spring 15
SOW EASY
Starting your seeds indoors can make a world of difference. With a little investment in equipment and time you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, you’ll be able to pick varieties that may not be readily available at a nursery.
CHECK OUT THESE TIPS TO GET YOUR STARTED
Start a Calendar
Keep a calendar of key dates.
Look up your first and last frost dates for your zone and work according from there. This makes it easy to count weeks from indoor planting to outdoor planting. It also helps remind you of your growing season for future season planning.
Keep a Log
A log helps you keep track of what you planted and when you planted it. Based on your seed packages this will help you know if your seeds germinate and if you may need to replant.
Use Moisture
Retaining Soil
Whether you mix your soil yourself or buy a pre-mixed soil, be sure that it can retain a good amount of moisture. These would be soils rich in organic materials. Many garden stores sell seed starting soils.
Label Each Plant
I know this may sound self explanatory, but be sure to label your plants. Even I have ended up with a mystery plant even thoughI try really hard to be careful. It’s easy to do when you are dealing with many varieties.
Keep the Right Temp
One big key to starting
your seeds is to keep your seed trays warm. They don’t need to be hot, but the warmest place in your house. Using a thermometer can help identify where that might be. You can also invest in seed warming mats. A rubberized mat that you plug in that keeps a low warm temperature. Also, when your seedling are ready, don’t forget to harden them off. Do this by placing trays in a protected outdoor spot for a few days before you plant.
Plant More Seeds
than You Need
Planting more seeds than you need helps for a couple of reasons. One is that some seeds may not germinate at all, then you’ll have back-up. The second is that this gives you the opportunity to choose the healthiest plants that germinate to transplant outdoors. Sell, give away or compost the weak ones.
Check Daily
Checking your germination progress is crucial to being successful. Check for moisture
of the soil, note any problems like mold, or wilting and in general
take joy in seeing your first little sprouts come up.
Water Gently
Take great care in watering your seed trays especially before your plants start to develop. Watering too hard can not only over water the plant but wash the seeds
out of the pots. A gentle sprinkle
is good.
Use a Full Spectrum Light
If you do decide to invest in a grow light, do your homework. Get one that offers a full spectrum light source. Using natural light by a bright window will work too, but
be sure to rotate your plants daily so they grow nice and straight.
