Spring Seed Starting

Mar 01, 2021

Tips & Tricks on Seed Starting

As the seasons change from winter to spring, the days get longer and warmer, we start to get that itch. The itch to go outside, to play in the soil, to plan our gardens, to think about color, lawn care, and outdoor living. So, as you start to think about preparing your garden, here are some tips for starting seeds.

Having the Right Tools

Using the correct tools for the job ensures success and proper growing. Always make a list of what you’ll need when starting seeds. Check the garage or tool shed to see what you have leftover from last year. If you’re like me, you’ve collected seed packets, so double-check the date to make sure your seeds are still good if you’ve got packets laying around.

For seed starting, you’ll need the following:

Seed starting soil- we recommend Ferti-lome Seed & Cutting

A growing container- use what you’re comfortable with, just make sure it has drainage. Either a flat container, individual cups, or peet containers

Labels- once your seeds start to come up, they tend to look the same, so use labels to help remind you what was planted where

Seeds- Colonial carries a variety of produce seeds. From beets to carrots, lettuce, and broccoli. You can find the right vegetable for your family.

Start Sowing!

To begin, it’s a good idea to moisten your soil. So mix the soil of choice in a bucket with water being sure to thoroughly wet the soil throughout. Lay the soil in a 1 to 1.5″ layer across your container. This gives the roots room to grow down, but not expand.

Now, you’re ready to sow your seeds. Always read the back of your seed packet. Each vegetable is different so make sure you’re planting the correct depth, time, placement, and giving adequate light. Some plants require an individual hole, while other plants, such as lettuce, you can lay in a row just under the surface of the soil.

Cover your seeds with a light layer of soil and water if you didn’t pre-moisten the soil first. Be sure not to oversaturate as your seeds could become swimmers and move out of where you planted them. Label your plants and cover the container. Using a clear, plastic lid helps limit watering by encouraging humidity in your grow tray.

Once your seeds are geremnated (about 2 weeks), you can remove the cover and start letting them be in direct sunlight outside.

Some of Our Favorite Vegetables

The last official frost for Blue Springs is April 16th. For a full planting calendar based on your home, visit The Farmers Almanac.

Beets: Outdoors- April 2-23
Broccoli: Indoors- February 18- March 4
Cantaloupes: Indoors- March 19- 16
Cauliflower: Indoors- Feb. 18- March 4
Cucumbers: Indoors- March 19- 26
Onions: Outdoors March 19- April 9
Zucchini: Indoors- March 19- April 2
Sweet Potatoes: Indoors- March 19- 26
Watermelon: Indoors March 19-26

Happy Planting

If you have questions about seed starting, come in and talk with one of our experts. We’ll make sure you have the correct tools and help you select seeds based on your growing conditions. Not sure you want to start with seeds? The greenhouse at Colonial will be fully stocked with established vegetable plants this spring ready to go right into your garden.