Spring has sprung and gardening time has begun! Since the start of May and spring sunshine, I’ve been so excited to start planting my vegetable garden! But my husband keeps reminding me that those cold nights that bring frost are not quite over. If I want my garden to be successful, I’ll have to wait just a few more days! Typically we wait until May 15th to begin planting to make sure that no seedlings die if a frost hits.
*A mild frost is considered at or around freezing. A hard frost is occurs when temperatures fall below freezing. Some plants can survive a mild frost, but usually they cannot survive a hard frost. Check with the seed packet instructions or search it online.
One great way to get started gardening in early spring is by starting your seeds inside! I like reusing egg cartons to plant my seeds because they hold the moisture well and I am recycling at the same time. The great thing about starting your own seeds inside is you can grow a larger variety than the seedlings you can find at your local nursery. Plus you can get your plants going before the cold is completely gone!
First things first, follow the instructions on the back of your seed packet. These instructions will give you the best information to grow that particular plant in the zone in which you live. Following instructions can make a big difference, especially if you aren’t very familiar with gardening.
Second, you need to make sure your seeds can get enough sunlight. Most seeds require 12 hours of sunlight a day, so you’ll most likely need to supplement sunlight with artificial light. If it gets really cold outside at night, make sure your seeds aren’t against a window (on a window still) at night. Rotating seed containers in the direction of the sun will also keep your seedlings growing straight.
The final key to germinating seeds indoors is to water them, but not too much. If you stick your finger in the soil and it is dry, it is time to water. Seeds are delicate, so try watering your seeds from the bottom, instead of the top. If the top of the soil is very dry, you can mist the top with a spray bottle.
Tips taken from: http://home.ivillage.com/gardening/veg/0,,hqnj,00.html
Photo: DrStarbuck
we are already eating from our garden.
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