Name that Seedling

Wildflower Seeds

by Sandy Swegel

Everything’s greening up in your garden and there are so many interesting baby plants.  Can you recognize what’s a friend or a foe?  Here are some clues to help you identify little seedlings that may be coming up in your garden right now!

1. I’m a weed, but I’m a nutritious and yummy green for salads or saute. Wait too long, and I may grow to four feet tall.
2. I’m volunteering in your herb garden.  I look a lot like other herbs, flowers and weeds, but crush a leaf and smell it…and you’ll know exactly who I am.
3. Did you plant your cool-season vegetable seeds recently? I’m always up the fastest!
4. I don’t mind cold and snow.  A lot of people plant me on St., Patrick’s Day.
5. Don’t I look healthy!  Let me grow and I’ll be in your garden FOREVER.
6. Did you plant annual wildflowers last year?  I may have a hard time making a commitment, but I’ll be back every year.
7. Nobody remembers planting me, but I love to grow in surprising places.  I may be all green now, but come back in a week and I’ll be jumping to see you.

Answer key to seedling clues

1. lambs quarter
2. cilantro
3. radish
4. pea
5. bindweed
6. bachelor’s button
7. johnny jump up