The other day a friend mentioned to me that she and her infant son spent the morning planting seeds. A premonition of Spring to be sure. Did you know that most annual flowers and vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers can be started from seed indoors?
Besides being easier on the wallet, starting plants from seed is a great way to scratch your gardening itch while snow still dominates the landscape.
Deciding what to plant and when to plant it depends on the varieties of plants you choose to grow. This information is readily available on the back of whatever seed packet you're working with. Nonetheless, if you're planning to start your gardening indoors this season, here're five general rules of thumb to get you started (no greenhouse required):
1. Check your seed packet to see how much time your plant needs before being set outdoors. Seeds should not be transplanted outdoors if there is a risk of frost. Typically the last expected frost date in Halton Hills is May 24.
2. Choose a good-quality potting soil containing a mix of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and wetting agent. A quality potting mix helps your plants retain moisture and provides aeration and drainage for your seedling's roots. It's also free of weeds, fungus and other pests
3. Water the soil well before planting seeds. Seeds should be planted at a depth recommended on the package.
4. Cover your newly planted garden-to-be with a clear plastic bag or a clear plastic cover. If using a bag, make sure the plastic is not touching the soil. This creates a greenhouse effect and eliminates the need for regular watering
5. Last, and certainly not least, make sure your garden-to-be is placed in a sunny, warm spot in your house. This means 8+ hours of bright, beautiful light per day. Sorry folks, but no light, no germination.
And there you have it! With a little luck and a lot of patience, come May 24, you've got yourself a project.
Happy growing and may all your seeds be winners. Email us your success stories to info@redsgardencentre.com. We'll read everything you send us and publish our favourites in a future blog. Send pictures. The author of our favourite seed success story will win a $20 Reds gift certificate.
