Bachelor Buttons and Sweet Peas went crazy; I had more than I knew what to do with. Shasta Daisies did great, as did Marigolds, Hollyhock and Cosmos. The milk jugs protected the little seedlings from frost in February and when spring arrived I was able to transplant them into their places in the yard. It is so much fun when you look into the milk jug and see the seedlings pop up their heads, but don’t be fooled. Those three weeks that you are patiently waiting to see those green heads pop through, there is a lot going on below, even though you can’t see it. Healthy plants start with healthy roots.

Healthy roots require the right type of dirt, water and temperature. How you prepare the soil and plant the seeds matters. After that all you can do is wait. You have to trust that the process will work……the roots grow first then you see the result. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others can be intimidating and exciting all at the same time. At first due to fear, or a lack of knowledge, we may not see many seedlings grow. Let’s face it, God is the one who created the seed in the first place. It is His Gospel we are sharing. He created each seed that we have the privilege to plant. If He doesn’t make it grow, the perfect soil, light and water won’t force the miracle to happen. Our part is to learn as much as we can so that we are prepared when he provides the opportunity to plant a seed in the soil of another soul. Being ready to plant those seeds entails taking the time to know His word, and being close to Him. We may not see results right away, but don’t be fooled. The Holy Spirit is drawing out the roots below the soil. Some seeds will produce beautiful plants, while others may rot in the ground, but we can’t force growth. We do our part, and trust His process for the rest.

HOW TO: COLD START SEEDS

ITEMS REQUIRED:

• 1 Gallon -Clear- Jug 

• Exacto knife or Scissors

• Clean Dirt

• Water

• Seeds of your choice

• White Duct Tape

• Marker

• Spoon

*NOTE: Recycling old milk and water jugs are cost effective and easy. I acquired them from family and neighbors. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put holes in the bottom of jugs (roughly the size of a pencil)

2. Cut/slice jugs horizontally (leaving the handle intact)

3. Fill bottom portion with dirt

4. Pour warm water over bottom of now dirt filled jugs until soaked

5. Let water drain

6. Mix seeds with a handful of dirt

7. Sprinkle seed/dirt mixture into jugs

8. GENTLY press seeds into dirt with the back of a metal spoon

9. Seal jugs closed with duct tape

10. Label Jugs

11. Place Jugs outside in a warm sunny spot and protected from extreme weather

12. Check on seeds after 2-3 weeks 

13. Lightly water jugs when top soil is dry