Getting your Garden Started
Spring is just around the corner, regardless of the lingering snow on the ground and the freezing nights we get to put up with. The Sun is making its way higher and higher in the sky and the days are getting longer. This is a great time to start early on your garden for the year by planting indoors.
So how do you get your garden started early? You’ll need to pick up a few simple things ahead of time. After all, the early bird gets the worm.
You will need the following:
Seeds (duh)
Seed starting pots (for the seeds)
Potting Mix (soil for the pots)
Seed tray that has a clear lid (or you can make your own with plastic wrap)
Spray bottle (distilled water works best)
A good spot by the window for sunshine (South Facing windows work best)
Start by filling your pots with pre-moistened potting mix. Pick a mix that best suits whatever you’re trying to grow. They often come pre-packaged now geared towards growing fruits and vegetables, or flower, etc. Be sure not to pack the mix into the pots too tightly. Air space is crucial for healthy growth and moisture uptake.
Now place your seeds on top of the mix and gently push them into the soil. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the bigger the seed, the deeper it needs to be in the soil. For example things like peas require the darkness of depth to get started. Cover them with a small amount of starter mix approximately equal in depth to their height, and give them their first spritz of water.
Next, assemble your pots and cover them with the seed tray or whatever makeshift clear covering you have made. Just be sure it has ventilation as air is essential to their growth. Once you have them all together, get them to a warm place. At this point they are not craving any sunlight, but you can trick them into thinking it’s Spring by keeping them warm. Only spray them with water if the mix feels dry. Too much humidity can be damaging.
After a few days (up to a couple of weeks, depending on what it planted) they will begin to sprout. It is at this point that your early garden wants sunshine. Remove the clear cover and get them to that South facing window. Keep them moist as the leaves begin to sprout, but be sure to avoid over watering.
Once they have leaves, they are technically ready to be transplanted. But don’t jump the gun right away. Keep them inside until you know there won’t be another frost. While you’re waiting you can pull the smaller sprouts to avoid overcrowding.
Congratulations! You just got a jump on your gardening for the upcoming season. Getting your garden started early indoors will save on wasted time and heartache, leaving you to enjoy the fruits of your larbour.