Well start thinking about it anyhow!
First off, seed/ plant only what you will enjoy; especially, when thinking about vegetables or fruits. Try to seed those plants what will produce what is more expensive in your area or those plants you are unable to find. Starting seeds indoors can be incredibly fun no to mention educational.
To determine the timing of starting your seeds, you must determine your average last spring frost date. On seed packets, it will most often give an indoor seed-sowing date. For example, Marigolds list the time required for sowing seeds as 5 weeks. Say your last spring frost in general is May 1st, counting backwards 5 weeks would set you at sowing your seeds about March 27.
Over the holidays, I have collected deli containers and containers from take-home leftovers from restaurants. Most of these containers have clear lids and make a great “greenhouse”. Egg cartons (not to mention the egg shell if you manage to salvage ~3/4 of it), milk jugs cut down, paper coffee cups, and yogurt containers all make great items used for sowing seeds. Plastic wrap can be draped over to help establish the “greenhouse” for your seeds.
*Don’t forget to punch holes in the bottom of containers to allow for drainage.
Of course, gardening supply centers do carry “growing systems” to start seeds as well.
If re-usable plastic pots are being used, wash and sterilize them with a solution made up of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
Now, back to make-shifting a greenhouse. Put stakes in the pots to drape the plastic wrap over (toothpicks can occasionally be used). Clear plastic bags can be used instead of plastic wrap. Wire coat hangers can be used with long flat trays. Bend the coat hangers and insert under the flat at each end (the hook of the hanger will be at the top). Drape plastic wrap or place in clear plastic bag – tie with twist-tie. This will give the desired humidity for seed germination.
If you have a large sunny area in your home and have the space to place your seed-sowing containers, fabulous!! Don’t worry if you don’t. There are “kits” available or place ordinary fluorescent shop light over the seed starting area for 12-14 hours each day. Many seeds germinate with temperatures between 65F and 70F; however, some seeds desire cooler temperatures. Check the seed packets for desired temps.
Seeding Care-
-Keep moist but not wet
-Turn them around- this will aid in straight, even growth
-Feed them – after the first true leaves develop, use a very dilute fertilizer solution to avoid burning the seedlings.
After 4 true leaves have developed, thinning your seedlings is recommended.
Thinning from trays to single pots:
-Water thoroughly
-Fill individual pots within ½” of top with moist potting soil
-Poke hole in the center with a pencil or the like
-Gently lift seedling from tray using a plastic knife or a teaspoon
-Place into hole at the same depth it was previously growing in
-Gently press potting soil around the roots
**I failed to mention this before but, don’t forget to label your seedlings/plants!
Planting Outdoors:
After being sure the last frost has occurred, you will want to “harden” the plants.
Hardening Off:
This acclimates the plants to the outdoor conditions. First, move pots outside to a sheltered, shady area for an hour or so the first day. Over the course of a week, gradually increase the time the plants spend outside eventually allowing the to remain out overnight. NOTE: If temperatures drop below 50F bring them indoors.
Providing the temperatures stay above 50F, you should be able to plant them outside at this point.
I was a bit anxious to get started and eager to make a few container gardens so, on February 2, I started several types of seeds.
Sweet Basil, Cilantro, Beefsteak tomato, Bib lettuce, Fordhook green-beans, Sun flowers, Zinnia, and Marigolds
On Sunday, most all were popping through! I hope to sell some of my plants this year as well, so others may enjoy!
Out of 5 Sun-flowers planted, 3 have popped up so, remember to plant additional seeds in case some seeds do not germinate!
