Most of the flower seedlings still need a little growth before planting out.9
There are also some squashes and a couple of left-over peppers and a tomato there.
Zinnias, dwarf sunflowers, squashes.
Marigolds
I planted some of the portulacas among other plants and some in a patio bowl.
These are the second nasturtiums that I planted. I think the first were fodder for birds. Also in photo, marigolds and alpine strawberries
All in all, it might be a colorful year.
Here are the Ozark Beauty strawberry plants now. I bought them, bare root on Amazon, in early February.
I think the growth looks quite healthy and vigorous. I did give them a dose of Miracid fertilizer, because I read they need acid conditions. Growth might even be a bit too lush now. I'll just use water for a few weeks. They have been producing a few flower buds. I cut those off so the plants can concentrate on growing for now. The same for a couple of runners.
The weather has been cool and rainy, 60s during the day and 40s at night. I imagine warmer weather and more sun will stimulate growth even more.
Here they were when I planted them, 10 Feb 16. I wondered if they would grow. They did - every plant.
Here are the Alpine Strawberry seedlings now.
I think they look very good, exactly like others' photos. I read that germination is usually poor, erratic, and slow. That was not the case here. Also, I did not stratify. Maybe the seed seller did, I don't know.
I think they need to grow a little more before I plant them into individual cell packs.
Here's the completed garden bench / cart / scooter. It's stained now. I added four-inch, easily lockable casters for safety. It has a heavy duty pull rope. I added a cushion.
When the rope is not in use, it's easily tucked into the side opening. So i's not a tripping hazard.
I think it needed the back for sturdiness. I'm glad I cut openings to let light in and lighten the weight a tad.
Next to the old bench. Compared to that, this one is slightly taller, for my height; wider and longer for lower center of gravity and more sturdy. With the casters, I can scoot around on it, rather that getting up whenever I want to move a little.
So far I'm pretty happy with my new garden bench / cart / scooter. I think it's safer than the old seat, which was threatening to collapse when I sat on it. It's more comfortable for me, and more useful.
Except for the casters and the pad, all of the materials were upcycle / re-purpose / lying around in the woodshed or garage.
Update, my own review of my own cart!
This cart is far more convenient, comfortable, and useful compared to the tubular steel garden stool. There is just no comparison. It's in a different league altogether. I like it a lot!
Two improvements are needed. First, with the casters, it has a tendency to roll all over the place while being pulled. Sometimes it tips over. An axle with wagon wheels might not do that. I thought a rigid pull handle might be better. I ordered one on Amazon in June, but it has yet to be delivered. Shortening the pull rope by about half, helped about 90%. With so much less laxity, it doesn't get to roll sideways nearly as much. Much better, but not perfect yet.
The second change, those side pieces around the top are too thin, and break too easily. I need to find wood strips closer to 1/2 inch thick. Maybe a winter project.
The Mandevilla vines are starting to grow again, despite the rainy chilly weather.
