Reflections: It Is Not Just A Seed

An essay by Jill Fries

​Photos by Sue Reinardy
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UW-Extension
Master Gardener Volunteers

​I was introduced to starting seeds many winters ago by both my maternal grandfather and my mother.  Several decades later, I can only remember one season that I did not start seeds, but the magic of the season still came upon me.
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Starting seeds never grows old for me.  Every time a seedling emerges above the soil surface I am filled with joy.  I introduced the seed starting practice to my children which was met with not as much joy and sometimes frustration as the household was taken over by all the seedlings until it was safe to bring them outside.  Frequently the baby plants had grown to young adulthood before they could be moved out – much to their chagrin.  Now, to my surprise, all my adult children engage in plant propagation in some manner.  I am looking forward with great anticipation to introduce my first granddaughter to this annual endeavor as soon as we can play in the dirt together. ​

This is about the season that seeds were not started and how the magic still happened.
I live with a chronic auto immune disorder.  After several decades, the disease had progressed to a dangerous zone. With one foot in the grave, I traveled to Rochester, Minnesota through a blizzard for a consultation to hopefully save my life.  It was during my return trip home from the second consultation, that it hit me.  I would not be able to start seeds, and I cried.  The ever-practical voice inside my head tried to reason with my heart. This is NO big deal.  Get over it.  Move on.  It is just seeds! 

It is not just seeds.  Seeds hold the promise of tomorrow for both sustenance and beauty.  It is never just seeds.  These are miracles that physically manifest every single time a seedling breaches the soil surface.  A seemingly insignificant piece of matter that is placed into soil, add some light and nominal warmth AND magic happens.  Yes, I know there is a whole lot of science happening under the soil surface.  The science is mind expanding, but I like to believe in the magic of seed starting.  Some seeds take more attention than others.  Some seeds are very temperature sensitive while others don’t seem to care much one way or the other.  Some seedlings absolutely rejoice when they breach the surface and can’t wait to touch the sky.  While others are a wee bit more shy.  It takes time and attention to learn the secrets of each.

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21 years ago, I did not plant any seeds.  I did, however, have lifesaving surgeries that allowed me to again join the living with greater quality of life than I could have ever imagined.  I did not have the strength to pull out all my seed starting tooIs.  I was unable to drive to buy seeds and I probably would not have had the physical strength to navigate the store and return home.  I needed to pay attention to the recovery needs of my body, and as a result, I was able to witness the spring miracle up close and personal.  I walked around my yard and into the woods every day to gain strength.  As a result of this recovery process, I was able to witness the earliest of spring flowers emerge and burst into bloom.  The bulbs I had planted the previous fall also emerged and bloomed.  I was a witness to this great annual spring miracle.  I was grateful to be alive and felt a deep appreciation for life’s beauty that is always there, but sometimes overlooked.

Starting seeds has taught me to pay attention.  All seeds need some measure of nutritious soil, warmth and moisture, but not all seeds require the same measure.  When I pay attention, I have learned to unlock their secrets and help them grow to their full potential.  Imagine a nurturing community that pays attention to its diverse needs to support each other to our full potential.  Imagine.  It was never about just seeds.

Plant some seeds, pay attention, and may you be blessed with vibrant foliage, beautiful flowers, and a bountiful harvest grace your table.  May the magic of seed starting enter your home and landscape.
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Happy Spring. ​