Time to start seeds, spring is coming...I just know it!

I officially have all my seed orders in hand with the exception of the items that get shipped later (after the ground is no longer covered with two feet of snow.

Rather than re-write the whole process, I will just share my link to the prior post on seed starting.  

Gardeners have hope.  We look at tiny seeds the size of a period and see new life.  It is amazing to know that in that capsule that looks like a comma, there are tomatoes that will grace our table at the end of summer.

I have a word of caution to those starting seeds indoors by themselves.  Please remember the essentials for success:

• Sanitation-Make sure everything you have is sterile (pots, soil, table...) and use only new soil starter.  It does not pay to cheap out and deal with consequences of insects and disease problems.
• Warmth-seeds need warmth to start in 99% of our garden crops unless it is something you are direct seeding later, even then it needs some warmth.  Germination percentages will be greatly affected if you choose to compromise on their needs here.  It also can affect the success of seedlings.  Damping off can take everything if you don't keep the seedlings warm as well.  Germination mats and domed covers will help you control the temperatures in ways that costs so little for your gain.
• Water-Moisture is essential in the correct amounts.  Too little, and your germination suffers.  Too much, and your germination suffers.  You should find the happy medium where you are not blowing dust off the top of your trays and you can hardly lift your trays because of the water content.  It is best if you check them at least once a day.  Domed lids will help you regulate this as far as water loss is concerned.
• Light-Plants can't live without it.  Even seeds that germinate best with dark conditions need light once they break that seed coat.  Keeping seedlings within 6" of their light source is best.  A sunny south window is still not enough light in the northern climates at this time of year.  Always use some sort of supplemental light, even a florescent shop light will do.

Look at your seed packets and try to time out your crops to their optimal starting time.  I error on the side of caution and time them for the shorter time (later rather than sooner) so I am not dealing with larger plants indoors because it is too cold to move them out. Plan your seeding ahead of time and then you will be able to move through the season with less worries about forgetting something or not timing your crops as needed.  

Happy Spring...I know it's coming!