Do you remember the sea bean pod I found on Cape May’s beaches a few weeks ago? I culled out four of the small trees that sprouted and potted one up to grow to a larger size. The seedling is most likely a black locust tree, but my daydreams find me still wondering if the pod might have made a seaward journey from the tropics via the Gulf stream to Cape May.
The sea bean seeds are a good example of garden wisdom: nick and soak large seeds before planting. The sweet pea seeds I soaked, and also nicked with a nail clipper, have already sprouted outdoors in the winter sown containers, while those not treated are only beginning to swell a bit.
Here’s an inside peek at one of the milk jugs. The arugula seeds are already growing. Also sprouting outdoors is broccoli, mustard spinach and the sweet peas.
For plants that will only grow in warm conditions, such as coleus, I’m having good luck in the basement. A small heater inside a plastic covered light table mimics a greenhouse and the seeds are sprouting well. They will not need to be thinned since I sowed them with the small seed sowing method.
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
Kathy,
I can see the weather pages are turning around there and that you are happy again. Look at those new growths. Thanks for sharing those pictures. Amazed at the sea bean pod seedling- do you think it will grow into a tree ?
It is romantic to think of where those seeds might have come from.
Susie
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I agree Susie…it is romantic to dream of where the sea beans might have originated. The weather is sunny today, but still cold, but inside the little milk jug greenhouses new life is growing. I love this time of the year…the hope of Spring in everyone’s heart.
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I’m enjoying following your plantings progress.
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I always enjoy reading your gardening posts. You have a green thumb. I would imagine you are now planning/preparing your outdoor veggie garden. Read an article from Science Daily today and it discussed tomato whiteflies (they go after tomatoes and melons) and thought of you. While the article origins out of the UK (Newcastle), it is my understanding these insects also are a problem in the US. It would appear marigolds are a good deterrent.
How the humble marigold outsmarts a devastating tomato pest
Date: March 1, 2019
Source: Newcastle University
Summary: Researchers carried out a study to prove what gardeners around the world have known for generations — marigolds repel tomato whiteflies.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190301160909.htm
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Thanks so much Janie, I will definitely check the article out. I also love marigolds, especially the small yellow French variety.
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Hopefully, the bunnies don’t try to eat them.
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My marigold usually survive…it’s other small sprouts I have trouble with…anything sprouting, small and green, is at risk.
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