Growing Seeds From Scratch

You can still get a head start on your gardening now … indoors, that is.

Looking out upon the piles of dirty snow blanketing the grass, spring—and its abundance of colorful blooms—seems so far away. Sigh.

It makes your green thumb itch with anticipation, doesn’t it? Luckily, you don’t have to wait until spring to put that green thumb to good use. Because even if Jack Frost maintains his chilly grip on winter, you can still get a head start on your gardening now … indoors, that is.

Why not start growing seeds on your windowsill and transplant them outdoors when the weather permits? Cultivating a garden from scratch is a rewarding activity, as you get to nurture a few seeds into a full-grown plant and enjoy the beautiful (and sometimes edible) results.

Successful propagation requires the right growing conditions because seeds are so fragile. You’ll want to give them only good organic sterile seed starting soil, plenty of room, good air circulation, warm temperatures, and ample sunlight and careful watering. You can plant in peat pots, flats, Dixie cups or egg cartons. Place them in a very well lit, but not drafty spot. If you are using artificial light, you’ll need twice that of the sun. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Thin the trays as they fill out and transplant into a large pot about six weeks after growing. Once there is no fear of frost, move outdoors and water.

Watch them grow, and watch yourself grow with pride knowing you did it from scratch! Happy Growing!

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