The start of March marked the sowing of the first seeds in my little corner of the world. Instead of the usual hurried and scrawled penmanship on blank popsicle sticks/seed labels, I decided to enjoy the process this year. Once again, I dipped into my craft supplies and came up with Staz-On Black Ink and a set of alphabet stamps that have seen me thru many a craft project:
The repetition of inking and stamping, inking and stamping, inking and stamping was somehow relaxing and enjoyable, no matter that it took a little longer to create the labels. I'm happy with the results ~ neat little sticks, lined in rows:
The pots then safely encased under my teeny Smith & Hawken greenhouse until some sign of life is spotted:
Now the excitement begins in earnest. The daily checks (sometimes multiple times) to see if anything has germinated, the transplanting of tiny seedlings into individual containers and marking their growth until they can be hardened off and safely planted outdoors. I start seeds on a small scale anymore, compared to what I used to do but the process is gratifying nonetheless. To me, it definitely marks the start of "garden season." Come April, I'll repeat the process with some beloved annuals and then I'll really know it's here.
PS I may or may not be around much the rest of this week. We have company staying with us so it will depend on how much time I have. Rest assured, if I don't make my daily rounds of visiting, I'll get back to it next week!
How fun are those seed labels! I'm sure soon you will have something germinating to show us. :) Have a nice visit with your company.
Posted by: Racquel | March 03, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Very cute greenhouse! I love this idea- really helpful. I sure hate the little sticks, they are an eye sore to me. Do you have any problems with the ink fading?
Posted by: Tessa | March 03, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Those are really cute. Something to do on these bitter days when day dreaming about the garden is about all we can manage.
Marnie
Posted by: Marnie | March 03, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Those labels are much better than my scribbles. And your little greenhouse is adorable!
Posted by: Melanthia | March 03, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Very creative labels! I didn't label everything last, thinking I'd remember or be able to recognize the plants. I assure you that I'll be labeling everything this year after the stinging nettle incident that I just posted about.
Posted by: Robin | March 03, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Sweet! That was so creative to stamp the sticks. Love it. I am experimenting with ways to label plants too. My sister has a neat way, she makes labels with sculpey clay. It is cool. Not sure what I'll go with.
Enjoy your company. See ya when you get the chance.
Posted by: tina | March 03, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I love your labels. It was work but now you get to enjoy the seed growing process too. I like nice things sitting around even if it is just my seed starting goodies.
Posted by: Anna/Flowergardengirl | March 03, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I love your labels and the way the irregularity of the letters makes them look like they're dancing in your garden. :) I hope your seeds do well!
Posted by: Nancy Bond | March 03, 2009 at 02:21 PM
What a nice idea! It sounds like it was enjoyable and relaxing to do! Hey, that's something even I could handle;0 I'm in the middle of trying to figure out the 'best method' right now! Good luck w/the seed germination!
Posted by: Jan(ThanksFor2Day) | March 03, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Oh, those are cute! My daughter has stamps like those. I bet she would have fun making seed labels like those. You are so crafty! :) Hope they sprout soon!
Posted by: Catherine/gardenerprogress | March 03, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Very Cute! Enjoy your company!!
Posted by: Shady Gardener | March 03, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Kathleen, I like the alphabet letter set you have...Classy lettering and a fun to do project. gail
Posted by: Gail | March 04, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Your stamping on the sticks looks so totally cute!
Posted by: Linda Beeson | March 04, 2009 at 10:30 PM
great idea! I just placed the last of my seed orders yesterday - I think I can start some broccoli seeds now, but most have to wait a month or so...
Posted by: Alice Golden | March 05, 2009 at 07:56 AM
They look like little letters dancing on sticks...what fun!!! Kim
Posted by: inadvertent farmer | March 05, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Hi Kathleen, I love them, very creative and pretty!
Have a great and sunny weekend in the garden.
Take Care/ Tyra
Posted by: Tyra | March 06, 2009 at 06:38 AM
I love all your labels...very creative, great idea :)
I can feel the excitement at the start of the sowing season...we gardeners are an enthusiastic bunch :)
Posted by: Wildlife Gardener | March 09, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I love your plant labels, I was wondering how you wrote them so neat. Great Idea stamping them, would you mind if I ask where I can get the stamps ( I have ink pads) I also love your photography, you must have a brilliant macro lens ? the close up of the seeds sprouting are amazing.
Posted by: maureen | March 16, 2009 at 09:39 AM