Seedlings

I checked on the seeding spots about a week to see if anything had emerged. 

When I cut the plastic netting on Melrose Street a few days before, it must have attracted someone's attention. The netting was completely rolled up and the spot was swept clean.

Only a few very rugged weeds were left.

It is possible that there are a few seedlings as well. faintly visible below the patch of weeds.

A few spots had seedlings, mostly clover, which is not bad. The clover feeds the soil and protects the other seedlings.

Some spots had not growth at all, but it can take time for the seedlings to emerge.

I thought that the seeds I had planted under my hydrangea had not worked. Several weeks later, I have zinnia, cosmos, and I think a sunflower.

Some of the spots were taken over with weeks, no doubt drawn to the compost. I have mixed feelings. I should probably pull the weeds up to leave room for the seedlings. But I kind of love weeds. Maybe they will feed the soil and I can plant seeds there next spring before the weeds emerge. Maybe the seeds will sprout up between the weeds. I am just observing for the moment.

New Project

I did not follow up on the plants of Meserole Street I put out last year. That is because decorating the bicycle with plants seemed to attract the attention of thieves. Someone tried to steal the bicycle, did not suceed but overturned the plants in the process. I brought them to a friend who helped me soak them in water and soothe the trauma. I repotted them and gave most away. The bike has been slowly scavenged but is still chained to the sign post.

In the I had a new idea to plant seeds in empty tree pits. It was too late in the season, so I had to wait through the winter. In the spring I started looking for sites.

Three Sisters Planting, Jefferson Street

The first time I tried planting, the soil was too compacted. This spot had better soil, and I poured some topsoil on. The tagged over mural in the background used to show a pregnant woman being hugged by a child, the woman's belly was holding the earth. It was a little weird but the sentiment was good. When it was tagged, I knew I needed to plant here.

Three Sisters Planting, Jefferson Street

I am testing out a Three Sisters planting, corn, beans and squash. Corn offers a pole for the beans to climb, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and the squash provides ground cover and natural mulch. Only two of my four corn plants came up. I planted the beans and squash on Friday and added a little compost. I want to see if it works before I try it in other spots.

Around Bushwick, there are quite a few of these plots of dirt surrounded by plastic fencing. Sometimes there are large construction materials stored there. The soil is not bad, a little sandy. I decided to try growing some pollinator plants.

And also some Amaranth because it is hardy and good for the soil.

I mixed the seeds with some topsoil and compost and some clover seed. Clover grows very easily and is good for the soil.

Cats really like it.

Grattan Street

Sometimes I added topsoil. I am testing with and without topsoil here.

Melrose Street

The plastic fencing had blown over this planting. When I came back, I cut it and wrapped the end around the wooden post. Clover has already sprouted here.

Varet Street

Varet Street

Planting with whimsical graffiti in the background.

George Street

Harman Street

Moore Street

McKibbin Street

This is where I planted the amaranth. There are three trees but I couldn't get them all in one shot. The alternate side of the street parking was not in my favor. 

McKibbin Street

I am a little worried about these amaranth seeds. I planted some ten days ago in another spot and they have not emerged. In fact this is the problem with seeds is all that anxiety about whether they will grow. The pollinator seeds need sunlight to grow. We have had a series of cloudy days. Today, on the first day of summer, the sun has come out from behind the clouds.