Page 18 - North Haven Magazine Issue 17 Winter 2021

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Grow Your Own from Seeds!ow Your Own from Seeds! by Sally Brockett
Gr

ebruary is the time when most gardeners are reading through seed catalogs and planning
Ftheir gardens. If you are an experienced gardener, or a beginner, it is not too early to get
organized, especially if you plan to start some of your own plants from seed. Starting your
own seeds gives you more choice in the specific varieties of flowers and vegetables. You can
experiment with something more unusual that is not available at the garden center and save
some money! Make it a family activity to encourage children to learn and entice them to eat
the vegetables they grow.
To get started, you can either order seeds exposed portion. Some people like to recy-
from a catalog or online website, or you can cle newspaper to make their own little pots.
choose seeds at the local nursery center. The Internet websites provide directions on how
seed companies have a greater variety, and to do this.
you can find heirloom, organic, and non- Seedlings under light.
GMO seeds through many companies. Be Plants need light to grow so you must either
aware that some seeds are easy to start and have a south window space or use “grow tice to provide partial sun. A cloudy day is a
grow at home, while others are more difficult. lights” to keep your seedlings healthy. Insuf- good day for their first exposure because they
Larger seeds are easier to handle and often ficient light will cause the plants to stretch will not be as likely to burn, though they still
germinate easily in the home. Some seeds are upwards and become “leggy”. The stems may need some protection. Gradually, give them
tiny and require very careful handling and be weak and tend to bend over. The sprout- increasing exposure to sun.
specific starting conditions. So, if you are a ed seed will seek light even before it breaks
beginner, consider starting with some of the through the soil, so don’t wait to provide light The seedlings will also need some protection
seeds that are larger and easier to manage. until you see the seedlings appear above the from strong winds. The stems on seedlings
soil. Artificial lights should be within 4 to 6 will be weak initially but become stronger
inches of the seedlings when they emerge, from gentle breezes. While the plants are still
and lights must be elevated as plants grow. indoors, it can be helpful to use a small fan
in the room to provide a gentle breeze so the
Plants also need water, but many young seed- stems strengthen.
lings die off because of too much water. The
soil should be moist but not wet. As the seed- A cold frame is a great asset for starting seeds.
lings get bigger, allow the soil to dry slightly The top should be adjustable to control the
on the surface before watering again. Ideally, temperature by raising or lowering it. A ther-
water should be provided at the base of the mometer is a must because the cold frame
pot, so the soil sucks up water from the bot- can become too hot or too cold rather quick-
tom of the pot. This will assure that the roots ly if not monitored. A wireless thermometer
Children love to help! get the water they need. The first two leaves will enable you to easily check the cold frame
are the “seed leaves” and the seedling is still temperature without going out to the cold
Once you have decided on the flowers and/or receiving nutrients from the seed. A weak frame. Provide shade with a piece of lattice,
vegetable seeds you want, check on the rec- fertilizer/water solution should be used after or a shade cloth. In early spring, bring the
ommended time for starting specific seeds so the seedling shows true leaves growing. plants in at night due to cold temperatures,
they will be ready to transplant outdoors at but gradually, they will be able to remain in
the appropriate time. Some will be able to go the cold frame until time to transplant.
out before danger of frost has passed, includ-
ing broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage, Late afternoon, or a cloudy day is best for set-
while others, such as tomatoes and melons, ting out your young plants. It will be cooler,
must wait until the frost-free date. It is al- and the plants will adjust more easily to their
most guaranteed that you will not get frost new environment without too much sun ex-
from May 18 through September 22 in our posure for those first few hours. Use care to
location. avoid disturbing the roots as you remove the
plants from the pots. A little water on the
There are different types of seed starting soil before removing from the pot will help
pots from which to choose. You can pur- it hold together so it does not crumble away
chase plastic trays with small pots in them, One plant per pot for easier transplanting. from the roots.
or “peat pots” that let you plant the entire pot
with the seedling because the “peat” is biode- As the weather warms, the seedlings bene- Now you are ready to try growing your plants
gradable. Be sure to cover the top edge of the fit from some outdoor exposure. Introduce from seeds! If you have questions or need
peat pot with soil after planting so it does not seedlings to the sun slowly so they do not supplies, the expert staff at Bell Nurseries is
dry out quickly and dehydrate your seedling. get sunburned. Place them in an area with there to help. Or contact the Daytime Gar-
If there is too much of the top edge of the filtered sun, perhaps under a tree that has deners at 203-239-1557 and a member will
pot above the soil, just carefully tear off the young leaves beginning to open or use lat- be happy to talk with you.

North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2021
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