|
 Starting
Seeds Indoors
March 2003
BY Anita
Sulley
Now that we've
been enjoying winter for about three months, many of us are biting at
the bit for spring. One way to get that first taste of spring and the
joy of many wonderful garden days to come is to start planting some
seeds indoors.
If you haven't
tried planting seeds indoors before here are some tried and true
basic tips to get you started.
|
1. |
Start with a
sterile environment (potting soil and container). This is very
important since fungi can wipe out your efforts in a few days. |
|
2. |
Buy some
relatively easy to grow seeds to start with, such as Annuals like
Dusty Miller, Delphinium Petunia, Alyssum, Lobelia, Pansy, Tomatoes
and Cucumber. The list is endless. |
|
3. |
Most seeds
don't need light to germinate, only warmth and moisture. |
|
4. |
The seeds must
never dry out, so it is best to keep the container covered with
plastic, until they germinate. |
|
5. |
Light, light
and more light. This might be the largest challenge. Minimum is a
sunny window, but better is some artificial light. Fluorescent tubes
are ideal. Keep them between 4 to 8 inches from the top of the
plants. Most plants need a rest, turn them on for about 12 to 14 hours |
|
6. |
Thin the
seedlings and be ruthless. Plants need room to grow. |
|
7. |
Start
fertilizing about 2 to 3 weeks before they are ready to be
transplanted outdoors. |
|
8. |
Plan to
transplant outdoors around June 15. So early to mid-April is plenty
of time to sow the first seeds for Annuals. |
|
9. |
Your seedlings
will need time to adjust to the outdoors. Start by moving them to a
shady location for a few hours each day for about a week. Make sure
you transplant early morning or evening on an overcast day if
possible. Remember to water them well. |
Good
luck!!! |
