The leaves are turning quickly to reds and oranges. Maine apples are abundant and tonight we will have a pie. We have gone from hot days and cool nights to cool nights and constant rain. October reminds me to pick the last tomatoes, cover what needs winter protection and plant the garlic. It’s probably the rebel in me, but I decided a few days ago to spend the winter experimenting with gardening indoors. Here is a list of what I have been researching. Will maybe go indepth in later posts as things progress.
- Grow Lights. There are a lot of fairly ignorant posts on the internet. Many contradict each other. I think I have found a cheaper solution. Hardware and farm stores around here look at me like I must be growing pot. It has become a somewhat legal cottage industry in Maine, so the production is flourishing mostly as hydroponic growing. So in the Paris Farmer’s Union store I found a sign that said if you are a marijuana grower, don’t bring your product into this store! Actually, the local hardware chain has the best option for me. Today I’m picking up a regular shop light fixture, on sale for $17.00. It is 4 feet and holds two bulbs. They also carry grow bulbs that fit into that fixture for around $11.00 each, so I will have a 4 foot set-up for about $40.00 plus tax. Most of those I found as grow lights were about $100+, double that for 4 foot set-ups versus 2 foot.
- Homemade Fertilizer. Would you belive asprin, epsom salts and egg shells?
- What to Grow Indoors in Winter. The list is long, but haven’t seen peas on it so I planted a pot full just to see what happens. The other sprouts are basil, lettuces, spinach, and a pot of ginger that is resting in the dark.
Rebel Pea Sprouts - How to Grow Indoors. I have tomoatos from seed, cloned and one plant brought in from outside.
Tomato Clones - Potting soil mixes. I found a cheap one that shouldn’t have been on sale, but it had coconut husk to keep the moisture balanced and I added another organic one with worm castings. I also got a block of coconut husk, but I haven’t had time yet to soak it into the form to add it to the soil.
There are so many ways to grow, even for an old woman. I let myself learn to trust this exquisite Life that constantly comes to me new. I wake each morning now, cold and ready to see these small miracles burst forth and grow like crazy. I’m in love with this process, trusting more, feeling myself part of every grain and branch and person. I kiss this journey and plant myself inside for a while, excited to see how I grow.
Full Bloom Now 
