Start Your Garden from Seeds this Spring

Seed starting is a great way to start your garden early and ensure that you have a steady supply of healthy, robust plants throughout the growing season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, seed starting can be a rewarding and fun activity. Here’s what equipment you will need and some tips for success.

When to Start Seeds

The timing of seed starting depends on the plants you want to grow. Generally, you should start seeds indoors a few weeks before planting them outdoors. This will give your plants enough time to grow and become strong before you transplant them outside.

What Equipment You Need 

To start seeds indoors, you will need a few basic gardening tools. Here is a list:

• Containers: Start your seeds in peat pots or peat plugs which will eliminate the need to transplant the seedlings from a container into the ground, reducing the possibility of damaging them.

• Soil: Use high-quality seed-starting mix designed to provide the right balance of nutrients and moisture for young plants.

• Seeds: Choose high-quality seeds and make sure to read the instructions on the seed packets.

• Water: Water your seeds regularly, but don’t overwater.

• Light: Seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. Be sure to place them on a sunny windowsill. Consider starting with easy growing vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, peas, peppers, and squash.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips for successful seed starting:

• Start with clean containers: Wash your containers well with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.

• Plant at the right depth: Follow the instructions on the seed packet to determine the proper depth for planting your seeds.

• Provide enough light: Seedlings need 12-16 hours of light per day. If you are using grow lights, keep them about 2 inches above the plants.

• Keep the soil moist: Check the soil regularly and water as needed. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid overwatering.

• Provide ventilation: Airflow is important for preventing disease and promoting strong growth. Open a window or use a fan to circulate the air around your seedlings.

• Harden off your plants: Before transplanting your seedlings outside, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day.

• Transplant carefully: When it’s time to transplant your seedlings, be gentle. Carefully lift them out of their containers and plant them at the same depth they were growing in their containers.

Starting your garden indoors can be fun and easy. Follow the above tips to get a great start on the gardening season for Spring 2024.

At Down to Earth Garden Center in Rockland County, their garden center is filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs and trees, with new arrivals coming in every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom has a wide selection of contemporary, classic, traditional and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture as well as home décor. Down to Earth Living is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, NY. Hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily and they can be reached at 845-354-8500. Online find them at www.dteliving.com