Yesterday, Alex and I built a new growing rack for Anna to use with seedlings.  We have had a couple of different setups for the past few years, but they were not quite what Anna wanted.  A few years back, I got 2 4-bulb fluorescent fixtures for free.  They were already modified with plugs, and they have been the grow lights (using the daylight style bulbs).  The problem is situating the plants under the lights and suspending the lights at the right height.

So, Anna gave me a sketch of what she wanted.  I made a few modifications based on available wire we already had and the actual dimensions of the intended setup location (next to the fireplace in the living room).  And off to the store I went.  Total assembly took just under 3 hours, and almost half that was getting the lights suspended just right.  Each shelf is 3’x5′ and can hold up to 9 seedling trays.  Anna intends to use the top shelf for supply storage since there isn’t a light on that shelf – so 18 seedling trays is the limit.   The unit is on wheels so it can be removed from the nook easily.

The new order of seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company also arrived in the mail yesterday.  28 packs of seeds.  Luckily, we already had some so we didn’t have to buy all new seeds this year.  The box shows what Anna will be planting as seedlings.  The ones on the table go straight into the ground.  I am particularly looking forward to our plans for a large heirloom corn crop this year.

If anyone has a good phone app recommendation for tracking what was planted, how it grew, and how it tasted, please let us know.  Otherwise we might have to use paper!  Now if only the snow would melt so we can find the garden…