Secrets to Starting The Perfect Home Garden
Many of us are experiencing extreme cold weather that is absolutely decimating our summer gardens plans. And the longer we wait to get them started then the longer it will take them to bloom.
Lucky for you winter is actually the best time of year to start your seedlings indoor. Starting seedlings instead of buying small plants will help you save money and provide you with greater access to different plant life. Below is the best way to start your seedling garden.
1. Sort Seeds
Many don't realize but you have an opportunity to begin your garden indoors. This is because not all plants require you to plant directly in the ground. Some could be started inside. Plants like vegetables will need to be planted directly in the ground, but others won't. It will be a good idea for you to sort and separate seeds that need to be planted in the ground vs. indoors right off the start.If you're in doubt about what types of seeds get planted where you can usually just read the package and it will let you know. Also take note of how long the seeds will be good until. Most packages will alert you to when they should be planted according to the last frost date. For those who are unfamiliar with frost dates you can check the Farmer's Almanac, Frost Date Calculator.
2. Get Your Seed Containers
The only restriction is container depth. Make sure the container is 2-3 inches deep and you create some drainage holes. Make sure to use good soil for the seedlings and not what you find in your backyard. The best soil mix your seeds will help contribute to your seedlings begin germinating.3. Getting the right Temperature and light for Growth
The ideal temperature for seeds to germinate is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don't want to go sticking them outside in the dead of winter. We know that most homes don't get to 78 during the winter or it can get extremely muggy and wet. Consider placing the seeds next to a heating element or under small heat maps. The most cost effective method might end up placing them directly on top of the refrigerator, which generates a good amount of heat.If you're choosing to put the plants on top of the fridge then it might prove difficult to get the seedlings a healthy amount of light. You might want to try full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs that are as close to 3 inches from the seedlings. The seedlings will require anywhere from 12-15 hours of light per day. If that doesn't work you can always place it on the windowsill, but there is no guarantee you'll get the required sunlight in winter.
4. Water your Seedlings
Young plants are similar to young children. They need to be constantly fed. Keep the soil wet and moist but be careful you don't allow it to get too soggy. If you're comfortable then you could even put plastic lids over your containers right before the seedling is about to sprout. This will ensure a high humidity level to increase growth. Once they sprout make sure you remove the lid to prevent mold from growing.5. Nutrition
Liquid fertilizer should be added once you start seeing the first signs of leaves appearing. Each type of fertilizer and nutrition is different so make sure you read the instructions to ensure proper dosage to your young plants.6. Check Seeds Daily
This is one of the most important things you will need to do. Plants are a living, breathing organism and similar to a baby human you must keep a watchful eye on them when they are young. Make sure you check your baby plants daily to see how they are reacting to the humidity in your home, the light levels, warmth etc. Once they look healthy you can begin to gauge your outdoor conditions. If you see the weather begin to change toward spring it might be time plant them early. If it looks like it will be cold then you might want to continue growing them indoors.Share these tips with any friend who you know loves to garden or wants to begin there home garden this year.