Monday, February 13 we begin seeding crops for the 2012 season.  We have about 650 flats to seed this spring for the CSA.  A flat is group of cells (128) hooked together that we fill with an organically approved potting mix and a seed.  Each cell grows one plant, which we will then put out in the field when the soil and air are warm enough for that specific plant.  This is what hand seeding flats looks like. 

This time of year, with the warm sun, the greenhouse will be sunny and 80 all day long.  Working inside, seeding flats is a glorious way to spend the day.  We have enough flats to seed, we have decided to purchase a vaccuum seeder which is rumored to be able to seed 3-4 flats/minute.  Currently, the ratio is reversed with it taking 4 minutes/flat to hand seed.  Check out this video of a

">vaccuum seeder.  We're thinking it will be a huge hit with Matt! 

Once the flats are planted, we will heat up the greenhouse to allow for germination of the seeds.  Once the seeds have germinated, it's vital our greenhouse maintains a steady temperature.  For example, it's lovely to have it 80 degrees when we're working in there, but we want it to be about 50 degrees for the spring crops.  After all, these are cool season crops we're planting.  This means we'll also keep it cool at night.  The worst thing for a plant is to have wild temperature swings.  Huge temperature swings make plants tall and spindly and weak.  We want short, stocky plants with strong stems so when they go outside in the field they can withstand the great outdoors with wind and rain.