Germinate More Seeds to Grow More Food

Next time you start seeds, try germinating them in a damp paper towel or coffee filter inside a plastic bag or reuse a glass or plastic container.  

• Label a plastic bag or container with the type of seed. Snack size works great!
• Use distilled water or tap water that has set out for at least a day.
• Soak a coffee filter or paper towel in water. Then, place the filter inside a plastic bag or reusable container with a lid. 
• Add a few seeds, so you can see them on the backside of the baggy or bottom of the container. Seal shut, so it stays humid inside. 
  
• Place the baggy out of direct sun indoors where it is about 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After 1 to 3 weeks, seeds will germinate and can be planted in starter pots, a container, a raised bed, or directly in the soil.
• You can refrigerate the baggy with germinated seeds if you have extra seeds or need to wait to plant them. 
• Share extra germinated seeds with a fellow gardener.
   

Conserving Water at East Hollywood Community Garden

In April 2022, East Hollywood Community Garden used 22,000 gallons of water.  This is about twice the amount of water the 3,000 sq. ft. of growing space (communal and household plots) needed during this time of year to grow vegetables.  

We need all gardeners with a plot and volunteers to help us conserve water.  Please use the table below to time how long you water your 48 sq. ft. plot.  The times listed are the maximum minutes you should water.  If the soil is mulched, it will retain more water and you can water even less.  

Only water after checking with your finger that soil 3 inches down is dry.  Reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. 

1. Keep a hand on the hose when hand-watering with a self-closing nozzle.  Do not leave hoses unattended.
2. Water deeply and less frequently.  One or two times a week.  Do not water every day.
   Only water after checking with your finger that soil 3 inches down is dry.
3. Water before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
4. Add 1 to 2 inches of compost on top of the soil each season. Organic matter helps keep the soil stay moist and well-drained.
5. Maintain 1 to 3 inches of mulch on top of the compost and soil. Mulch shades the soil and reduces evaporation. Mulch could be wood chips, straw, dried leaves, or grass clippings.

Use this spreadsheet to calculate watering for vegetable growing.

Read more about conserving water when gardening.

• Watering Once a Week Is Doable by Yvonne Savio
• Drought Advice from UC Master Gardeners of Placer County

Sean Gustafson, Volunteer Garden Manager