Late last winter, I was on the road traveling much of the time. My garden suffered the rest of the season because I missed the most critical aspect of the gardening process – getting seeds started on time. Intense heat in early summer took its toll, and I experienced my most frustrating year in the garden.
A new generation is born
That’s not happening this year. I’ve already germinated tomato, pepper and a few herb seeds. Some are more than a week old. January is a perfect time to get seeds going indoors, for those of us in warmer climates. I’m in Zone 7B, but even down here we never know what can happen with a late frost. We experienced a freeze on Easter weekend in 2007. Expect the unexpected.
I’m way ahead of the game this year…which is just how I like it. I usually start more seeds than I’ll actually plant. I allow for tragedies that may or may not involve cats’ preference for using the bathroom anywhere there is dirt, my one-year-old’s curiosity or whatever else may arise. I give extras to family members or sell a few to help pay for any gardening supplies I need.
I utilize small florescent lights and a heating pad. Those two elements help combine to create a much more favorable environment to help seeds germinate a little faster. Colder temperatures takes longer for seeds to get going, so I start my seeds indoors in a south-facing window. Healthy potting soil is key. I’ve had experiences with a soil fungus before in store-bought soil that was organic potting soil. I also use basalt (volcanic rock), which boosts seed germination rates.
Some people have a hard time germinating tomato seeds and give up after the first try. Don’t. Be patient. Sometimes, it may take up to two-weeks, depending on the conditions. The lights and heating pad speed up this process. Most of my tomato and pepper seeds germinated in less than one week. Others took up to two weeks. Different speeds for different seeds.
I’m able to get a jump on the season as I utilize the Wall O’ Water to insulate
Wall O' Water protects plants from frost
individual plants. They create a miniature greenhouse, protecting plants from frosts/freezes late in the season.
But everything begins with the seed. Yeah, it’s easy to buy plants at the local nursery…but working with seeds really excites me and helps create a much more intimate relationship with all the plants in my garden. So, get started now. Don’t let spring sneak up on you or your garden.
(This is the first of a series of gardening tips/suggestions to help people stay ahead of the game this year in growing some food for your household in 2012.)
