Anne Sandlund is diligently tending to her seedlings sprouting underground. With any luck, warmer weather will arrive in time for her to transplant them outdoors in late May or early June.
In our March check-in with the Sandlunds, Anne braved the elements to reach the greenhouse and kick off the spring cold sowing.
Ljusvattnet's location, right on the border between plant zones 5 and 6, requires some clever tricks to extend the growing season.
But not much has changed since the March visit. April has been a true test of patience, with its snow, wetness, and cold temperatures.
– This gardener is definitely longing for sunshine, spring, and the sight of sprouting greenery, says Anne, a hint of yearning in her voice.
With more than ten years of experience as a serious gardener, she knows that it's the planning, not the spring weather, that is crucial.
Spinach is often associated with the cartoon character Popeye, but it's a nutritious vegetable that benefits most people.
She has been keeping a close eye on and watering the seeds she cold-sowed at the greenhouse premiere in March. The seedlings that were started indoors have been repotted into larger containers as needed.**
– The beginning of May will see a continuation of the pre-cultivation process, but with a more intense focus, says Anne, listing cabbage, spieces, lettuce, and later additions like mangold, squash, and beans.
Pre-cultivation is essential for some crops to even have a chance at producing a harvest, while for others it allows for a potential double harvest.
– Another benefit is that these pre-cultivated plants get a head start against the weeds, Anne points out.
Pre-cultivation can take place either in the greenhouse or indoors.
– The greenhouse is where we grow crops with slightly shorter development times, such as all types of cabbage, lettuce heads, some flowers, beans, and beets, she explains.
– In my experience, the plants germinate more easily, grow stronger, become more resilient, and simply look better when they're raised in the greenhouse environment, Anne adds.
But this time of year, gardening also takes over more space in the house.
– Indoors, we primarily focus on heat-loving crops and those with a very long development time, like chili peppers, tomatoes, some flowers, cucumbers, and leeks, she clarifies.
A heat mat jumpstarts germination for your seeds. But remember, moisture is just as crucial!
Many seeds benefit from being sown together in buckets initially. This allows for efficient use of space and easier monitoring of germination.
Once the seedlings develop their characteristic leaves, typically two to four sets of true leaves depending on the plant variety, they are then repotted into larger containers for continued growth.
The seed packet itself is a valuable resource for information on seed sowing. It will typically indicate whether or not the seeds need to be covered with soil and provide the optimal temperature range for germination. Additional details and guidance can also be found online.
For many seeds, particularly those that prefer warmer temperatures for germination, a heat mat placed under the buckets can be very beneficial. This helps to create a consistent and ideal environment for sprouting. Maintaining consistent moisture is also crucial during this early stage.
Once they sprout, they typically get relocated to the basement where it's a bit cooler.
– We have a shelving system set up down there with artificial lighting. These plants often require additional repotting into larger pots, Anne explains, emphasizing the importance of proper lighting and temperature control
Proper lighting and temperature control are essential for strong and healthy seedling development. Anne emphasizes this point, highlighting the risk of the plants becoming thin and stretched out if kept in conditions that are too warm and lack sufficient light.
As spring transitions into early summer and the weather warms, the seedlings are finally ready to make the move outdoors to their permanent planting locations.
– All pre-cultivated plants need to get accustomed to sunlight and wind before they're planted in their permanent spots. We usually carry all the pots and plug trays outside to a partially shaded area and cover them with fiber cloth for about a week before planting, says Anne.
Even though the recent weather hasn't been ideal for spring growth, the Sandlunds haven't neglected the potential of their kitchen window as a resource. Currently, it provides a warm and (hopefully) sunny spot for a few chili and spice plants to thrive. The convenience of having the spice plants close at hand for cooking is an added benefit.
One of the reasons the Sandlunds are especially eager for spring to arrive is that their stored harvest from last year is dwindling down to just potatoes and carrots.
– Over the years, I've learned that summer will come again, even though it feels like a distant dream on this snowy and cold April day. says Anne.
– Over the years, I've learned that summer always comes again, even though it feels like a distant dream right now. It's close; we're almost there!