Closets aren't just for clothes in our house

Kerry A. Thompson

What we call "the growing closet" in our second bedroom is home to lots of happy seedlings. The lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers are the showiest of the group so far and it's time to transplant a few of the big guys to their own pots. We have several empty spots where the seeds didn't germinate, so we'll try seeding those spots again in April. It's been about five weeks since we planted this group, so anything that hasn't sprouted by now isn't going to.

Tom rigged up a a clever adjustable grow light that is working well in its second season. As the seedlings grow taller, he shortens the chain attached to the light to make more head room, while still giving all the seedlings plenty of light. 

It's a good thing we're empty-nesters. I don't think either of our kids would have opted to share a closet with a bunch of little seedlings, no matter how delicious their vegetables will be this summer.