Growing Spring...One Seed at a Time!
Benefits:
- saving money!
- getting an early start on the growing season - your seeds will love the sunshine
- opportunity to choose from a large selection of seeds
- many rare and unusual flowers and vegetables are only available by seed
Containers:
- any type will do as long as it is 2-3" deep and has drainage holes
- wide, shallow containers prevent overcrowding and excessive moisture
- most importantly they must be clean and sterile
Options: jiffy pellets and kits have individual growing cells or plantable pots, 100% Peat Free Renewable Coir
Growing Medium:
- seeds should be started in a soilless growing mix not a garden soil (provides the optimum growing conditions, avoids disease and insect problems)
Options: blend of sphagnum moss, vermiculite and perlite or coconut fibre (lightweight and easy to use, can be mixed with potting mix or used alone)
Seeds - Where to Start?
- choose high quality seeds packaged for the current year
- older seeds have reduced germination rates
- read the back of the package for sowing times and specific directions
- as seeds are planted, write it down!
- planting dates and seed varieties should be written on a label with a permanent marker and placed in each individual pot
Planting and Caring for your Seedlings:
1. Prior to planting, the growing mixture should be thoroughly moistened with warm water.
2. Fill the containers to within 1/2'' of the top, pack gently and fill again.
3. Check seed packages for special germination conditions such as soaking seeds.
4. Seeds can be scattered on the soil surface or placed into each individual growing cell. Most seeds should be covered with a fine layer of soil.
5. Gently moisten medium to ensure good contact between seeds and soil.
6. Cover with a clear dome.
Conditions:
- temperature: an important trigger, refer to the seed packets for the exact temperature needed
- lighting: critical factor when starting seeds indoors, when sprouted place seedlings in a south facing window
- moisture: seeds must be kept moist after planting, allow seedlings to dry out slightly before watering, after seeds have sprouted, remove any plastic covering to reduce moisture and humidity levels. Soilless mixes contain few, if any nutrients. Feed seedlings with a weak liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer (fish emulsion) solution three weeks after germination and continue weekly feedings until they are transplanted into the garden.
Transplanting:
- before planting seedlings in the garden, they need to be hardened off
- gradually at least one week before planting, place seedlings on a sheltered porch or under a tree for a couple of hours each day
- protect them from too much wind or hot sun
- this process prepares the plants for harsher outdoor conditions and ensures better survival rates in the garden
Seed ShopNews Stories Online:
Starting Plants from SeedEating Locally - Right in Your Own BackyardEvents - Spring Beginnings :: Starting Seeds and Planning your Veggie Garden (No cost, Registration available online)
Do you know another gardener who might enjoy this article?
Miracle Grow Quick Start (4-12-4) 
Bag to Earth Yard Waste Bags 
