It was so cold for so long, that it's just now feeling like spring. Every year, I think about starting seeds indoors and most years, I don't get a round "tuit." This year will be different though. Rather than think about it and talk about it, I am going to just do it. Wait, I'll post this first...
6 steps to growing indoors:
1. For containers, use plastic cell containers with covers
or egg cartons with holes poked in the bottom and saran wrap on top. (Or reuse the annual flats from last year.) You
can also use wood pulp pots or peat pellets. Whatever you use, make sure it has
drainage.
2. Fill with potting soil, preferably a mix with sphagnum
peat moss. Moisten the soil.
3.Plant a few seeds, not many, about 1/8 inch deep and pat
the soil lightly. Then cover with plastic and place in a very warm place, out
of direct sunlight.
4. Keep watered. Once the seeds sprout, move the pots to a
bright spot, a south-facing window is best. Water often, but not too much or
too fast. The plants are fragile. If they get too big for their containers,
move them to bigger pots.
5. When it gets close to planting time, it's time to harden
them by placing them outside during the day, to get used to it, but not in
direct sunlight at first. Bring them in every night.
6. When it's warm enough at night, transplant to the garden.
Dig a hole slightly deeper than the pot and put the plant in, supporting it
with your fingers. Firm the soil gently around the stem. Water carefully.
For tomatoes, it takes 6-8 weeks before they'll be ready to
transplant outside. We always wait until Memorial Day to put tomatoes and
peppers out, because you don't gain any growing time by putting them out too early. The plants grow much better when it's warmer at night. Besides, I
don't like covering plants in the garden every time there's a frost warning.
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