Starting seeds

With our current life circumstances I am seeing many people wanting to grow gardens.  And with growing gardens I am seeing many people starting seeds.

Starting seeds is so fun!  I love it.

I told myself I wasn't going to this year.

I was working full time.

I wouldn't have the time.

Then...

I picked up a seed starter tray...and well...it just opened the floodgates.

I do not have as many starts as I've had in the past, but, I do have more than I will likely need.

Of course I do.

Because that is what us seed starters do...we start too many seeds at once.  Then...eventually...we end up with too little space.  But that is besides the point today.

I wanted to take some time to talk about starting seeds.

It is uber exciting.

I love that feeling of excitement as new little wee sprouts first poke out of the starter.  Then they need that first transplant because they have outgrown their original container...

sigh.

If you have never experienced this, you should try it sometime.

But I do have a few words of caution.

We are finding ourselves in a pandemic.  Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last three weeks, you are aware of this.  A synonym for pandemic for some means panic.

Don't get me wrong!  I am so excited for the new gardeners.  Those who are worried about our food futures and are deciding to grow their own food.  I am so proud of you.  I am so excited.  Growing your own food is amazing.  I have said many times, food from your own dirt is just a million times better.  (Don't look for that exact quote, but that is how I feel)  It tastes much better and lasts longer...truly!

Now I kinda digress.  My advice...that was where I was going.

So many are excited about growing gardens and starting seeds.

But slow down for a minute!

I have seen many who were starting EVERYTHING that you might EVER grow in a garden. (I started this post back in March)

Please take note of my following three points:

Number 1:  Not all plants do well when started early and transplanted.  Some are much better sown directly into the ground once it is warm enough to do so.

Number 2:  I originally posted these to my Facebook and the date as changed but IT IS ONLY APRIL 3rd! (Life got busy and I didn't get to editing until much later than April 3rd...now, on April 21st, you won't have as long to wait!)  Do some research.  Check to see what growing zone you are in.  This zone is based on your usual climate and how long your usual growing season is.  This is important because you need to know when your last expected frost is.  Here where I live, our last expected frost is around May 20.  That is 6.5 weeks away.  Some plants will die if started this early.  Some plants should not be placed outdoors until 2 weeks after the last expected frost date.  Frosts may kill plants if placed outdoors too early and for others that grow too quickly, the plants may break during transplant, or go into shock due to undue stress on roots.

Number 3:  Some plants will need a lot of space as they get bigger.  You may have to pot up as the plants get larger.  So you need to consider if you will have the space to devote to these plants.

So what can you do 6.5 weeks before the last frost.

Well there are plants that you could start.  Check online for a seed starting calendar and start keeping a journal.

You can grow greens indoors.  You can start them in a new pot every 1-2 weeks and enjoy baby greens in no time and over a long time.

You can start sprouts in a glass jar.  I have a sprout starter that I use, but the instructions for in a jar can be found easily online.

You can start your tomatoes, and you can start peppers still (Maybe not hot peppers as they take a bit longer).  You can plan out your gardening space and gather supplies. 

You can dream about harvests and green beauties as far as your eye can see. 

Happy gardening!