Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting Seeds

Almost time to dig out those seed packets and start planting

Starting seeds indoors is a way for many gardeners to get a jump on Spring seed planting. Getting the seeds to germinate indoors where temperatures and moisture can be controlled is a far more easier experience, in my opinion, than planting seeds directly in the garden. The trick is getting them to germinate and not grow too big before they have to be moved outside. If you have the space and light available, this might not be so bad. But if your seedlings don't get the light and nutrients that they need, perhaps the only plants that you'll be planting in the garden are ones that wiil need crutches for support. Plants that don't get the correct amount of light and nutrients will most certainly be spindly. With a plant like tomatoes, you can still have success because tomatoes can be laid on their sides in the planting hole and covered over with only a few leaves showing above the soil. Most other plants you don't have this option. You may want to consider a small homemade greenhouse for finishing your seedlings.

Advantages of starting seeds indoors:

• Earlier harvest from your garden
• Showing off to the neighbor over your bright red tomatoes, while theirs are just barely pushing up soil.
• Plants are better established when the heat of summer arrives.
• Wards off winter blues.
• Kids can watch the process of plant growth up close.

Disadvantages to starting seeds indoors:

• Starting seeds indoors requires patience.
• From seed starting to planting out in the garden, you will need to dedicate lots of time to the seedlings.
• Your living room may look like a jungle on nights when frost threatens and your young plants must be brought back inside.
• All your hard work can be thwarted if you don't take the time to harden off your plants when they are ready to go outside.
  

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