I‘ve come a long way; from the girl with fake house plants (embarrassing) to the girl that can now sustain a house full of thriving plants. Now it’s time to move on to bigger (or smaller, however you look at it) things like starting my own seeds. I will admit I am quite nervious but trust me if I can do it anyone can!
Here’s how to get started…
1. First off your seeds need a home to grow in. It’s important that the pots you choose allow for extra moisture to drain away. Instead of purchasing a starter kit, try reusing containers or even make your own pots from newspaper. Find out how here.
2. The mix you choose for your for your little seedlings is equally as important as where you house them. Choose a light soil that holds moisture evenly, allowing them to grow quickly. You can find a planting mix specifically labeled for seed starting. This is one of my favorites.
3. The last key ingredient to get your seeds started right is light, bright light that is. They need direct sunlight to get stated. If you are like me and lack direct sunlight try using plant lights or a floresent fixture with a cool white tube and a soft white tube (your seeds need the full spectrum of light).
Nope, your not quite done (it’s not that easy!) Now that we know “how” to get started, here’s how to plant and tend to your seedlings.
1. Proper planting is a must. The depth at which you plant them varies so take a look at the seed packet for specific depth. Save the packet. Trust me in comes in handy throughout this process. Don’t worry sowing your seeds is quite simple. Plant one to three seeds per pot and cover (or not) as instructed on the packet.
2. Like I mentioned before these guys need bright light to make it. To grow strong stocky stems, they need as much as 12 hours of bight sunlight a day!
3. As they start to sprout and grow it’s necessary to thin them out. Before they are 2 inches tall, snip off the weakest plants in each pot right at soil level. easier said than done (I always feel bad about snipping them). Water as needed to keep the soil moist.
Once you have successfully sprouted and grown your seedlings in there little home, it’s time to take them to the next level- their graduation into the garden!
1. Next step is to harden off your little (now big) seedlings. Before they can handle the wind, rain and strong sun, the your young plants need a period of gradual adjustment. This process begins about a week before the their transplant date (refer to the packet for the exact date). To start set your containers in a sheltered, shady spot outdoors. A covered porch, or under a table or even a chair is ideal. Be sure to bring the plants back in at night or any other time the temperature drops or becomes windy and rainy. As the week progresses gradually expose them to more sunlight. After two or three days, you can safely keep them in the sun for half a day, then return them to the shade. By the end of the week they’ll be tough enough to remain in the sunlight all day.
2. Once the plats have hardened off it’s finally time to plant them in your garden (sucess!). As you dig the hole to plant them in, it’s a good idea to add some compost into the soil. Plant it only as deep as it was in the pot, and don’t forget to water it well!
3. Time to preform your victory dance! They have been safely transported into your garden. To protect the plants even further. apply mulch around them to retain moisture and reduce weeds. If frosty nights threaten your plants, cover them with sheets or hot caps.
What about you guys? What are some of your garden plans for the spring?
