Tomato Planting and Poppy Thinning

Things are coming along with the seedlings. We have had another snafu, though; Kiki the Terrible somehow got into the guest bedroom (did someone leave the guest bedroom door open accidentally?) while William and I were at work a while ago. You can probably guess what happened. She completely ate 4 or 5 zinnias, and based on the withering zinnias that have been dying off, I think she munched on some of the leaves of a few more zinnias. Sadly, the zinnia count is going down again. I feel better reminding myself that I can always buy a 20 cent package of zinnia seeds and I'll have tons more in no time. The rest of the zinnias are doing ok, but I think that once I get my plant light (more about that when I get it), they will get a little more sturdy.

Remaining zinnia seedlings, with some empty pots and a couple withered seedlings. Oh, Kiki!

Six-leaf zinnia. (Not the same one as in the last blog, though; that one was eaten).

Another view of the 6-leaf zinnia.

The lupine seedlings also took a hit. She ate a couple of them (the leaves, at least. Maybe they aren't as tasty as zinnias). However, I have had more lupine seedlings come up, and they are looking very strong and sturdy, so I don't feel as bad. I'm very excited about the lupines. They will be my "tall" flowers. They aren't too shabby looking, either.. 

All of the lupine sprouts

One healthy lupine sprout with the stem of a partially-eaten sprout in the same well

 I have had some more columbine sprouts pop up (and a few wither away for some reason; did I overwater? underwater? not enough sun? bad soil?). I am really looking forward to having lots of columbines for a number of reasons. They will be my "partial shade" flowers; they self-sow very very easily; and of course, they are beautiful! I love the intricate and complicated flower pattern. 

Biggest columbine sprout

Today I also went to work thinning out my poppy sprouts. It took forever since I had so many of them. Next time I sow them, I will sow them much much thinner! 

Cluster of poppy sprouts

Poppy sprout; they have very long roots

Poppy sprout with the seed coat still attached to the leaves

Three-leaf poppy sprout. I thought they were supposed to have 4 leaves... but they were all like this.

Newly-thinned poppy sprouts (only a fraction of the total number of sprouts!)

 I am also excited to say that I planted some tomato seeds! My friend Lauren, a fellow (more experienced) gardener, gave me some Brown Berry and some Jaune Flamme seeds that she saved from last year. She had a germination rate of 100% (!!) last year, so I am very excited about growing these plants. Lauren also gave me lots of gardening advice, like when to move seedlings outside (May, which is probably later than I would have moved them -- frost death averted), how to acclimate them to their new outdoor environment, and what kind of setup to get for a grow lamp (should be cheaper than I imagined). This clueless gardener is very grateful for the advice. Thanks Lauren!!

It seems like it has been raining forever! I'm hoping that the sun will come out soon. My plants and I need it!

My good helper, Gin-dog!