Seed Starts in January

January is an excellent time to do indoor gardening. Even though early spring is around the corner, you can get a head start on planting summer vegetable seeds indoors. You will have seedlings to look forward to planting outdoors with the anticipation of picking fresh veggies in the summer! Getting started with the right container to plant your seeds is essential. Select peat pots, planting trays, and peat pellets. Ensure the container drains well and is large enough that it will not dry out between waterings.

Next step is to use a seedling potting mix specifically designed for starting seeds. Black Gold® Seedling Mix is the perfect medium for germination. The mix promotes better root development in young plants. Time for seed selection! The best seeds for indoor gardening are:

Larger seeds can be planted individually, while smaller seeds can be sprinkled 3-4 seeds per pot. Press in or lightly cover the seeds with seedling mix. The seeds need a warm place to germinate. After they sprout, sufficient light is critical. Cover your planted seeds with plastic wrap or with a tray lid if you are using planting trays. Use a spray bottle filled with water to keep soil moist. When the seeds begin to sprout, remove the coverings. Turn the pots or trays every couple of days to keep the plants growing straight. Plants will always grow towards the sunlight.

Thin or transplant seedlings when they grow to 2-3 inches tall and developed true leaves. Transplant them to slightly larger containers to allow roots to develop. Keep transplants out of direct sun for 48 hours to prevent wilting. Feed with a liquid soluble plant food diluted to half strength and keep the soil moist, not soggy. When the danger of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings into the garden, if they are acclimated to cooler temperatures.

Set your seedlings outdoors in the shade for 2-3 hours a day. Slowly expose them to full sunlight. After a week has transpired, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Use a transplant fertilizer when planting them into the ground. Follow these steps and you will have an abundance of fresh vegetables come summertime. For more information and growing tips, visit our website.