We started growing for the BFP garden from seed back in March in a BFP workspace using some  mini tabletop greenhouses designed by Laura (just coat hangers and plastic clipped to a bin lid).  Our seeds were mostly sprouted in paper rolls about 4 inches deep and set inside halved milk jugs to keep them moist. We decide to begin the BFP garden this way because it is economical  (we have a ton of milk jugs from the cafe, and paper bags) and ensures our seedlings are are not full of unwanted chemicals and such. It was also a fun opportunity to learn what the different seedlings look like.

With a few excepions we selected plant varieties that we believe will do well in containers* including smaller heirlooms and specialty hybrids created for container gardens. We also chose vegetables with a range of  harvest times so we will  have something to pick as soon as May through the end of September.

April 15 the was the zone 6 last frost date so we were able to move our first seedlings outside the following weekend.  The early crops including peas, radishes, lettuce, baby kale and chards are now installed up on the roof.  Meanwhile our young tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and beans are hardening off while we waiting for more consistent warm weather before planting them in the containers where they will mature.

*Ok, so a  few vegetables requested by BFP staff are plants that we would not normally attempt to grow in a container… But, what the heck?, it will be fun to see what happens with these Cucurbita monsters.