Growing Seedlings

So, you want to try starting your garden from seed this year. That is a great idea as it is neat to watch how the plants grow from start to finish. When you buy them pre-grown, you miss the most exciting part of the plants growth cycle. It is amazing how much a plant can grow from day to day and it is much easier to see in the first few weeks of the plants life.


Starting your seeds indoors is how many people must do it just because of how the climate is in that region. In Wisconsin, I rarely plant outdoors before Memorial Day weekend. It is far too cold at night for a good germination process. 2012 was my first year of exception as I planted outside almost 3 weeks early and plants are doing very well.


I typically use one of those mini greenhouses that can be found at most stores as early as January. If you have any fine compost at home use that mixed in with a cheap bag of potting soil, or try to buy a little better potting soil if you do not have compost to add. I like to plant 2 seeds in each cell just in case one does not do so well and I can choose later which looks more healthy and keep the best of the bunch.


Try to use a good water and water often to keep damp but not soaked. By good water I mean not tap if possible. My best luck came from using water from the fish tank. The fish secretions add nutrients to the water that are very beneficial for your seedlings. If you do not have a fish tank, try to use rain water or melt some snow in a bucket. If you must use tap water, the seeds should still grow.


Thin as needed, transplant as needed, and grow your own plants from seed this year. Remember, Mother Earth smiles when you garden!