The beginning

11 days ago, Evan and I planted our first seeds: 1 variety of bell pepper, 5 types of hot peppers, parsley, chives and basil.  We are starting them indoors about 10 weeks prior to the last frost (little unclear when this is exactly in Jersey City, but we think around May 1) in small plastic greenhouses.

The pepper seeds sat there for a few days before forming tiny white sprouts.  At about 5 days they took off, growing fuzzy white roots, shortly followed by the beginnings of a green stem.

At 7 days, leaves uncurled from the seed pods of the hot peppers.  The bell peppers, seemed to be taking their time, however, with most still in the fuzzy white root phase.  The herbs were doing even less well:  buried deeper into the soil, there was not even a hint of growth.

Finally, after 9 days, the herbs began to come up, with the chives leading the pack.


Now, at 11 days, the growth is almost visible by the hour.  It's amazing to see a tiny speck unfold itself to 20 times its original size within a matter of days.  Evan and I are so proud of our seedlings.  We cheer them on and delight in each new leaf.  They have reached the top of their greenhouse lids, so its time to keep them uncovered and move them near the window. Hope they aren't too traumatized by their move and exposure to the elements.