For DIY Project this month, we’re gonna keep it nice and simple: let’s see how you can prepare your indoor seed garden for cold temperature plants. You don’t have to wait to by seedlings in March or April from the local garden center. It’s much better to know exactly what veggies you’re growing, and the only way to do that is to get your own seeds and start at the beginning.
So here’s a few tips to start your own seed garden indoors:
1. Don’t plant all your seeds at the same time, especially of the same vegetable. If you do, then all your crops will ripen at the same time. Let’s face it, there’s only so much spinach or onions you can eat at one time, isn’t there. That’s why it’s better to spread your planting out by a week or two.
Is It Illegal to Harvest Rainwater in Your State? >>
2. Use 3-inch jiffy cups. These are big enough to give the root system room to grow, but small enough to manage easily and make your soil go a lot further.
3. Fill the jiffy cups to the rim with planting soil.
4. Put all filled jiffy cups into a tray nice and neat.
5. Pour a quart of water into the tray and let the jiffy cups soak in the tray of water overnight. The soil will absorb the water and will be ready for your seeds the next day.
6. Next, using a pencil or similar-sized Philips head screwdriver, make 1/4-inch deep holes into the soil the center of each jiffy cup.
7. Into each hole drop several seeds to be sure that at least one will grow.
8. Then, place your tray of seedlings near a source of sunlight. You can put them on a cart and roll them from one window to the next as the sun moves.
9. Your seeds will also need water. Make sure the soil stays moist, but not wet. If the cup of soil feels dry or a bit light, just pick up the jiffy cup and pour a cup or two of water into the tray and then set the jiffy cup back down. The jiffy cup will absorb the water the seedling needs.
How to “cheat” at woodworking & get away with it >>
10. When the seedlings are about double the length of the cup or so (about 6 -8 weeks) they’re ready for planting in your outdoor garden. (Indoor growing time will vary will the seed quality, soil quality, sunlight quality and other factors.)
