A balanced soil mix for germination is crucial to provide young seeds with the optimal environment for development and healthy growth. Here’s a general guideline for creating a well balanced soil mix for germination:

Base Soil Mix

Seed starting mixes are typically well-draining, sterile and light, to prevent diseases. One of the best base mixes currently on the market is Fox Farm Ocean Forest Potting Soil. This soil is lightly amended with earthworm castings, bat guano, and sea-going fish and crab meal and Ph adjusted. It’s important to not have an excess of nitrogen in your mix for germination, but this blend is well balanced.

Amendments

To really get your seedlings off to a great start, there are a few essential amendments that we find to be critical for optimum health once they have been transplanted. By adding these amendments to your seed starting mix, you will find that your plants will be healthier, stronger and more disease resistant throughout the growing season.

Rock Phosphate

Colloidal Soft Rock Phosphate is a great natural source of slow release phosphorous. It can also provide low levels of trace minerals and valuable trace elements such as: calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, boron, and iodine. When seeds first germinate, phosphate is one of the primary nutrients the plants are looking to uptake. Their entire life performance can be affected on the phosphate availability. It’s essential to have this nutrient available for proper root growth and future fruit development.

Trace Minerals

Azomite provides over 67 trace minerals to supplement and improve plant growth. These minerals will improve overall growth in addition to greensand, a naturally-occurring iron-potassium silicate, which is an excellent source of iron, potassium, silicate (for cell structure), phosphorus & trace elements. These two trace mineral soil amendments will provide most everything your plant needs to be strong and resilient.

Mycorrhizal Inoculant

Mycorrhizal fungi establish a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, specifically within the root system’s rhizosphere (the area surrounding the roots). This symbiosis benefits both the plants and the fungi involved. Mycorrhizal inoculation helps plants cope with environmental stresses such as drought, extreme temperatures, and disease. When you start your plants early with mycorrhizal fungi it will improve a plant’s resistance to certain soil-borne pathogens. They do this by competing with harmful microorganisms for resources and secreting compounds that inhibit pathogen growth. Mycorrhizal fungi extend the plant’s mycelium networks into the soil, significantly expanding the root’s reach for nutrient absorption. The plants can then access nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and trace minerals that might be otherwise inaccessible to the plant’s roots alone.

With a well-draining soil mix and these essential amendments, you’ll find that your plants will increase in health and production throughout the season.

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large container, thoroughly mix the seed starting mix and your amendments, blending them into the mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as young seedlings are sensitive to excessive nutrients.
• Moisten the soil mix until it’s evenly damp but not soaking wet. Excess moisture can lead to issues like mold growth and damping-off disease.
• Fill your seed trays or pots with the balanced soil mix, leaving a little space at the top for watering.
• Plant your seeds according to the recommended depth for each type of seed.
• Lightly water the soil after planting to settle it around the seeds.
• Place your trays or pots in a warm and bright location. Maintain consistent moisture levels by misting or watering gently as needed. (TIP: Cover trays with plastic saran wrap to aid germination)

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The first Valentine’s Day was in the year 496, so marking the day itself is a very old tradition.  It is thought to have originated from a Roman festival, called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially marking the start of springtime.

In ancient Rome, there were at least three Christian martyrs were named Valentine, who were believed to have been executed for various reasons.

However, one of the Valentines, a Christian bishop, was believed to have been executed on February 14 because he defied the Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages ceremonies for Roman soldiers. Claudius II had prevented soldiers from marrying because he thought they should only love Rome.

Legends about St Valentine as a heroic and romantic figure first emerged during the Middle Ages in England and France.

Some historians assert that the first person to associate St Valentine with romantic love was the poet Chaucer. In 1381 the English King Richard II and Anne of Bohemia were betrothed and Chaucer composed a poem in honour of the engagement.

Flowers have had symbolic meanings for centuries and the colour of traditional red roses represents passion.

The red rose first emerged in Greek and Roman iconography, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the goddess of love. In Greek mythology, it is said that rose bushes grew from the ground through Aphrodite’s tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis.

Later, in early Christian times it became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary.

The tradition of giving Valentine’s Day flowers dates back to the late 17th century, during the reign of King Charles II of Sweden. During a trip to Persia, King Charles II was exposed to a new art—the language of flowers.

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The beginning of a new year is the time to put the past behind and look forward to what path is laid out before you.

May this year bring you Peace, Love,Joy, Prosperity, Good Health. May all your Dreams come true!

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Make sure you check out our Shop Page at midnight to start saving!!

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The first person to spend $100 or more gets FREE FLOWERS for SIX months during our primary growing season May-October!

This lucky person will get one farmers pick wrapped arrangement per month From May 2022-October 2022!!

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I’m glad that winter storm Uri is behind us for now.

Yes we may of had no power for over 26+ hours and my house got down to 34*. I lost quite a bit of my seedlings for this year that had germinated in my seed trays.

We had bursted pipes which are now fixed. It was so nice to be able to take a hot bath and wash laundry.

We don’t realize how much we take for granted in this life. I for one am extremely greatful that we made it through and leaned on each other during these unprecedented times here in the Houston area.

How did you hold up, would you prepare differently?

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CARE FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Make sure the container your flowers come in is always full of fresh, clean water. Re-cutting the stems at a 45° angle one or two inches from the bottom. This will reopen the seal from their last cut, helping your blooms soak up every last drop. Flowers like to play it cool, so set the dial for between a pleasant 65 to 72 degrees F. Make sure they never freeze and don’t forget them in the car in colder months. Let them bask in the sunlight from a distance. Don’t make home a spot near vents, appliances, or electronics like TVs and computers.

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