Seed Starting

Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding gardening experience that can help satisfy that craving for spring during the winter months. Starting your own seeds indoors can help extend your growing season, and give you more choices of plant varieties than your outdoor season may permit. Furthermore, a larger selection of seed varieties doesn’t limit your opportunities to growing only those transplants that are available at planting time, especially if you have several favorite varieties that are difficult to find in plant form. Check out the selection of seeds from seven (7) seed companies at Wedel’s Garden Center. The key to success in growing seedlings is in creating the proper environment.

What Seeds Need

Seeds are generally hardy, but to start them properly they do need gentle nurturing so they can produce healthy, vibrant plants. In general, seeds should be started 4-6 weeks before the recommended planting time so the seedlings will be large and strong enough to withstand the stresses of transplanting. However, some seeds should be started 8 or even 12 weeks before transplanting. Check the seed packet for recommended seed starting times. Use DAIRY DOO® Seed Starter 101 mix which is light enough to encourage rich root growth. Sow the seeds thinly and cover lightly with the starter mix. Water using a fine spray but do not soak the seeds – they also need oxygen to germinate, and if they are overwatered they will drown. Cover the container with clear plastic, such as the Jiffy® Gro Dome seed tray cover, to hold the moisture and increase humidity. Place the containers in a warm (70-80 degrees) spot and watch daily for germination. Use a Jump Start® Seedling Heat Mat sized for the number of trays you are starting. The top of the refrigerator is a good alternative warm location for germination. When the first seeds germinate, place the seedlings in bright light or under artificial grow lights (tube lights should be 2-3” from seedling tops) for several hours each day, since late winter sunlight will not usually be sufficient to prevent weak, leggy seedlings. Daytime temperatures should range from 70-75 degrees. Night time temperatures should range from 60-65 degrees. Use the Jump Start® Seedling Heat Mat to keep the soil warm.[caption id="attachment_4743" align="alignleft" width="242"]

Sequence of Impatiens flower growing[/caption]

As Seeds Grow

When the seedlings develop their first true sets of leaves, add water soluble fertilizer to their water – Monty’s® Plant Food is great to use. Repeat every second week to provide good nourishment. Thin the seedlings or transplant them to larger containers as they grow. Before planting outdoors, harden-off the plants at least one week before the planting date. Take the transplants outdoors in the daytime and bring them in at night if frost is likely. Gradually expose them to lower temperatures and more sunlight. The use of hotcaps and frost blankets to cover early plantings will also aid in the hardening off process so the seedlings can adjust well to their new outdoor environment.

Transplanting Seeds

Transplant seedlings into the garden after the safe planting date on a calm, overcast day. Pack the soil around the transplant with as little root disturbance as possible. Sprinkle the plants with water, keeping the soil moist until the plants become established.

Popular Indoor Seed Start Dates

[caption id="attachment_4744" align="alignright" width="235"]

Seed tray with plant seedlings of various kinds (Zinnia and Pea).[/caption]The exact dates you want to start seeds will vary depending on your local growing season, the varieties of plants you choose and what their needs are. In general, dates for the most popular plants include…

Vegetable Seed Starting Dates

• February – Celery, onion
• March 1 – Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce
• March 15 – Eggplant, peppers, tomatoes
• April 1 – Summer squash
• April 15 – Cantaloupes, cucumbers, watermelon, winter squash

Flower Seed Starting Dates

• January/February – Begonia, geranium, impatiens, nicotiana, pansy, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, verbena
• March 1 – Ageratum, dahlia, dianthus, petunia
• April 15 – Aster, calendula, celosia, marigold, zinnia

Use seed starting dates as a general guide to ensure your seeds have plenty of time to reach their full harvest potential before the weather turns in autumn. At the same time, consider staggering seed starting every few days to lengthen your harvest and keep your favorite vegetables and flowers coming even longer during the growing season. As you gain more experience with starting seeds, you'll be able to carefully plan your seed calendar to ensure a lush, rich, long harvest season.