Starting Seeds Indoors

Here in Zone 5 the sun is shining and it looks like spring, but looking through the window can be very deceptive. This morning when I first got up it was 5 degrees outside. So although spring is getting closer, it will still be a while before I plants herbs in my garden. The frost free date here is May 30th. I have to admit that I have pushed it to the 15th on more than one occasion, but this year I don't think I'll try it. The weather has been too fierce and unpredictable. So if I start my seeds now indoors, they'll be ready for transplanting at just the right time. You'll want to adjust your planting time according to your zone and weather conditions.

Growing seedlings indoors is fairly easy. You can buy seed trays or peat pots at places like Lowe's, Home Depot, or Target. But you don't really need them. Try planting in waxed paper cups, cut off milk cartons, yogurt containers, or egg cartons. Make sure your containers have good drainage by poking small holes in the bottom. Fill them with a commercial potting mix, such as Miracle Gro that has been pre-moistened according to directions on the package. Sprinkle a few large in each container, for larger seeds only put one per container. Cover lightly with more potting soil. Place your pots on a tray to catch excess water; a cookie sheet with sides or a dishpan works well. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and place in a warm place, but not in direct sunlight. (The top of the refrigerator works great.) The sun coming through a window will be too harsh. Make sure you keep your seeds moist. When you see the seeds beginning to sprout, remove, the plastic wrap. Keep it in a warm place and turn the tray every day so the seedlings will grow straight. They tend to lean toward the sun.

When your seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall and have developed small leaves you can begin the thinning process. I know this is difficult. You spent all this time growing them and now you have to pluck out the weak ones and throw them away? Sorry, that's the way of the nature, survival of the fittest. If you need to transplant to a larger container, lift them out carefully with a spoon so as not to damage the new roots. To prevent wilting, leave them out of the direct light, and again, keep the soil moist but don't let it get soggy. Sometimes a light mist is all you need.

Transplant into your garden after your frost free date, but first do what's called "hardening off." Just put your tray outside in a shaded area for a few hours so the plants can get used to their new surroundings slowly, then bring it back in. And each day for a week leave it out for a longer time moving it first to filtered sun and then finally planting your herbs directly in your garden. It's best to do this in the morning so they have the rest of the day to adjust to the sunlight. And there you go. Not too bad, right?

Patience is power; with time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes silk. Chinese Proverb