Plants Some Seeds: Grow A Greater Variety Of Vegetables
February 5, 2011
Most gardeners know there is a greater selection of vegetables available in seed catalogs than can be found locally. To grow those wonderful plants, however, you must be able to grow your own transplants from seed.
Containers for sowing seeds
It’s important to choose the right containers for sowing seeds. In general, containers should be clean, sturdy and have drainage holes. If you are reusing containers, be sure to sterilize them by soaking them in a bleach solution followed by a thorough rinsing.
Seeds can be started in flats, pots, old cans, cut-off milk cartons, margarine tubs, egg cartons, or other throwaways.
Peat pots are frequently used, especially for large seeds. Peat pots can be planted directly in the garden, but do not allow the edges of the pot to stick out above the soil. The edges will act as a wick and moisture will evaporate from this exposed surface.
Growing media
The medium used for starting seeds should be well-drained and of fine texture. It is best to use a “soilless” mix since garden soil contains disease organisms that can be highly destructive to small plants.
There are some excellent commercially prepared mixes available for growing seeds. Some gardeners will mix their own soilless media. A 50 percent vermiculite or perlite and 50 percent fine sphagnum peat is excellent for starting seeds.
Planting seeds
Fill the container almost to the top with slightly-moistened medium, level it and gently tap the container on a hard surface to settle the soil. Do not compress the soil at any time.
Scatter or broadcast the seeds evenly over the surface. If planting in individual pots, plant two or three seeds per pot (all but one seedling will be pinched off if they all germinate). With larger containers, sow a number of seeds fairly thickly and transplant the seedlings into individual pots later.
Lightly cover the seeds to the depth recommended on the seed package. Label each pot promptly with the plant type, cultivar name and planting date.
Water the seeds in with a fine spray. Then water as needed to keep the medium evenly moist but not soggy. Never let it dry out!
Place the container in a warm location. Generally a temperature range from 65 to 75 degrees is best. Gentle bottom heat can speed germination and can be provided by special heating cables available at nurseries or by mail order.
If your home is dry, it may help to cover the containers with plastic wrap to maintain a uniform moisture level since seeds and seedlings are extremely sensitive to drying out.
Growing the seedlings
Light is especially critical once the seeds germinate. If the seedlings begin to stretch and look leggy, they are not getting enough light.
It is common to start seeds indoors this time of year when it’s chilly outside. Place the containers of seedlings in the sunniest window you have.
If you don’t have a sunny window, you can grow seedlings using a fluorescent utility light fixture suspended on chains from hooks. Position the fixture 3 inches above the seedlings and leave it on 14 hours to 16 hours a day. Raise the fixture as the seedlings grow.
Water regularly and fertilize seedlings once a week. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be carefully separated and transplanted into individual pots – or if already growing in individual pots, thinned to one plant per pot.
Planting into the garden
When weather conditions are suitable, plant your seedlings in the garden
But remember, plants grown indoors or in greenhouses need to be acclimated to the environment outside before planting. First, place them in a protected shady location and allow them to wilt slightly before watering. Then, over the next 10 days, gradually expose them to more light.
Pictured top inset: Preparing the growing medium. Pictured bottom inset: Master Gardeners arranging trays in the greenhouse. Theresa Friday photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DCT Students Awarded
February 3, 2011
Several Northview High School DCT students placed in the District 1 CECF Competitions held this week at the University of West of Florida.
Three Northview students took first place in their categories: Wes Chancery, automotive technician; Laneicia Gomez, financial math; and Allyson Bullard, parliamentary procedures. Other NHS students who ranked high in scoring for their competitions were: Bobby Reid, third place, and Kaleb Purvis, sixth place, in automotive technician and Katie Wieborg, fourth place, in customer service.
CECF District 1 is comprised of high schools from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. Northview High School students competed with students from Washington, Tate, Pine Forest, Escambia, Gulf Breeze, and Walton high schools.
DCT is affiliated with CECF, Career Education Clubs of Florida, and DCT is an educational class that prepares students for the workforce. DCT students combine their educational classes with on-the-job work experience. Tommy Weaver is the DCT coordinator for Northview High School.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grammy Award Winning Marty Raybon To Headline Northview Blue Jacket Jamboree
February 3, 2011
A man that achieved legendary status in country music — 13 number one singles, 22 songs on the charts, a Grammy Award, and a CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophy — will headline a March concert in Bratt.
The Northview FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund and NorthEscambia.com will present the Northview FFA Blue Jacket Jamboree featuring Marty Raybon at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. Marty Raybon will be joined by the Southern Gospel quartet Lookin’ Up and Northview’s own Ashton Gibbs in the Northview High School Theater.
Marty Raybon is perhaps best known as the former lead singer of the country mega-group Shenandoah from 1985-1996. He led Shenandoah to 22 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including thirteen number one singles, such as: “The Church on Cumberland Road” (1989), “Sunday in the South” (1989), “Two Dozen Roses” (1989), “Next to You, Next to Me” (1990) and “Butterfly Kisses” (1997). At the top of the charts, Raybon became known for his bluegrass and gospel-influenced semi-traditional country sound.
Tickets for the Northview High School FFA Alumni Blue Jacket Jamboree are $15 and are available now at Smith Tractor in Atmore, Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino and Ann’s Hallmark on Nine Mile Road in Ensley.
Pictured: Grammy award winning Marty Raybon performs last year at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
February 3, 2011
Bratt Elementary School has named Students of the Month for January. They are:
- Pre-K: Carsyn Dortch, Mayson Claire Edwards
- Kindergarten: Leonte’ Wright, Jamyla Feagin, Travis Sunday, Ar’quavian Smith
- First Grade: Rachael Sanders, A. J. Hasty, Jaylee Redmond
- Second Grade: Jaylon North, Maggie Amerson, Summer Waters, Haleigh Dean, Mary Paige Nassar
- Third Grade: Juliana Bryan, Lexi Broadhead, Luke Smith, Reba Rhinehart, Colby Morris
- Fourth Grade: Shelby Bashore, Reini Bodiker, Noah Moore, Cammie Carter
- Fifth Grade: Derek Rice, Angel Philyaw, Eli Deese, Raegan Harrell
An Early Spring? North Escambia Weather Ducks Miss Shadow
February 2, 2011
On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, the world famous groundhog, and the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks have both predicted an early spring.
Forklore says that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, it means six more weeks of winter. We did not have a groundhog handy for a photo, but we did have the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks (pictured above).
And just like their more famous Pennsylvania weather buddy, our weather ducks also did not see their shadow this morning here in North Escambia as they checked their weather computer.
For those that might be a little unsure as the weather ducks’ ability, we offer the two photographs below showing the weather ducks predicting six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day 2010 and 10 days later with their snowman in Atmore.
Byrneville Elementary Celebrates With Literacy Luau
February 2, 2011
Byrneville Elementary School joined in the excitement of “Celebrate Literacy Week” with a “Literacy Luau”.
The goals of “Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!” were to promote literacy throughout the state by raising awareness of the programs and projects offered by the Department of Education and its partner agencies and organizations, and most of all, to promote the enjoyment of reading for children and adults of all ages.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Resident Turning Love For Music Into Children’s Chorus
February 1, 2011
A Century native is transforming her love of music to a choir for children from the North Escambia area.
Holley Driver is founding the Tri-City Children’s Chorus for boys and girls in the second through fifth grades. Rehearsals began Tuesday afternoon and will take place every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Pentecostal Church at 8451 N. Century Boulevard.
Driver was born and raised in Century and grew up singing and playing the piano at church where her father, the late Rev. Bennie Driver, was pastor. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of West Florida, and her Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities with an emphasis in Music, also from U.W.F. She has also received her National Board Teaching Certification.
Driver is currently a Music Educator at R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, teaches piano and voice lessons, and serves as the Choir Director at Aldersgate Methodist Church before coming to her church, First Pentecostal in Century, where she plays the piano and sings. Driver has given numerous piano recitals and solo concerts.
“It has been in my heart for some time that Century and the surrounding area needed a children’s chorus. This will provide an opportunity for children to excel in music and the performing arts and give a child an area where they can excel even if they are having difficulties in academics. Music is beautiful and it enhances life,” Driver said, adding that she gives all credit to the Lord.
For more information on the chorus, contact Driver at (850) 324-6182.
Joel Wetzel Named Florida American Legion Boys State Rep
February 1, 2011
Northview High junior Joel Wetzel has been selected to attend Florida’s American Legion 2011 Boys State.
This reputable leadership program affords qualified high school juniors to participate in a week long government course. The opportunity exposes students to the political process, assists in the development of leadership skills, and increases their knowledge of the structure of government.
Wetzel is sponsored by the Atmore American Legion Post 90 and the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club.
Escambia Students Of The Month Named
January 31, 2011
Escambia County Students of the Month for January have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt — Reba M. Rhinehart, third grade; Summer M. Waters, second grade.
- Molino Park: Katelyn J. Wilson, third grade; Kayla M. McKillion, third grade.
- Jim Allen: Ashton N. Glover, first grade; Mackenzie R. Horak, first grade.
- Ransom — Ebony E. Davison, seventh grade; Nicholas S. Ward, eighth grade.
- Northview — Lydia A. Weaver, 11th grade; Justin L. Halteman, 10th grade.
- Tate — Brandon A. McCaffery, 11th grade; Taylor N. Lavine, 12th grade.
In addition, Ernest Ward Middle School named Jacob Weaver, Gavin Grant and Cara Thompson as Students of the Month (click for photo).
Pictured: Nothview High Students of the Month for January are Justin Halteman and Lydia Weaver. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hayley Simpson Named Miss Northview High School (With Huge Photo Gallery)
January 30, 2011
Senior Hayley Simpson was crowned Miss Northview High School for 2011 Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd. First Runner-Up was Sarah Killam, and Second Runner-Up was Caitlyn Brown, both seniors.
Other members of the Top 10 were Lauren McCall, Allie Bryan, Charleigh McPherson, Abby Odom, Lauren Cloud, Ariel Holland and Megan Ryan.
Lauren Cloud was named Miss Congeniality, and Megan Ryan was named Miss Hospitality. The Miss Physical Fitness award was presented to Lauren McCall, while Morgan Digmon was named Miss Poise and Appearance.
The pageant, which featured 25 contestants, was sponsored by teachers Anna Barry and Megan Carroll as a fund raiser for the school’s cheerleaders.
For nearly 200 NorthEscambia.com photos from the pageant, click here.
Miss Northview High School Hayley Simpson is the 18-year old daughter of Toney and Renee Simpson. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and was selected as co-captain her junior year. This year, Hayley serves as captain. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years, a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where as a junior, she served as historian, and a member of the varsity softball team for four years.
Hayley has been selected the past two years to represent her peers on the homecoming court. She was voted junior and senior class parliamentarian and is a member of First City gymnastics. Hayley is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist church and participates in the youth group and choir. She has volunteered her time with Relay for Life for the past three years. Her hobbies include reading, singing, cooking, listening to music, and twirling the baton. Her future plans are to attend Auburn University. While pursuing her degree to become an anesthesiologist, she hopes to be a “Tigerette.”
First Runner-Up Sarah Killam is the 17-year old daughter of Gary and Melanie Killam. She has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year and a member of the cross country team for three years. She has also been a member of the softball team for four years, a member of the weightlifting team for four years, and a varsity cheerleader for one year. Sarah has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years and currently serves as president. She has been elected by her peers as class president all four years. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court, both her freshman and sophomore years, and was chosen Freshman Class Maid. This year, Sarah was again selected to represent her class on the homecoming court and was awarded second runner up to the queen. Sarah has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star for three years and has taken ballet and piano for ten years.
She has been a member of the Beta Club for two years, the Student Government Association for two years, where she has held the office of historian and secretary, and a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where she has served as secretary and treasurer. Sarah was voted into Northview’s “Hall of Fame”. She was also voted “Most Talented” by the senior class. In her community, Sarah is a member of Flomaton First Baptist Church and is active in both the youth group and the choir. She also helps teach ballet classes at Heather Leonard’s Danceworks.
Her hobbies include singing, playing the guitar and piano, leading worship on Wednesday night for her youth group, and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in physical therapy.
Second Runner-Up Caitlyn Brown is the 18-year old daughter of Ronnie and Angela Brown. As a freshman, she was a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for three years and currently serves as the editor. She has also been a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of the Interact club for one year, and a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where she has served as vice president both years. Caitlyn was selected as the sophomore class parliamentarian and the junior class secretary. She was voted “Best Dressed” by the senior class and was also first runner up to Miss NHS 2010. Since her freshman year, Caitlyn has been a lifeguard for the Atmore City Pool and has also taught swimming lessons. During her years with the Tribal Beat band, she has attended numerous majorette camps and competitions.
Her hobbies include twirling, reading, cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and having “girl days” with her mom. Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to obtain a degree in telecommunications and become a sportscaster. While she is in attendance there, Caitlyn plans on becoming a “Crimsonette”.
Pictured top: (front row L-R) First Runner Up Sarah Killam, Miss Northview High School Hayley Simpson, and Second Runner Up Caitlyn Brown, (middle row) Abby Odom, Allie Bryan, Charleigh McPherson, Morgan Digmon, (back r0w) Lauren McCall, Lauren Cloud, Megan Ryan, and Ariel Holland. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.