seedlings, snow and staying resilient

This past week at Native Bloom Flower Farm marked the beginning of seed germination. There’s something exciting about planting tiny seeds and seeing the first little green sprouts poke through the soil, a sign spring is on the way!

While the seedlings have been sprouting in the warmth of my indoor setup, the last week was a wintry scene, with cold temperatures and three inches snow. Thankfully, my early spring flowers and hardy annuals proved their strength, standing up to the frost and snow like champions. These varieties crave the cold weather, a necessary element in their growing process.

Speaking of conditions, getting seeds to germinate isn’t about throwing a few seeds down and waiting. It takes careful planning and the right tools. Good lighting and consistent warmth are critical for success. I use grow lights set on a timer to give my seedlings the perfect amount of light each day, usually 12 hours. The heat mats beneath my seed trays keep the soil temperature consistent, creating the perfect environment for germination. Seeds want to germinate, that’s what they do! These simple but essential tools make all the difference in giving seedlings a strong start.

With another round of snow and arctic temperatures in the forecast, I’m preparing to protect my outdoor plants again. Frost cloths, insulating hoops, and extra layers will help keep them safe while winter runs its course. It’s always a balance of preparation, persistence and resilience.

Germinating seeds and watching life begin, even when snow is falling outside, is a constant reminder that spring is on its way. Every little green sprout carries the promise of beauty to come. For now, I’ll keep nurturing these seedlings, bracing for more snow and dreaming of spring to come.

Stay warm, and keep growing!

~ Melissa Jolly, Native Bloom Flower Farm