The avid gardener will get a jump start on the gardening by seeding indoors. However, when and how are a delicate matter to ensure a healthy crop. As experts in MA landscaping, our team is here to help you plan your upcoming garden. In this article, we’ll take a look at when, which, and how to begin your indoor garden.
Do your research
Although it’s tempting to purchase a bunch of seed packets and begin planting, this isn’t the best solution. While some plants thrive indoors during their beginning stages, others do not. Knowing which plants are best suited for indoor seeding and when to begin the process is crucial.
Have the proper equipment on hand
There’s more to indoor seeding than popping a few seeds in some soil. For instance, buying organic biodegradable containers will make life easier when the plants are ready to go into the ground. Other things to consider are seedling greenhouses that contain humidity for optimal conditions, growing lights, and labels.
Know what time is the right time
As we mentioned, not all seeds are on the same schedule. While tomato seeds should be planted 6 -8 weeks before the last frost, you can expect lettuce to emerge in a mere 7 -10 days. For seed-starting information based on location, check out the online Planting Calendar by The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Planting your seeds
Once you’ve gathered all of your needed materials and found the right seeds, it’s time to plant! To begin, fill your pots with moistened soil made for seeds. Be sure to read the packets for information on the proper depth for your seeds. Tip: choose the largest seeds in the packet for the best chances of germination. Cover your containers loosely with adequate ventilation to avoid mold growth. When seedlings start to appear, remove the covering and move your plants to a sunny window or under grow lights.
The benefits
Beyond curing the itch to be outdoors in the garden, indoor seeding provides several other benefits. Here are a few:
- Cost-effective. Most seed packets come with large quantities making buying seeds cheaper than purchasing individual plants.
- You’re in control. Although starting plants from scratch requires more time and effort, it also brings peace of mind. From the seed to the soil, you have an assurance of exactly what you’re eating. This is especially important for those who consume an organic diet.
- Wider variety. When opting for seeds, you’ll have a larger selection of plants and herbs to choose from than your local greenhouse will produce.
At Cataldo Landscaping, we have all of your MA landscaping needs covered. From complete lawn care to spring and fall clean-up, mulching and weeding, pruning and pest control, we can help your gardens thrive. Call us today for more information on how we can assist you with all of your lawn care needs (781) 304-8900.