FUNCTIONALITY - You have created your wish list, ordered some or all of the seeds you need, and they are just arriving. Get the most out of your investment with a little planning.
Starting the seeds at the right time, indoors or right in the garden, ensures a good start to the growing season. Check the back of the seed pack for sowing times and instructions. Please refer to the website of your local renewal service provider for the best time to invest in your area.
Arrange your seeds the way they need to be started. You can build your own system or invest in a system like Gardener's Supply seed packs and separators. This system allows you to organize your seeds by type, planting time, color, garden location and more. Use your storage system to organize the remaining seeds for future plantings. You will also save money on future seed orders. Make sure the seeds are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Include planting dates on your calendar as well. Months go by quickly and it's easy to miss important planting moments. Creating a planting plan will allow you to plant seeds at the right time for maximum benefit.
Gather starting equipment and supplies for the seed as you start sowing indoors. You will need a good quality starter or potting soil and clean containers. Use yogurt and other small food containers to start the seeds. Drill holes in the soil and clean them before planting. Avoid disease problems by disinfecting old plant containers. Soak them in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water for ten minutes. Then rinse with clean water before filling with potting soil.
Or try one of the new eco-friendly, plastic-free seed starter options. Use a paper planter ( gardeners.com ) to turn newspapers into biodegradable pots. Think of composted manure cow pots that provide nutrients in a biodegradable pot. You can leave your plants in these containers when moving them around the garden.
Create your own potless seed starter with the Gardener Supply Soil Blocker. Press the damp soil into blocks that keep their shape. The blocks can be brought directly into the garden, which will reduce the effects of transplanting.
Follow the directions on the seed packets for depth and maintenance. Most seeds prefer warm conditions but don't need light to germinate. Keep the potting soil moist. Cover the containers with plastic wrap to help retain moisture and increase the time between waterings.
Once you see some green, it's time to put the seedlings under bright or artificial light. For best results, leave the light on no longer than 14 to 16 hours and 4 to 6 inches above the tops of the plants.
Once your plants are actively growing, you can start fertilizing if necessary. Check the planting mix to see if fertilizer has been added and how long it will be effective before adding more. Follow the directions on the label of the selected fertilizer.
Share the fun and workload with your friends and family. Maybe you start with the tomatoes for everyone, someone else takes care of the peppers, and someone else takes care of the eggplants. Or just share a few extra seeds as each pack usually contains more than most gardeners have to grow.
Most importantly, have fun.
Copyright Melinda Myers, LLC, all rights reserved.
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