Monday, March 8, 2010

If you are at all like me you are just itching for spring. You want the warmth of sun on your skin, that wonderful smell of fresh green growth, and the feel of gritty soil in your hands. We can’t do anything about the sun, but we can bring on spring by starting some seeds indoors.

Step One – Stock up on supplies. Pots: Jiffy pots are made of a biodegradable fiber that drains easily and can be planted directly into the garden. Plastic seed trays also work well; if you are reusing trays from a previous year, be sure to sterilize them first. Soil: Most potting mixes are too coarse for starting seeds. To achieve the best results, use a soil labeled as Seed Starting Mix. Seeds: Some plants (like tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, mint, thyme, etc.) are best started indoors, while others (like carrots, lettuce, beans, etc.) do just as well when sown directly into the garden. Refer to the seed packet to determine if they should be started indoors.

Step Two – When to start planting. Decide when you would like to plant the seedlings in the garden; you can use the link below as a reference. Tomatoes will take 6-8 weeks to grow from seed to a transplantable size. Once you have chosen a tentative “plant in the garden” date, count back 6-8 weeks. This is the date you want to start your seeds. Peppers will take about 8 weeks to grow to a transplantable size, eggplant 8-10 weeks, and cucumbers 3-4 weeks. Again, refer to the seed packet.

Step Three – Get planting! Keeping the seeds moist (but not drenched) and providing them with lots of light are the two most important components to successfully growing seeds indoors. If using grow lights, put the lights about 4 inches above the soil surface and raise them as the seedlings grow. If using natural light, be sure to place the plants in a sunny south facing window where they will get about 14 hours of sun a day.

Step Four – Hardening the seedlings. Your baby plants have been growing in the warm, windless safety of your home. You can prepare them for the garden by placing them in a cold frame or window well about two weeks before planting them outside. You can also harden the plants by placing them in a shady spot in the garden on nice days, and pulling them inside at night. They will be sensitive, so be careful not to expose the seedlings to freezing temperatures or too much wind.

Step Five – Plant the seedlings in the garden. Protect warm season vegetables from cold winds and frost.

Here is a link to the seed packet.

HM

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Warm Temps this weekend - stop by and see us!

It has been a long winter and we know all our gardening friends and family are eager for those first glimpes of bulbs poking through and that delicious smell of dirt!! If you are as ready as we are - stop in and see us. The Garden Center is bursting with seeds, equipment, tools, seed starting supplies, soil and fertilizer. We have everything you need to get started.

Last year, the number of customers starting vegetable gardens for the first time or expanding on the basic "Tomato, Cucumber, Pepper" style garden really grew. We were so excited to help everyone pick out new varieties to try and help the beginners get started. In anticipation of a bountiful 2010 season, we have increased the quantity and variety of seeds and garden supplies. Now is a great time to get started, especially for "newbies". Heather & Rich, our garden experts, are full of excitement and enthusiasm and can offer whatever assistance you need.