A Check list for Starting Seeds

 

   

As of this writing, we’re roughly eleven weeks away from May 15, which is our last average frost date along the Front Range. As a rule, May 15 (May 30 if you garden at altitude) is the start of our frost-free growing season. That said, you should always be prepared to deal with the unpredictable spring weather. Some years we’ve been able to plant as early as Mother’s Day, other seasons it’s after Memorial Day. Using May 15 and the information on the back of the seed packets you’ve selected, will help determine the date you’ll want to start your seeds indoors.

Example: Peppers should be started eight to ten weeks before last spring frost. Ten weeks before May 15 is the week of March 7. Begin the process by choosing high quality, fresh seeds from local suppliers. Check the back of the seed packet. There should be a 2022 date printed on it. This is your assurance that the seed is fresh. When you open the seed packet you should find seeds that are uniform in size and color. Selecting premium seeds will give you better germination rates and stronger seedlings. Take time to read the seed packet. You’ll find valuable information regarding planting depth, spacing and days to emerge on the outside of the packet. 

In addition to seeds, you’ll need containers, domes, labels and seed starting medium. When it comes to containers, plastic seed starting trays and inserts are the more traditional method for starting plants from seed. You fill the plastic cells with seed starting mix, then plant seeds in them. This method works very well, and you can choose from several different inserts.  An alternative method would be to use peat-based containers. An advantage to growing in peat pots is once your seedlings are ready to be moved to the garden, peat pots can be planted directly in the ground, which reduces transplant shock. Domes help hold in moisture and warmth while your seeds are sprouting. Domes are available in two inch and seven-inch sizes. Once your seeds have sprouted and have two sets of true leaves, remove the domes to allow air circulation.

It’s important to label trays, so you’ll know the variety of seed you’ve planted. Labels are available in a wood or plastic, and they can follow your seedlings from the starting tray right into the garden. Now that you have selected your seed starting trays, inserts, and domes, pick up some seed starting mix. Use seed starter, not potting soil. Seed starter mixes are sterile and hold moisture well. You'll have much better results with seed germination. It's a good idea to moisten the seed starting medium before you sow your seed.

Heat mats keep the temperature of the seed starter consistent even as the grow room cools off in the evening. Keeping the soil at a constant temperature promotes faster germination, larger root systems and sturdier plants. 

Starting plants from seed is a great way to get the variety of vegetables and tomatoes you want. Using the right seed and seed starting supplies will help insure healthier, stronger transplants when it does come to time to move your seedlings out into the garden.  

Now’s the Time to Plan Your Garden

 

 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, having a plan is important for three reasons.  A plan will help you decide what you’re going to grow this season. Planning your garden now will help you achieve the most from the space and location you have available A plan will also help you apply lessons – good and bad, from past gardening experiences.   

When deciding what to plant this year, it’s always good to grow what you’ll eat. If you don’t like beets or broccoli, don’t plant them. Once you’ve made your list of crops to grow, the next question is whether to direct sow, start your own seedlings or buy rooted starts from your local independent garden center. The best choice may be a combination of all three. 

A plan helps you map out the garden for the full season, from cool spring to warm season crops, then back to cool weather crops in the fall. Lettuce, spinach, cabbage and radishes can be planted in early March. Corn, tomatoes, peppers and other warm weather crops need to be planted after Mother’s Day. Or earlier if protection is available. By the time August gets here, you’re ready to replant cool weather crops for fall harvest. This is called succession planting and following this plan will optimize the amount of garden space available as well as the length of the season. 

 

Each season brings its own share of successes and failures. For example, last year’s tomato crop suffered from the heat most of the season. Lesson: You may need to supply some afternoon shade for your tomato plants. In seasons past, insects have been a problem. Lesson: Make plans this year to clean up the garden thoroughly before you plant. All this does is emphasize the importance of keeping a log during each gardening season. Taking pictures and writing things down is an easy and provides valuable information when it comes to planning your garden.  

Plan the garden on paper first. Draw a map showing the arrangement and spacing of crops. Arrange crops from tallest to shortest, North to South. Group plants by the length of their growing period. Plant spring crops together so that later crops can be planted in these areas after the early crops mature. Finally, practice crop rotation. Try not to plant the same vegetable or a related vegetable in the same location year after year. This is particularly important with tomato and potato crops.  

An effective plan will help your garden flourish while allowing room for changes as the season progresses.  

 

Three Reasons to Gift Houseplants on Valentine’s Day

  

  

Plants make people happy. They brighten our homes and offices, elevate our moods, help clean the air.  Because there are lots of beautiful, vibrant houseplants to choose from, you’re sure to find a match for your Valentine’s green thumb. Houseplants will last long beyond February 14th.  

  

Your valentine will think of you every time they water it and care for it. It’s like a little reminder of you sitting on their desk or on the windowsill.  

  

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to delight that special someone in your life. A live houseplant is a very personalized gift and will remind them of you long after Valentine's Day is over. Some plants to consider for Valentine's Day gifts include Gardenias, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Begonias, Anthurium and miniature roses.   

  

Gardenias have beautiful, scented flowers and glossy green leaves. As houseplants, Gardenias do well at temperatures from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to give them lots of light and keep the soil moist.   

  

Cyclamen plants enjoy bright, indirect light, cooler temperatures and like to be kept moist.   

  

  

Kalanchoe will do well in the low humidity of most houses this time of year. They like to dry out a little between watering. Place them in a bright room, out of direct sunlight.  

  

Rieger Begonias make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts.  Place them where they will receive bright, indirect light. Water after the top two inches of soil dries out.  

  

Anthurium will do best in a room where they’ll receive bright, indirect light and the temperature is around 70 degrees.  Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. 

  

Kordana roses are specially developed miniature roses that will do well indoors if you keep them in a window where they will receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade and away from drafts. These roses can be placed outside on the patio once summer arrives. 

   

   

  

This year, celebrate Valentine's Day with something unique. With a little care these lovely houseplants will bloom for many weeks after Valentine's Day.