I usually plant my garden seeds directly into the outdoor soil each spring, but this year on February 28th I planted Broccoli, Carnations and several tomato seeds, Sungold and Summerfeast. Only 10 days later they were popping up out of the soil and looking healthy. Have you ever grown your own carnations? I am one of those people who loves the smell of home-grown carnations because the florist versions have very little if no scent at all. Home grown carnations have an amazing sweet clove fragrance. The carnation seeds I bought from Botanical Interests Seed Company and the Broccoli and Tomato seeds I bought online from Renee’s Seeds.
Seed Starting Indoors
This seed starter set-up I found at Target in the gardening section, it’s a “Burpee” brand bio-degradable packaged seed starter with soil and under-tray included . I plan to use it over and over again. I placed warm water in the tray and kept the seeds moist through the bottom tray instead of pouring water over the seeds.
Starting seeds indoors, especially tomatoes is a great way to get a head start on your spring garden. Keep seedlings moist but not soaking wet, then place them in a sunny window or use cool fluorescent bulbs to light them during the day. After the danger of frost has passed it will be safe to transplant the seedlings into the garden.
I have heard from master gardeners and several horticulture articles that growing heirloom tomatoes is difficult and not as easy as growing hybrid tomatoes. I did purchase the Summerfeast tomato that is an heirloom so I will keep you posted on how that goes! Maybe it will be my “garden challenge” for the spring.
This week they all go outside to start the “Harden Off” process since the soil is warming up and the danger of frost is over. To Harden Off Seeds introduce them slowly to the outdoors by placing them in a shady area for a few days, but keeping them indoors at night. Day 2 through 6 allow the seedlings to be exposed to more sun and on Day 7-10 keep them outside full time. I usually transfer them into the garden at about Day 10 when the seedlings have hardened off and are acclimated to the outdoor temperatures and sun exposure.
Thanks for visiting my garden blog:www.nadiaknows.com
Sunflower started indoors from seed then transplanted into garden at about 3 inches tall.
Apr 07, 2010 @ 07:20:33
Nadia, Thanks for the great ideas!!! I didn’t get a chance to start my larger vegie garden this year, because I took it all apart last year do to the drought. Starting things this way is helpful then I can just transplant them into large pots on my deck..this way I’m not using as much water, but still get the benefit of some homegrown vegies!! Thanks!
Apr 08, 2010 @ 22:35:27
I like to do both… seeds and plants. Maybe one day I will be “all seed” but I am not that patient… so maybe not!
Apr 09, 2010 @ 00:33:03
I envy you the head start on Spring! Here in Aberdeenshire Scotland, we still have snow on the hills. We were in blizzard conditions a week ago.
It is finally starting to warm up though and the daffodils are trying their best to shine through.
Apr 09, 2010 @ 04:12:17
I’ve been looking through your site. You have some nice posts on here, especially this one – I really liked it…nice post. Consider yourself bookmarked
Apr 09, 2010 @ 07:58:14
Too cool getting a comment from Scotland! I thought I was cold this morning with low 60′s. I was in Scotland a few summers ago, so green and lovely there.
Apr 09, 2010 @ 08:32:13
I love watching plants grow! This is a great post. Thanks for your visit to my Gardening Activity Idea for Homeschool…I’ll add your link. : )
Apr 09, 2010 @ 16:24:04
You really make good articles I would say. This is the first time I visited your site and so far I am impressed with the research you made to make this article awesome. Good Job!
Apr 11, 2010 @ 07:29:26
Great job. Remember to harden those seedlings off before getting them there new outside permanent home. Matti
Apr 11, 2010 @ 10:56:56
Yes, I did and thank you. I forgot to mention that in my blog.. i will go back and edit that!
May 01, 2010 @ 09:27:48
This is one awesome article post.Really thank you! Great.
May 03, 2010 @ 20:16:44
Hello, Filling the forum with some good tips and information, I did follow A couple of your posts. Really love this page.