Get a Jump Start with Seeds

As the weather gets warmer and spring starts to touch all over the country, our thoughts turn to gardening. Starting seeds indoors gives a jump start on the spring season planting.

Here is a good list to follow to get your seeds started and ready for spring planting:

• Use clean potting soil in seed trays, (kits are available at local garden centers) or in pots and place them in a bright, warm area indoors.
• Make sure you keep the soil from drying out, and don't let it stay soggy. If you can water from the bottom, that is ideal. Some seeds will benefit from an overnight soak before sowing, such as parsley, peas and beans.  Because they have  thick, hard-coated seeds, nasturtiums can be lightly rubbed against something rough such as a nail file which will allow a quicker uptake of water and help germination.
• Make sure to label each plant variety.  Seeds will vary in germination time and some, such as parsley, are notoriously slow starters!
• The first two leaves that appear on seedlings, (cotyledons) contain all the necessary nutrients for growth. When you see the next leaves growing, which are the true leaves, you can begin to apply a diluted, liquid fertilizer.
• Once you are sure the frosts are over for your area, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors.