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Remote Volunteer Project: Seed Starter Stars!

Henry Vilas Zoo is kicking off the 2023 gardening season early by starting annuals from seeds during the winter – and we need your help!

Why are you doing this?

Although our grounds are 28 acres, we have limited indoor space to grow enough seeds.

Why should I do this?

This is an excellent way for any gardeners from beginner to advanced to get involved in the zoo! You can literally grow a part of the zoo and share your work with thousands of others. All seeds are listed below along with their intended planting space.

In addition to beautiful flowers, some of the plants will be used as food/treats for our animals throughout the seasons – from tortoises to bison to lemurs!

Who can do this?

You should be comfortable with basic gardening. This project is for those 18+; however, we definitely encourage younger volunteers of any age to get involved with the help of an adult supervisor.

What supplies will I need to provide?

Volunteers will be responsible for providing all seeds, soil, trays and any other supplies as listed.

What is the growing timeline?

Each type of seed has a different timeline, but most start in the end February and should be ready to go by mid to late April. * (*The transplant dates listed in the chart below are an approximation.)

What kind of support will I have?

All seed starters will be in contact with our zoo horticulturalist, Valerie, throughout the project. She can help with any questions or challenges along the way. You will also be talking with her to schedule a drop-off time closer to the end of growing time.

How do I sign up?

Fill out an application below the seed list! We’ll send you a confirmation and be in touch with you throughout the project.

One more thing, what if I kill a plant?

First, don’t panic. Gardening is always a learning opportunity. Second, we are requesting slightly higher amounts than we need with the knowledge that some plants just might not make it.

PlantAmountSeedingTransplantingLocationNotes
Nasturtiums – Choose any compact variety. NOT ones that say “trellising”x4
15-cell trays		Start Seeds between February 27th and April 10thMay 8th – 22ndRaised beds, Children’s Zoo Veggie Garden, Grow ShelfPlant seeds ½” deep seeds need complete darkness to germinate
Marigolds (You choose the type!)x3
15-cell trays		Start seeds February 27th –April 10thMay 8th – 22ndChildren’s Zoo Veggie Garden & near AlpacasPlant seed ¼ inch deep and mist every day
Bachelor Buttons (You choose the type!)x1
15-cell tray		Start seeds March 6thMay 8th – 22ndNear Alpacas, Raised beds, Zinnia beds
Pansies (You choose the type!)x2 15-cell traysFebruary 27thEnd of April or early May as soon as its thawedRaised bedsPlace the trays into black plastic bags they need complete darkness and high humidity to germinate. After a few days they will sprout then you can remove them from the bag and place in a sunny location misting daily
Broccoli (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 11April 12th – 26thChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then once they sprout and are about 1” tall snip one of the sprouts off
Kale (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 5thApril 26thChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then once they sprout and are about 1” tall snip one of the sprouts off
Kohlrabi (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 15thApril 26thChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then once they sprout and are about 1” tall snip one of the sprouts off
Oregano (You choose the type!)x1 15 cell trayFebruary 25th – March 26thMay-JuneChildren’s Zoo Veggie Garden
Swiss Chard (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 26th – April 9thTBDChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then once they sprout and are about 1” tall snip one of the sprouts off
Tomatoes (You choose the type!)x6 plants in 2″ potsMarch 11th – April 26thMay 11thChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then when we transplant them we will cut the weaker one
Zuchinni (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 11thMay 8thChildren’s Zoo Veggie GardenPut two seeds per pot then once they sprout and are about 1” tall snip one of the sprouts off
Brussel Sprouts (You choose the type!)x6 plants in “2 potsMarch 1st – March 15thApril 12th – 26thChildren’s Zoo Veggie Garden
Coneflower (You choose the type!)x3 15-cell traysMarch 13thMay 8thKoi Pond & Rain Garden
Gomphrena (You choose the type!)x3 32-cell traysMarch 27thMay 8thEverywhere
Chicory (You choose the type!)x1 32-cell trayApril 3rdAfter May 8thRaised beds & Children’s Zoo Pollinator Garden

Seed Starter Stars

For 2023 Seed Starting volunteer project

Before signing up for this project, I understand the following:(Required)

First, the project piece...

More than one

Second, a bit about you...

*Are you a 2023 HVZ volunteer with current access to MyImpact? OR, have you previously participated in a 2023 volunteer project where you already sent us this info? If so, please feel free to skip this section.
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