Tips to Grow Spring Seeds

The clocks spring forward, the weather begins to warm, the Snowdrops bloom and I want to get outside and start gardening. In mid-March, it’s time to sow indoors the seeds of some of my favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers so that I will have healthy seedlings to plant outside in the garden as soon as the last possible date for frost passes. 

If I had space indoors and out, I’d start everything I possibly could.  But, I will hold back and consider these important guidelines:

1. Selecting the Right Seeds

Not all seeds are better off starting indoors first. It’s important to know which vegetables, herbs, and florals to start early and which grow best when sown outdoors. The shop carries a great selection of heirloom, organic, and non-GMO seeds from Botanical Interests that will fill up (or overfill) my vegetable garden. The following seeds typically transplant well:

Vegetables & Herbs

• Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Eggplant, Summer Squash

• Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Sage, Chives

Root vegetables that have large seeds, such as carrots and beets, are better started outdoors so their roots aren’t disturbed during transplanting.

Flowers 

• Petunias, Snapdragons, Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Zinnias, Marigolds, Calendula, Impatiens, Pansies, Violas

2. Timing

The general rule of (green) thumb is to sow seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. On the inside of every Botanical Interests seed packet, information about the best growing conditions for each variety is provided, including information about special care, organic gardening methods, and tips to improve the garden. 

3. Proper Potting 

When starting seeds indoors, it’s best to use a good seedling soil with organic nutrients and blended to optimize drainage (and always peat moss free!).  Sometimes it is a little challenging to get the seedlings out of the starting tray to transplant to the ground. I like to use biodegradable pots that can go directly into the ground.  Yes, it ensures a smooth, successful planting, especially for plants with sensitive roots, but it also saves me time because I can just plop the whole container directly in each hole. 

After I plant my seeds in their wee little pots, I label each pot (I know I won’t be able to tell each tiny sprout apart). Then, I set my trays to a warm and bright location near a window (near my coffee maker), so I can check on them twice a day. Ok fine, three to four times a day… 

Because I have an ideal location to start seeds, I don’t use a grow light or heat mat - those are great options if the best place to start your seeds is in your basement or another location that isn’t sunny and warm. 

Until I see growth, I cover the pots with a plastic wrap, which helps retain moisture and increase humidity. Once I see green sprouts peeking through the soil, I remove the plastic and keep the soil moist using my Haws spritzer to prevent drying and drowning the little baby plants.

Then, I wait…

Based on The National Gardening Association frost dates, I won’t plant my seedlings outside (here in the DC area) until April 24th (give or take a few days), when the nighttime temperatures are above 40°. Counting down the days!