Great Info Tips

It’s Spring and my thoughts turn to flowers! Why not? The daffodils are blooming, the hyacinths are coming up as are other flowers in my garden. I think of the other flowers I will plant this year. I will go buy seeds for some and get them started so I can put the healthy plants in the flower beds when it gets warmer outside.  Only buy seeds that were packaged for the year you want to use them. Otherwise you will have old seeds that won’t germinate and you’ll be very disappointed. Each seed packet should have the date stamped on it. If it doesn’t don’t buy that packet.

There are many varieties of containers to use to start your seeds. Peat pots, peak disks, flats or cell packs can be purchased, but all you really need is some recycled containers, paper or Styrofoam cups and egg cartons can be used. You just need to poke holes in the bottoms for drainage. Make sure you clean any  recycled containers with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to sterilize them.

Make sure you have room to place your containers (the basement, spare room), being careful to remember you need decent lighting for the plants. Artificial lights will work just fine. Fluorescent lights or grow lights are great hanging over a table or shelf. If you cover the table or shelf with white paper or aluminum foil it will reflect the heat and do a better job growing your plants.

Time to plant! Fill the containers with sterile seed starter mix. Leave 1/2 inch between the lip of the container and the top of the soil. Follow the directions given on each seed packet. Base the plantings on the date of the last spring frost in your area. Place 2 seeds in each container. If you have a large container you can place more seeds. Water with a gentle spray and keep the soil moist by watering daily or as needed. Seeds germinate in the dark so you don’t really need the light at this time. If some seeds need light (the packet will tell you) the normal day light will do. You will find most seeds will sprout in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees.

At the first sign of green you need to move the plants under lights, keeping the lights close to the plants - about 4 inches above the tops of the containers. You will need to keep an eye on the plants now and move the lights so they are keeping at least 4 inches about the growing plants. Keep the lights on for at least 14 to 16 hours a day. More than this will just waste energy and cost you more for the electric.

To give the plants more space to grow once they have 2 sets of leaves cut the weaker seedling off at the ground so you won’t disturb the roots of the remaining plant. This is thinning out the plants so each container won’t be too crowded. Or you can gently lift seedlings out and replant them to another container.

Most of the planting mixes have peat moss mixed with vermiculite. This retains moisture, will provide adequate drainage, and reduce disease. It won’t provide nutrients. Check fertilizers to be sure you are using them for the correct type of plant you have germinated. Read the labels for all guidelines.

When the time comes to transplant to the outdoors do it gradually. Cut back on fertilizing and watering at least 1 week before. Put the containers in a shaded location outdoors. Gradually expose them to the direct sunlight, 1 to 2 hours to start. Shelter the plants at night, covering them or moving them indoors when the temperatures drop. When it’s warm enough carefully remove the seedlings from the containers and plant them into the ground or into large containers such as hanging baskets. And pat yourself on the back when they start blooming for a job well done.