With the help of our new trainees and the plant propagation lab observers, we are embarking on an experiment to answer the question: what is the best or easiest way to grow French marigolds? The group will be divided into three groups: starting seeds indoors, sowing them directly into the garden, and the last group, which is the subject of this blog, planting seeds in milk jugs. Our end goal is to have marigolds to offer for sale at the RAMGA plant sale on May 11th. I will also be planting using each technique and hope that we can guide each other through this experiment.
The Seed
I harvested seeds from French marigolds (Tagetes patula) during the summer and fall of 2023. They were stored in a dry, dark cabinet at room temperature and will be distributed to the group during the propagation lab in February.
Milk Jugging
We will be following the directions outlined in the Penn State article: https://extension.psu.edu/starting-seeds-in-winter.
We are all using the same soil medium, Promix, obtained from the Augusta County Coop. The seeds are to be planted about ¼” deep, watered in, then placed in a sunny location outside. I have my jugs in a one of those large milk crates so they don’t blow away.
(A big “thank you” to Yellow Brick Road Daycare for providing all the empty milk jugs for this experiment.)
Start Date
I hope everyone will start as soon as convenient after the lab, the weekend of February 24th.
Good luck! Please post a comment to this blog if you have any questions.
February 24, 2024
So my milk jug marigolds are now nestled in with my other winter sowing projects. I forgot to mention the importance of labeling both on the outside of the jug, as well as inside, because you may want to remove the top as the weather warms.
February 29, 2024
Based on my inside sowing results, I would suggest sowing heavily as the germination rate seems low.
March 12, 2024
The seeds have sprouted and the seedlings seem to be doing well despite the cold temperature. This picture was taken after a night in the chilly 30's.
March 16, 2024
I'm seeing a lot of germination in the jug at this point and decided to thin the sprouts.
Even after thinning, I will have more than enough to transplant. The weather forecast for several nights this week will be down into the 20's and 30's, so I will try and remember to bring the jug into a protected place for the night.
April 9, 2024
Took this picture April 1st, no foolin'.
Time to take the cover off, prick out a few seedlings and fertilize. They have already been hardened off by being in the jug. Unless we get a freeze, they should be good.