Founder's Desk: Planting Seeds

From the Desk of Remy Bibaud - May 2022

I had originally intended to complete this Founder’s Message in April when I was planning my first vegetable garden. Due to my busy schedule, I did not get to write about it then, but I did manage to start sowing some of the seeds indoors.

I have never gardened before, so this endeavor is a challenge to say the least. I do not know what inspired me to try… maybe it is a need to re-connect with the earth, to place my hands in dirt rather than on a keyboard or dial pad… or to experience the benefit of watching something grow from a simple seed as I tend to it. Looking back, I think it is both.

This project is a bit like the Pet Perennials story. Inspired by our own experiences with pet loss Lori and I had an idea and it blossomed into a business model unlike anything in the pet industry. We have been tending to the broken hearts of pet lovers ever since.

Planning

I did internet research on basic vegetable gardens to determine the size of the garden I would plant and which vegetables I would grow. Let me just say there is a ton of free information out there and it can be overwhelming. Since it is my first garden, I figured I better learn to crawl before I walk.

Eventually my outdoor garden will be a hundred square feet. The project began with a list of fruits and vegetables that we like to eat. I evaluated which of those what would grow in our region and identified which needed to be started indoors, rather than in the ground. I finalized my list and acquired my seeds.

Start Indoors

Cucumbers, Radish, Beets, Broccoli, Zucchini, Cantaloupe, Sweet Peppers, Roma Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce, and Spinach

Start Outdoors

Green Beans, Snap Peas, and Carrots

Starting the Seeds

April’s weather in Pittsburgh can be all over the map, certainly not conducive to outdoor gardening.  Therefore, many of the seeds were started indoors under a grow light. I bought large trays of Jiffy pods to start the seeds. I was so surprised that within a few days I had my first sprout, a cucumber seedling. There is something magical about seeing your first seedling intended for your first garden.

Over the course of the next three to four weeks many more seeds sprouted, some faster than others. My Zucchini and Cantaloupe were the first to be moved from pod to pot. At this time all the seedlings that made it have been transferred to pots. As this process unfolded, I consulted with my neighbor who has been gardening and canning for a few years. I have a feeling as this project progresses, I will be knocking on his door a lot.

The next step is to prepare the outdoor garden, but I have been advised to wait until after Memorial Day when frost is no longer a threat. I anticipate the next phase to be a greater challenge as our yard is a wild animal sanctuary, deer, ground hogs, rabbits, wild turkey, and I ‘ve been told fox. However, they must be sly as I have yet to see them.

I suppose my first garden will be the subject of subsequent Founder’s Messages. I look forward to sharing my experience with you.

Stay tuned and happy gardening!

Remy