Starting seeds indoors is a time-honored way to get a jump on the growing season.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Plasticseed traysand seed-starter kits are super easy for growing seeds indoors.
But it’s possible for you to dig through your recycling bin, too.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Just remember to punch a drainage hole in each container before planting.
Or, you’re able to make your own seed starter pots from newspaper.
Fill pots with fresh, moistened seed-starting mix.
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Don’t use garden soil, which is too heavy and may have insects or diseases in it.
Leave about a quarter-inch of room at the top to make watering easier.
Sometimes not every seed will germinate.
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Adding 2-3 seeds to each pot increases your chances of success.
Once everything has sprouted, you could thin out the extra seedlings.
The water will also help the potting mix settle around the seeds.
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Label and cover seeds.
Label each of your potsso you know what’s growing in them.
Keep pots warm and watered.
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The ideal temperature is about 75F but no hotter than 90F.
They need about 12 hours of light a day to grow properly.
Just check that to check them every day or so to see if they need more water.
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As the seedlings make their presence known, they need more space.
Transplant them into larger containers, this time in regular potting mix instead of seed-starting mix.
That’s what’s known ashardening off your plants.
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Each day, increase the length of time you leave them outside until they can remain outdoors all day.
Flower colors come in shades of blue, purple, red, pink, white, and bi-colors.
Morning gloriesare considered invasive in certain parts of the country, so check before growing.
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Nasturtiums
Nasturtiumshave edible flowers that come in lots of colors.
Some varieties also offer variegated leaves.
These plants grow vigorously andmake good companion plants in veggie gardens.
Sunflowers
There’s so much to love about big, cheerysunflowers.
They come in lots of interesting varieties, ranging from compact to towering plants.
Bonus: Birds and bees love them, too.
Use a grow lightor move your plants into a better lit spot.
check that you use fresh seed-starting mix.
A small fan blowing across seedlings also can help.
