Starting Seeds

If you live in a colder clime, it can usually help your gardening efforts if you start the seeds inside, when it's still frosty outside. That way you can plant actual plants in the ground once the frost danger is past.

Seeds should usually be started about a month before the last frost. Plant your seeds in small containers of clean soil. Water them well and place them in a bright (but not too sunny) spot. If the temperatrure int ehir area drops below 65F, use a heat mat to help keep them warm.

At first, cvoer the seeds with clear lastic to help keep in moisture and warmth. Once the seeds begin sprouting, remove the plasic. Wait until the seedlings have their first two true leaves. THe initial two leaves they get are just their 'starting leaves' that have the food stored from teh actual seed. After those two come the 'true leaves'.

WHen the seedlings are at this point, and all danger of frost is past, they are ready for the hardening process. If you put tehse seedlings outside, they might have a hard time adjusting to the rigors of outdoor life. Insted, wait for a warm day and leave them outside in a sheltered area fo rthe day. Bring them in at night. Do this for about a week, after which you can plant themi n their intended locations.

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