I planted literally 72 seeds in a 72 cell flat, over a gro mat, under a gro light and underneath is the lid acting as a water source bc I just keep it pretty full, and on top is a 12 inch high dome. Most have sprouted
Basically I have created a greenhouse for them. Since I don't have multiple seeds in the cells, no need for thinning.
I think to when I used to buy 6 cells of tomatoes that were Way past needing up potting or planting, and most of the soil was gone, pretty much big stems and vast root systems.
I plan to send the first tomatoes out around Mother's Day.
Two will go into deep pots and share the black, leaky, 100 gallon Rubbermaid water trough next to the house, and I hope that will provide some heat.
By June I will remove the potato pots and fill the trough up and plant the two hardiest Supice early variety tomatoes and see if they like the south facing, "hot pot" location next to a water source.
I was surprised how much work I Don't have to do on the 25 ft bed south side of the garage.
Besides cutting down the blackberries, it won't take more than an hour to pull last year's weed stalks, and then I can dig holes for more potatoes and plant 2 yo okra seeds.
Just like 2 years ago, 1/2 of the peppers, also up downstairs, will go there, too.
Today it's raining in the morning. I think I'll weed around the house and in the wildflower bed, maybe get more seeds in since weeds invaded it last year.
FYI: wildflower beds are NOT maintenance free!
You have to help them by weeding, something I really couldn't do in 2024.
Also, you do NOT want to amend the beds. They prefer lousy soil, lots of sun.
The premise is self sustainability in that many flowers are perennials, and the others flower and drop seeds, replanting them for next year.
You can also throw in other flower seeds, like daisies, and echinacea and they will do well, too. I have some sunflowers I would like to start on the north side of the bed, too, bc several sunflowers came up 2 years ago there.
I understand that English primroses like crappy soil, and partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions.
Given a better situation, they will spread, so not a good choice for a wildflower area.
Primroses (Primula spp.) are unusually vivid spring blooming perennial flowers, ideal for brightening the garden. Here's how to grow your own.
www.thespruce.com