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Starting Plants from Seeds

starting from seedWhile gardens lay dormant in the cold winter months, gardeners can still get their hands dirty, by starting plants indoors from seed. Starting plants from seed allows the gardener ultimate control over the environment their plants will be exposed to. It is also an economical way to fill a garden with beautiful flowers and vegetables come summer.

If this is your first time planting from seed, consider starting with plants that germinate easily. Easy to grow vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes. Flowers include marigolds, zinnias, Shasta daisies and columbines.

The best plants start with the best seeds. Purchase your seeds from a reliable source that is known for providing quality seeds, like your local Country Store. Purchasing seeds from an unknown vendor may undermine your best efforts to grow healthy plants.

Use a seed-starting chart to set up your planting plan. You can print one from the Internet, or make one of your own based on the recommendations on the back of your seed packages.

Gather containers to grow your seeds. You can reuse old containers or purchase new, but be sure to clean all containers with a solution of hot water and distilled white vinegar prior to planting to prevent disease. Fill your containers with a seed-starting mix, which can be purchased at your local garden store.

Read the instructions on each seed packet prior to sowing. Make notes on your seed-starting chart to remind you of each seed’s specific needs. Generally, it is a good idea to moisten the soil and sow seeds evenly. Before covering seeds, but sure to determine if they need sunlight to germinate, in which case they will not be covered with soil.

Keep the seeds in a warm and humid environment. Cover containers with glass or plastic wrap and place near a heat source. The best temperature for seeds to germinate is usually between 65-75 degrees.

Keep seeds well hydrated by placing containers in water trays so the soil can absorb moisture from below. Once the seeds sprout they will need consistent sunlight. Make sure your containers are in a sunny window or under fluorescent lights for 12-16 hours per day.

As the seedlings get stronger you will want to expose them to the elements more often to harden them before planting. Put the plants in an area where they will get more sunlight and a breeze. You may want to move containers inside during the night if nighttime temperatures are still low.

Once your seeds are strong enough and temperatures warm, plant your seedlings in well-prepared soil and watch them flourish!

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