With just a little planning, gardeners can get jump on the
planting season by starting seeds indoors. It’s easy, once you
have decided what you are going to grow from seed. The back
of most seed packets will provide you with basic information:
how long the seed will take to germinate and an estimate of
how long to grow the plant indoors before transplanting into
the garden. Find out the average safe date for transplanting in
your area, and count backwards to find out when to start your
seeds. Take time to consider how you are going to provide the
required warmth, humidity and strong light to your seed
starting project. Check for information on whether the seeds
need light or dark (a few seeds have specific requirements).
Before using any pots, trays or tools you have used before,
wash them with a solution of one part household
bleach to nine parts water.
Timetable for Starting Seeds
Zone 4 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mid-January:
By the end of January, be sure to seed Lisianthus, geraniums,
begonias and gerbera daisies.
Mid to Late February:
In mid to late February, start seed for snapdragons, geraniums,
dusty miller, verbena, thyme, sage and periwinkle (vinca).
Early to Mid-March:
Bachelor buttons
Cauliflower
Gazania
Rue
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Dahlberg daisy
Gomphrena
Salvia
Cabbage
Dahlias
Impatiens
Statice
Calendula
Dianthus
Petunias
Stocks
Mid to Late March:
Asters
Coleus
Nasturtiums
Sweet alyssum
Balsam
Eggplant
Nicotiana
Sweet pea
Celosia
Helichrysum
Parsley
Thunbergia
Chervil
Marigold
Peppers
Chives
Marjoram
Sage
Early to Mid-April:
Basil
Cilantro/coriander
Marigolds
Tomatoes
Beets
Fennel
Morning glory
Zinnia
Cabbage (late)
Kale
Onions
Peas (late)
Mid to Late April:
Beans
Endive
Melons
Pumpkins
Cucumber
Lettuce
Okra
Early to Mid-May:
You may still want to start a few pots of cucumbers, squash,
watermelons, zucchini and morning glory. It is also a good time
to start successive sowings of lettuce, carrots and radishes.
Mid to Late May:
At this time, you can begin sowing the following directly
outdoors: corn, beans, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, cleome,
sunflowers, radishes, lettuce, okra, squash and melons.
Containers:
Don’t worry too much about the pots you
use for your seedlings, as long as they are clean and provide
good drainage. There are many very handy seed starting trays
and pots available, made from plastic, clay, paper and peat.
Another option is Jiffy 7 Peat Pellets. These are made of compressed
peat in a mesh bag that expands when soaked with
water to form both a plantable pot and the planting medium.
Planting Medium:
The medium is extremely important.
For good germination, seeds will do best when planted
in a light, spongy mixture that has good moisture retention
and is well drained. Using a sterile growing medium such as
vermiculite or a peat-based seed starting mixture will minimize
disease problems. Wet your seeding medium and allow it
to drain before sowing the seeds into it. Watering over the top
can dislodge seeds.
Germination:
When it germinates, a seed will send up
a sprout with two seed leaves. It is important to wait for the
next set of leaves to develop before disturbing the seedling,
because seed leaves are not true leaves. Seedlings will do
best with 14-16 hours of light each day.
A One-Step Method:
Sow two or three seeds at the
appropriate depth in each individual container. After the seeds
germinate and the seedlings begin to form true leaves, pinch
off the smallest seedlings, leaving only the most vigorous plant
in each container. Continue to care for the remaining plant until
time to transplant to the garden.
When starting new plants use clean containers and fresh Bachman’s Mighty Earth potting soil.
Use a sharp pencil to make a hole in
the potting soil, then stick the cutting
in the hole. This will keep the rooting
powder in contact with the plant stem.
Lightly press the soil around the
cutting.
Cover the pot and cutting with a clear
plastic bag to maintain moisture. Remove bag when the
cutting has rooted.
Sesame Street Live
“Elmo’s Green Thumb”
Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as
they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny the sunflower in the all-new Sesame Street Live stage show, “Elmo’s Green Thumb” at Target Center from January 14-18. Save $5 on show tickets by picking up your exclusive coupon at any Bachman’s Floral, Gift and Garden Center before January 17, 2009.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
