Planting Zinnias From Seed

 Last year I tried something new when I planted my zinnias from seed indoors.  As you can see, my little newspaper pots worked better than the little peat pots that I usually buy.  I think it is because they hold more potting soil and they decomposed faster after I planted them. First I planted my seed in a pie tin with potting soil.  After they sprouted, I carefully transfer them to the homemade newspaper pots using a toothpick.

To make the pots, I cut newspapers into 4 strips.  Roll a strip of newspaper around a can.  I used a Pam can.  Pull it partially off of the can and fold down the bottom, sealing with tape.

Wintering Geraniums

I like to keep my geraniums over the winter but do not like the mess of keeping pots of geraniums in the house all winter long.  A couple of years ago I started using this easy method.  In the fall, right before the first frost, I gently pull my geraniums from their pots.  I shake off the dirt from their roots, cut off about the top 1/3 of the plant  and put them in open brown grocery bags.  I always plant my geraniums three to a pot, so just keep the three together in one bag.  Don't forget to label the color on the bag.  I put the open bags under my dark basement stairs and forget about them until about March 1st.  I do not water or even check on them for those five winter months.  Around March 1st I take them out of the bags and cut almost all of the tops off.  As you can see, they do not look like much.  I briefly soak them in room temperature water.  I plant them in a good size pot of new potting soil, three plants to a pot.  I have found that if you over water you will get mold problems, so I water sparingly.  We are now into April and you can see how fast they have grown!