I think February should be declared ‘Seed Sowing Month’ and if you enjoy the smell and feel of soil on your hands, I know you will agree with me. This is a wonderful way to start the gardening year, whether you live high or low rise, an excellent way to get a head-start on the season. Fill some of those decorative planters you enjoyed throughout the summer months last year on your balcony, deck or patio. There is something extremely satisfying watching seedlings develop and mature from the security of our homes when winter snows and freezing temperatures prevail as we almost hibernate between January and March.
As you explore the seed racks at the garden centre read the growing instructions on the reverse of the package. This information is invaluable. Seeds planted indoors require different periods of germination time and this will vary from plant to plant. If you sow too soon seedlings will become pale and stretched-looking while waiting to be transplanted into frost-free garden soil. If you plant too late, especially when it comes to certain fruits and vegetables, such as peppers and melons, you may find your plants are not sufficiently mature for transplanting outside to take advantage of the longest possible growing period of warmth and sunshine. Some annuals that require an early start include geraniums, impatiens and
As well as the pure enjoyment of growing from seed there are several other advantages. You will find a far wider selection of plants in the seed racks than the average garden centre could possibly hope to accommodate. Also, due to the nominal cost of seeds, you can grow a large selection for very little and experience the pleasure of passing on excess quantities of your gardening talents to friends as well as the local food bank .
Growing plants from seed is an exciting and magical experience. The eager search for the first appearance of small green specks to break through the soil’s surface can be quite exhilarating. Different seeds have different germination requirements and this includes: light or darkness (covering or not covering); soaking (softening the seed coat by immersing in water overnight); scarifying (nicking or filing the seed coat with a knife, sandpaper or nail file); stratifying (subjecting the seed, after sowing in a moist medium, to a period of cold treatment before transferring to a warmer location). All this information should be available on the seed packet or you can make enquiries at the garden centre when consulting with a Certified Gardening Professional.
Basic equipment you will need for embarking upon your seed planting venture can be approached in low or high profile manner. The choice is entirely yours.
Containers
Most people prefer to use a plastic shallow tray; any type will do as long as drainage holes are provided. This can be a re-cycled food container, however, ensure it is thoroughly sterilized. A solution of bleach and hot water mixed in a ratio of 1-10 will work just fine. You can also use peat pots or pellets that can later be planted directly into the ground. These two latter items are invaluable when transplanting plants that dislike having their roots disturbed, for example corn, cucumber, lupines, nasturtiums and poppies.
Name Tags
When you sow you think you will remember everything! However, for most of us the truth is, in a month’s time we can’t identify one plant from another. Purchase ready-made tags or recycle popsicle sticks. Cut up window blinds destined for kerb-side pickup make excellent plant tags. Chop them up while you enjoy a favourite television programme from the comfort of your armchair.
Planting Medium
Prepared soilless mixes for seed starting, such as Green Earth, are readily available at the garden center. You can, however, make your own with a mix of peat moss, vermiculite and sharp sand of equal proportions.
Germination
Most seeds require initial warmth until germination. You can utilize the heat above your re
