Seed Sowing Time

The first two weeks of March is a good time for seed sowing. If you start any earlier I find that the seedlings get too straggly. If too late you have delayed getting them into your garden beds of vegetables and flowers. You want to aim for good strong seedlings with a healthy root system to be ready when all danger of frost is over in your climate zone.

First you will sow the seeds. Sprinkle lightly over a sterile mix of moistened fine vermiculite and perlite. Tap a creased white paper to see that the seeds are distributed evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or a pane of glass. Remove briefly if water droplets form.

Then you will need to thin them out so that each plant has the best opportunity for light water and food. Be sure not to fertilize them until they are about 3" tall and then with a 1/2 dilution so as not to burn the tender roots.

Q. I want to start my very own seedlings inside for my garden instead of buying them. Can I do that? When do I plant them outside? Do I pick a day and plant them all at the same time? I am new at gardening and need help badly!

A. To determine the best time to start seeds indoors first find your frost date [the approximate last spring frost in your area]. If you do not know it call your local Cooperative Extension Service or Ag Department or even a weather department for local TV/radio news.

Count backward from that date the number of weeks indicated below to determine when to start your seeds indoors [note: these are approximate]:

12-14 weeks: onions garlic leeks chives pansies impatiens and coleus [long-developing plants]

8-12 weeks: peppers lettuce cole crops (brassicas as cabbage broccoli Brussels sprouts) petunias snapdragons alyssum and other hardy annuals [meaning they can take a little cool temperature but certainly not a frost!]

6-8 weeks: eggplant and tomatoes [Mediterranean vegetables]

4-6 weeks: zinnias cockscombs marigolds and other tender annuals [meaning that they do not like cool temperatures at all]

2-4 weeks: cucumbers melons okra pumpkins squash [fast-growing vegetables]