When it's too cold or too hot, you can always

start your garden in a seed tray indoors.

 

Novice gardeners will find that seeds germinate in their respective optimal temperatures ranges, and sometimes the weather outside is not optimal for the vegetables you want to start!  Starting seeds indoors in seed trays can ensure a constant supply of vegetables throughout the growing season.   We carry several products, listed below, to help you start your vegetables from seed.  Please visit the gardening articles page for more information specific to our growing area.  Vegetable varieties adapted to our climate will increase your garden yields.  Always have the days of maturity in mind before starting your seeds (ex.  will your vegetable mature before the growing season ends?).  Here are 6 simple steps to remember when starting your seed trays:

 

Seed Start Steps:

1. Fill tray with seedling mix soil (this soil is sterile and lightweight, allowing roots to establish quickly without risk of disease)

2. Water tray thoroughly so the soil settles and air pockets are removed

3. Using a blunt pen (ex. Sharpie) make an impression deep enough into the soil for your chosen vegetable (see seed packet for depth)

4. Place 2 seeds per hole (to make up for seeds that don't germinate)

5. Top tray with more seedling mix soil and water gently but thoroughly

6. Place tray in a well lit area-if there is not enough light your starts will grow tall and thin.

 

It is important to keep the seeds moist.  You can do this by misting the tray and keeping saran wrap

over the tray.  When seeds start to germinate remove the saran wrap.  Thin each cell so that one plant

remains.  Repot into bigger containers when you notice plants are no longer thriving.  Fertilize

and acclimate seedlings & plants to the new soil before planting them in their garden area.

If you have any questions about this process, please call 541-389-9663!