Seedlings smushed :(

Cavan watering the seedlings
with her spray bottle.
She's such a good helper!

Limp and matted to the soil were how I discovered my  seedlings a couple mornings ago. Not all of them, but the tray that was three weeks old and doing so well. The tray that had successful germination in nearly each of the 36 soil pots. The tray that was growing all my favorite veggies (bibb lettuce, broccoli, spinach, and carrots). The tray that I really cared about. And to make matters worse, I think I am the cause.

Last Sunday was a beautiful day, albeit a bit breezy. About 60 degrees and sunny. What a treat for my baby seedlings, and outdoors they went. But perhaps they got a little too much fresh air because they all looked weak and floppy when I brought them in.

I hoped a little water would wake them up, but no such luck. I waited several days to see some rejuvenation, but this morning I plucked out my perished plants and reseeded the pots. Let's try this again. Apparently I must read up on "hardening off" my plants before attempting another outside adventure.

But wait! These were all plants that I was supposed to sow directly in the garden (but couldn't because my veggie beds aren't ready). How the heck would they survive spring rains and winds on their own if they couldn't even handle a few hours of a beautiful brisk breeze? Confounding.

But all is not a disappointment on the seedling front. A few of the members of that tray did tough it out and seem to be progressing. The peppers that I had given up on earlier in the week are finally show signs of sprouting (after three and a half weeks)! And same with my peas. My marigolds have just doubled their leaves, from two to four. My eggplants are growing strong. My herbs (basil, mint, cilantro, dill, parsley, chives, and lemon balm) are all sprouting, though I'm still waiting on signs of life from the rosemary. And my zinnias are already about two inches tall.

All this growth is so exciting, but I'm nervous for transplant time (only a couple weeks away). Letting my babies out into the wilderness to fend for themselves! I hope I have a success story to report.