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The seeded trays of onion, shallots, rosemary, and lettuce are all up and doing wonderfully. I have them under my grow lights which are turned on for 12 hours a day. I also have a circulating fan on low to keep the air moving around the plants to strengthen them.
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I live in zone 6 here in western, N.Y. and the best onion to grow for me is a long-day variety. I have never done shallots or Walla Walla onions before so this will be a new experience for me. I am not sure yet where I will be planting all of these seedlings either, you know those seeds are little and I tend to overplant. I also have started this Japanese bunching onion too, as they are a favorite of my family.
![gardening-homesteading-diy-shallots-1.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmcPbctF3zK6rEp3j2fQ48rtrnxZdynQ3vSSyp7GPE9Ziq/gardening-homesteading-diy-shallots-1.jpg)
Another seed that must be started very early is Rosemary as it takes quite a long time to grow. I planted 2 whole packs of seeds this year as I tend to go through a lot of it in a year's time. Hopefully, they will do well for me as I usually buy plants from my local nursery every year. See, I am stretching my green thumb a bit and trying to grow a few more items myself.
![gardening-homesteading-diy-rosemary.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmRmhaRBzZNu1TvzECrfqwFtYzzS7osTNXQBfcSL85kvP3/gardening-homesteading-diy-rosemary.jpg)
This year I decided to start some lettuce early since I am going to experiment with growing them in the greenhouse hydroponically. I plan on putting them out as soon as they are large enough and I may use a fish tank heater on the lowest setting to keep the water from freezing. I can even keep a milk-house heater on low to keep it from getting too cold at night. We shall see how well they will do and I will be journaling my progress and the daily temperatures for future reference.
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These are some pictures of the hydroponic lettuce I did last spring and they were just delightful. I am hoping for great results this year too.
![gardening-homesteading-diy-lettuce.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTh4ojEB3QCqPW9VAzXz2Az569tL1Yj7jG5HUVCyy9zBA/gardening-homesteading-diy-lettuce.jpg)
I have buttercrunch and red lettuce that germinated but my romaine lettuce did not. I know the seed packet was from 2020 so I guess I should not be surprised as sometimes lettuce seed does not last long. So, I will be starting a new tray of that this week as well.
I got so excited when a huge box was delivered this week. I treated myself to some new trays and humidity domes. Now, mind you, I have been using the same stack of trays, seeding flats, and domes since I had my plant nursery years ago. Needless to say, they have become very brittle and cracking all over. I decided to splurge on 10 of each and I think that should keep me through the next 20 years, lol. Just kidding since I probably start 30 flats of veggies and flowers every spring.
![gardening-seeding-trays-1.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmQUt6984v2pxBcqo4XQFEeTb1DyxRu31faCCh41H71iHU/gardening-seeding-trays-1.jpg)
These no-hole trays are perfect for use in my seeding room as they will ensure no water leaks all over the floor.
![gardening-seeding-trays-2.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmbM12xxTs2ED5jfETJ28YURf55kiKtaCiHHcPsgQ57myV/gardening-seeding-trays-2.jpg)
The 72-hole trays will be used for smaller plants with shallow root systems, while the 50-hole trays will be perfect for larger plants such as tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers.
![gardening-seeding-trays.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTjDq8uhHwfHo1pSVw2Nij1XoxfBjBzNoZWdfdccAMmkD/gardening-seeding-trays.jpg)
There is so much more room in the deep-cell trays and I am excited to be able to use these this year. If you are a fellow gardener you can understand my excitement.
I will be sure to keep updated on this season's sowing, growing, and planting for you to enjoy. I too would enjoy seeing how you progress through yours as well.
Until next time, this is Sunscape Sun. Scape. Ing Your Day ![3- sun smile.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmWLJ9ABVVszAPVrNYrVw95xHkp3BiRqbwGXCoCLjePK3r/3-%20sun%20smile.jpg)