Starting from SeedBy Jack Bigej, Owner of Al's Garden Centers
I’m not a fan of winter. There is nobody more excited
than I am to see those first signs of spring, like the appearance of
crocus and primroses. They pop up and I know I’m down the home
stretch. It’s then that I can begin planning my vegetable
garden.
Part of my planning is deciding which vegetables I should start from
seed. It is also during these early months before spring that you
should begin planting many of the summer vegetables you want to start from
seed.
Some seeds you’ll want to start indoors. There are others
that you’ll be able to plant directly outside into the
ground. Follow these simple steps to sprout all sorts of tasty
treats this coming season.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Here is what you need to get started:
Something to plant in - peat pots, planting trays, and peat pellets
work best. Just make sure the container drains well and is large
enough that it won’t dry out between waterings.
Seedling potting mix - you will want to use a potting soil that is
designed for starting seeds. Black Gold® Seedling Mix is
the perfect medium for germinating seeds. The mix is designed to promote
better root development in young plants.
Seeds - there are so many to choose from. For most plant
varieties, plan on growing them 6-8 weeks indoors, but check packet
directions for accurate growing times. Also check the packet to see
if pre-soaking is recommended. Some seeds are recommended to be sown
directly into the ground, so make sure to read the directions.
A place to grow - seeds need a warm place in order to
germinate. After they sprout, sufficient light is critical. A
sunny windowsill works fine, as long as it isn’t too hot or too
cold.
A cover – if your planting tray did not come with a clear
plastic lid, you can use plastic wrap to cover your finished tray.
Spray bottle – you’ll want a spray bottle to be able to
mist your soil to keep it moist.
Now you are ready to plant your seeds. Follow these easy
steps for success!
Fill your planting tray or peat pots with seedling potting mix.
Pre-moisten the mix with clean water. Peat pellets are fun to use if
you have young children. When you add water the peat pellet
transforms from a flat disc to a tall self planting pot.
Place your seeds in the soil. Larger seeds can be planted
individually into the tray or peat pot. Smaller seeds can be very
difficult to see. Sprinkle 3-4 seeds over the soil in each
pot. Press in or lightly cover the seeds with potting mix. Do
not cover them too deeply with soil.
Cover your planting tray with a clear tray lid or with clear plastic
wrap. You can also place plastic wrap over the tops of individual
pots if you don’t have a tray. Place the tray or pots in a
warm spot out of direct sunlight. Make sure that your soil always
remains warm and moist.
When the seeds begin to sprout, remove the plastic wrap. Turn the
tray every two days to keep the plants growing straight. Plants will
always grow towards the sunlight.
Thin or transplant the seedlings when they get 2”-3” tall
and have developed true leaves. This should happen after about 2-3
weeks. Thinning is done by gently pulling up the young plant or
pinching off the stem. Transplant them to slightly larger containers
to allow the roots to continue to develop. Lift seedlings carefully
by digging them out with a fork or spoon, taking care not to
disturb the tender roots. Keep transplants out of direct sun
for a couple of days to prevent wilting.
Feed with a liquid soluble plant food diluted to half strength and
remember to keep your soil moist, but not soggy.
When the danger of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings into
the garden, but they must first be “hardened off”. Set
the tray outdoors in shade for 2-3 hours a day. The following week,
set the plants out a little longer each day, slowly exposing them to full
sunlight. After the week is over, transplant the seedlings into the
garden. Remember to use a transplant fertilizer when planting
them.
Planting Seeds Outdoors
After danger of frost (typically May 1st in the Willamette Valley) has passed there are many seeds you can plant directly into the ground. To begin, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and where the
soil drains well. Prepare the soil by raking the area clear of
leaves and other debris. Dig the garden to loosen the soil down to
about 12”. Add a transplant fertilizer at this time.
Make planting rows with a garden trowel or a pointed object, like a
pencil to make indentations in the soil. Some seeds like cucumbers
may require you to make the soil into mounds to plant the seeds.
Plant the seeds according to the spacing directions on the back of the
seed packet. Large seeds can be planted individually. Some seeds,
like carrots are quite small. These smaller seeds can be mixed with
a bit of sand and sprinkled over the area. You will want to read the
directions to know how deep to plant the seeds.
Attach the empty packet to a stick at the end of the row if you wish
to identify what is planted there.
Water the area with a gentle flow from a watering can or hose.
Be careful not to shoot the seeds right out of the soil with too strong of
water pressure. Keep the garden moist (not wet), until the plants are
up and growing.
Final Tip: Whether planting a seed straight into the soil or planting
a transplant, don't forget to bait for slugs. They will feast on your young
plant before the plant grows big enought to feed you! Plus, keep a photo
journal or a log of the weekly progress in your garden. Once the sun
decides to finally return you'll be surprised at how quickly your
tiny little seedling starts mature and you can begin to harvest the fruits
and vegetables of your labor.
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