Get Growing!
Anyone Can Plant a Seed…
And that is where a garden starts! When a tiny seed is deposited into the dark soil, given a little sun, some fresh air and clean water, something quite extraordinary transpires. Within days of depositing your seeds, fragile roots will develop and tender green shoots will reach for the light. Our connection to this ritual are as old as civilization itself. Seed packet in hand we invite you to get back to nature. Find a place — any plot or pot will do — and grow!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Seeds (check!)
A pot or a patch of soil
Soil mix (look for “seed starting mix” or “potting soil” at the store, preferably organic)
A small watering can (try a repurposed wine bottle!)
A sunny spot
A little patience and a lot of curiosity!
Some Basic Tips for Seeding Success
Successful seeding in the garden starts with your seeding mix. If you want to sow your seeds into a pot or other container (seedling pots or seeding trays are a great way to begin) use a light, fluffy seed starting mix or potting soil. Avoid heavy garden soil as it can be too dense to foster tiny roots. Any seed mix will work, but we always recommend using a certified organic mix. If you’re planting directly into your garden beds be sure to dig up the top few inches of soil, and mix in a little compost.
A Word about Watering
Keep your soil moist, but not soggy –think of a wrung-out sponge– damp, but not dripping. Water gently. A spray bottle works well, or a watering can with a fine spout if you have one will help to avoid washing away the seeds or disrupting them. But that said, be sure and check on the soil moisture daily, as seedlings can dry out fast, especially in pots or sunny spots.
Germination takes time and just like people, all seeds are a bit different, requiring different handling and taking different amounts of time before you begin to see a sprout, so be sure to read the instructions that came with your seeds to know what to do/expect.
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply was founded by our dear friend and organic mentor, Amigo Bob Cantisano, in Nevada City, CA. Now owned and operated by the Hageman Family, Peaceful Valley is the country’s largest independent supplier of organic farm and garden products.
Many of the plants you see in the gardens at Frog’s Leap are grown from Peaceful Valley seeds. Cheerful sunflowers, Genovese basil and too many kinds of squash to count are started from seed in our greenhouse, while tender herbs like cilantro, and mammoth dill get sown directly into the garden beds as soon as frost season has passed. Their high-quality, organic seeds and supplies are a vital part of our own growing tradition, and we are very proud to be able to share them with you!
Inside The Envelope
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply was founded by our dear friend and organic mentor, Amigo Bob Cantisano, in Nevada City, CA. Now owned and operated by the Hageman Family, Peaceful Valley is the country’s largest independent supplier of organic farm and garden products.
Many of the plants you see in the gardens at Frog’s Leap are grown from Peaceful Valley seeds. Cheerful sunflowers, Genovese basil and too many kinds of squash to count are started from seed in our greenhouse, while tender herbs like cilantro, and mammoth dill get sown directly into the garden beds as soon as frost season has passed. Their high-quality, organic seeds and supplies are a vital part of our own growing tradition, and we are very proud to be able to share them with you!
Pro Tips
Be sure to label your pots or rows. Seedlings can look a lot alike and you don’t want to mix anything up. At Frog’s Leap we create a planting plan on paper, and keep records of how the seeds performed and how the plants produced which is very helpful if you want to remember what you liked and didn’t like next year. This is a great activity that kids can help with. You don’t need to buy fancy markers (although you certainly can) – repurpose something you were going to throw away, or sift through a thousand great ideas on Pinterest and YouTube for inspiration.
Don’t worry about perfection! Gardens are meant to be fun, creative and rewarding — if we’ve learned anything in all our years of building our own gardens it’s that here is a place where you can truly create anything your heart desires if you’re willing to put in a little effort and a little time.
Now go grow something! No garden, or a tragically black thumb? You can always gift seeds to your local school or retirement home. And even if they only make it as far as your kitchen table, we hope you’ll at least take a moment to consider the many people out there who grow all the things you love to eat, and the flowers that brighten our days. The next time you see them, thank them!
Happy planting, and cheers to new growth in the garden and plenty of wine in your glass! 🍷🌱
We’d love to see the fruits of your labor—please consider sharing your garden photos to fellow@frogsleap.com or tag us on Instagram @frogsleap. And, as always, we invite you to stop by our little corner of Rutherford anytime for a glass of wine and a stroll through our organic gardens and vineyards.
Share Your Success!
We’d love to see the fruits of your labor—please consider sharing your garden photos to fellow@frogsleap.com or tag us on Instagram @frogsleap. And, as always, we invite you to stop by our little corner of Rutherford anytime for a glass of wine and a stroll through our organic gardens and vineyards.
