Tips for a Successful Seed-Sowing Season

Starting seeds for a garden is an exciting and rewarding experience that allows you to control the growing process from start to finish. By starting seeds indoors, you can control the growing conditions, choose from a wider variety of plants, and extend the growing season. With proper care and attention, your seedlings will be ready to thrive in your garden in no time.

To ensure successful seed planting, it is essential that you have access to all the necessary information either from the company or on the seed packet label.

Below are some key points that you should be aware of:

1) Look at the label

2) Know your climate zone

3) Only buy what you need

4) Plan your garden and plan your seeds

5) Understand your land

While certain seeds can be directly sown into the ground, others require indoor planting and subsequent transplantation into your garden.

Seeds to Start Indoors:

Basil  l  Bell Peppers  l  Broccoli

Cabbage | Cantaloupes | Cauliflower | Celery  |  Cucumbers

Eggplant | Jalapenos | Kale | Kohlrabi | Lettuce | Oregano |Pumpkin |

Rosemary | Sage| Swiss Chard | Thyme | Tomatoes | Watermelon | Zucchini

Seeds You Can Plant Straight In The Ground:

Arugula | Beets | Carrots | Chives

Cilantro | Corn | Dill | Green Beans | Parsley

Parsnips | Peas | Radishes | Spinach | Turnips

Why We Start Seeds Indoors:

1) It gives you a head start on the growing season

2) It is necessary for a number of plants. Warm season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant- cannot be planted too early in the Spring because the soil is too cold.

3) If you do not grow seeds indoors, consider buying young plants called "Transplants" or "Starts."

4) There is a much wider range of varieties available as seeds.

When To Start Seeds Indoors:

Timing is crucial when it comes to seed sowing. It is important to avoid getting ahead of ourselves. If seeds are sown too early, the plants may outgrow their pots before the weather is warm enough to transplant them outside. Conversely, starting seeds too late may not allow enough time for them to mature before the end of the growing season. Thus, it is a balancing act.

The Farmer’s Almanac Planting Calendar (available for free online) lists the ideal dates to start your vegetables, both inside and out. This customized tool is based on your zip code and local frost dates.

In general, it is recommended to sow most annual vegetables indoors about six weeks prior to the last frost in your area.

Your packet of seeds will often list when the seeds should be started indoors. For example, it may say, “Start indoors eight weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.”

Direct Seeding Things To Know:

Planting seeds at the correct depth is crucial. As a rule of thumb, seeds should be sown at a depth that is twice their diameter, but not deeper. However, it is recommended to refer to the seed packet for precise information on this matter. Certain seeds require being lightly pressed onto the soil surface, as they need ample light to germinate. For seeds that need to be sown at a depth of two or three times their diameter, it is advisable to create individual holes or furrows.

It is important to be mindful of seed spacing when planting. Vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, and carrots, which have small seeds, can be planted close together initially and later thinned out to the appropriate spacing once the seedlings have sprouted. In general, it is advisable to sow extra seeds, as not all of them may germinate.

If you are new to gardening, it is recommended to plant in distinct rows instead of scattering the seeds widely. Planting in rows makes it easier to manage weeds between them and distinguish seedlings from weedlings. Weeds typically do not grow in rows, which makes them easier to spot and remove. Typically, rows are spaced approximately one foot apart, but it is advisable to refer to the seed packet for precise instructions.

After sowing the seeds, it is crucial to firm the soil to promote good contact between the seeds and the soil.

It is important to water new seeds gently to avoid washing them away or causing them to clump together. Avoid using a hose at full strength so you do not blast the seeds. Instead, use a gentle mist to moisten the soil or let the water trickle slowly around the area.