It is Time to Start Planting Vegetable Seeds?

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

~ Margaret Atwood

I know that quote is absolutely true for most of us crazy gardeners! So many of us drag through the winter months dreaming about spring, longing to play in the dirt and what we are going to plant in our gardens this coming spring.

Time to quit dragging, fellow gardeners, and time to start playing in the dirt again! Maybe not outside in the garden, but definitely time to start playing inside with potting mix (pretty darn close to dirt).

It is time to start planting seeds... at least the cool season veggies and herbs. Many of the cool season vegetables are slow growing and now is the time to get those seeds potted! Some of these veggies include: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leeks, Onions, Cabbage, Celery, Shallots and Brussels Sprouts. Cilantro and parsley are two of the cool season herbs that can be started as well.

Starting seeds isn't very hard, but does take a bit of diligence. Seedlings have the same basic requirements that we do. They need air, light, moisture and food to survive! Follow these simple steps and you too can be successful starting your own vegetables from seed.

Seed Starting for Beginners

1. Start with clean containers that allow drainage. Clear plastic dome covers, "mini-greenhouses," are very helpful in the germination process to maintain moist conditions and hold in warmth.
2. Use a good sterile potting soil (seed starting mixes are available) to fill the containers. Do not use soil from your garden. Moisten the soil so that it is damp (not wet) and fill just shy of the top of the container.
3. Place one to two seeds on top of the soil. Sprinkle lightly with more soil, to cover the seeds. Follow package directions for depth. (If you plant too deep, the seeds will come up, it just may take a little longer.)
   
4. Mist to moisten the top layer and cover with plastic dome to keep moist. (You don’t need the dome, but it helps keep in the moisture.)
   
5. Place in a warm location, such as the top of the fridge, near the furnace or on top of a special heating mat. Remember to check the seed package for the germination instructions.
6. In two to 14 days seeds will sprout. Remove the plastic cover and water from the bottom.
7. Provide as much sunlight or artificial light as possible. It is recommended that grow light be within two to three inches of the foliage and set for 18 hours on and six hours off. If using natural light on a sill, mirrors and aluminum foil can be used to intensify the gloomy winter sun. An unobstructed southwest exposure is the best.
8. Check the water and mist everyday. Let the soil dry, but never let the sprouts wilt.
9. Fans provide good air circulation and help produce stronger roots and stockier seedlings.
10. A water soluble, balanced fertilizer should be added when the first true leaves begin to appear. (Second set of leaves.)
11. Transplant when the soil dries out too quickly or when the roots have reached the drainage holes. Again, use clean pots or six packs depending on the plants.
12. Gradually harden off seedlings, adapting them to the light and temperatures of the outdoors a few hours at a time, before transplanting to the garden. (To learn more about hardening off seedlings click here.)

Transplanting and Thinning

As soon as seedlings have developed at least one set of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they should be transplanted to individual pots or spaced out in flats. Failure to transplant promptly results in crowded, spindly seedlings that will not develop properly. Use a good sterile potting mix (seed starting mixes are available).

To transplant, carefully dig up the small plants with a knife. Let this group of seedlings fall apart, and pick out individual plants. Occasionally if seedlings have been too close, they are difficult to separate. Gently ease them apart in small groups, which will make it easier to separate individual plants. Avoid tearing roots in the process. Handle small seedlings by their leaves; small thin stems break and crush easily. Poke a hole into the soil where the seedling will be planted. Make it deep enough so that the seedling can be put at the same depth it was growing in the seed flat. Small plants or slow growers may be placed 1 inch apart and rapid growing, large seedlings should be placed about 2 inches apart. After planting, pat down the soil and water gently.

We have a short informative Seed Starting video, demonstrated by our very own Steffie Littlefield, Horticulturist and Gardener Extraordinaire!

Happy gardening! Debbie T.