Growing Seedlings Indoors

For the adventurous and the thrifty minded among us growing your plants from seed is the way to go those plants that require a longer growing period or are harder to raise outdoors from seed. In the Nashville area those plants include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, peppers, onions, leeks, celery, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and some herbs and flowers. The information on the back of the seed packet will always include very basic information on growing that plant. This week I will start tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and thyme, lavender.

You will need a plastic flat or recycled plastic jugs (with holes in the bottom to allow water to drain) to hold your potting medium and a spot with plenty of light. Don't use any potting mixture with added fertilizers as they do more harm than good.

It is always best to start with just a couple of new plants each year to that you can learn about their likes and dislikes. So maybe start with tomatoes this year which are fairly easy to grow inside and you won't have to settle for the same old, same old plants available at your local big box store.

Just plant in moistened plant medium and keep moist, not too dry or too wet and keep in a well lighted place. In about 5-10 days you will see the seedling emerge from the soil. For more information on starting tomatoes from seed go to Garden Web where you can find some great pictures to help you.

I will plant these seeds between the 13th and 22nd of February, when the moon is right to get them off on the right foot.

If this seems a little to much for some of you, worry not!! Windy Acres Farm Shop will have plenty of started plants available at the correct planting times.