Shirley’s Vegetable Garden™ 
By Shirley Barriger
March Starting Your Seedlings
Welcome to spring! In the northern section of the U.S. that means people are looking forward to warmer weather and garden preparations.
If you plan to start some vegetable seeds indoors for transplanting outdoors later, there are some basic guidelines to follow. First, not all vegetables need to be started indoors as they do better if sown directly into the prepared soil outdoors when weather permits. Vegetables that are started from seed indoors are ones that produce a bush (tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, etc.) or large vines (cucumbers, melons, squash, etc.). The vine plants need to be started in individual containers (small tin cans or plastic containers) so transplanting doesn’t disturb their roots. Other seeds can be sown in larger containers. Most plants needs 5-8 weeks of growth before transplanting, some 3-4 weeks. Check seed packets for grow times.
The second thing to consider is, it is important to have either a good sunny window with a southern exposure or some electric “grow lights” which emit rays similar to the sun.
The third item is what containers to use. You can purchase all kinds of seed starting containers; peat pots, little cubes complete with soil, flats, and complete seed growing kits. You can save money and recycle by using foam egg cartons (cardboard ones tend to dry out faster), cut lid off and place under bottoms for reinforcement. Be sure to poke holes in the bottom of egg carton for drainage. Plastic milk jugs or cartons (cut in half lengthwise) or that old cake pan can also be used.
The larger containers need half an inch of gravel or crushed stone on the bottom (and drainage holes) before you add the potting soil. After soil is added into the large containers, level soil off using a small ruler being sure soil is without lumps. (If you want rows, use the side of ruler to make ¼ inch deep troughs.)
After sprinkling seeds onto soil, gently press them into ground with flat side of ruler. Cover them with a little soil (3-4 times their diameter), water with a fine spray that will not disturb them, and cover with plastic wrap or place in plastic bag to seal in moisture. You should not have to water anymore until the seedlings come up. Place container in a warm place where temperature remains about 70-75 degrees. Germinating seeds do not require any light.
Once the seeds begin to come up, remove the plastic immediately and place containers in a sunny window or under grow lights. Water plants regularly, as often as once a day if near a heater. The first leaves that push through the soil are not true leaves. As soon as the first true leaves do appear, the tiny plants should be moved to larger, deeper containers. Plants will be 1-3 inches tall.
The seedlings should be transplanted a little deeper than they were before. The part of the tomato stem below ground level will grow roots making the plant stronger. Don’t replant peppers and cabbages more than an inch deeper or you risk smothering them. Lift the plant out by holding its leaves not the stem to avoid crushing the stem. Transplanting sets a plant back as it is establishing a strong root system. Now would be a good time to add some fertilizer containing the three major nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
If you don’t have the time or proper space to start seeds indoors, don’t feel guilty. Purchase healthy plants at your garden store and you will achieve the same results. Good luck with whatever method you choose!
