Seed Starting

        You've picked out your seeds. You're ready to grow your own herbs and vegetables… so what is the next step? 
        There are two ways to sow your seeds: directly into the area where they will be grown and into flats to be transplanted into the garden later. The sowing method you chose depends on the time of year, your garden and the crop you are growing. If you want to get a jump on the growing season, start your vegetables inside and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. If it's already warm outside, you can sow seeds directly into rows in the ground. Root vegetables, such as radishes, beets and carrots, don't like to have their roots disturbed and grow better if sown directly into the ground. Others, such as tomatoes, peppers, leeks and cabbage, tolerate transplanting well and would benefit from an early start. 

        If you have decided to start your seeds indoors, be sure and use a sterile soil mix, often called germinating soil or seed soil. This type of soil is usually available at garden centers. The sterile soil prevents "damping off" of seedlings, a condition that causes the seedling to break off at the soil level. 

        Place the sterile soil mix in small containers. You can use commercial seed flats, paper cups, milk cartons, anything that fits the bill as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom. If your seeds are large, it will be easy to place one or two in each container; if they are small, it's a little harder but be sure to put three or four in each container. A good rule of thumb is to plant seeds to depths that are twice their diameters. Seed planting depth is usually indicated on the back of the seed package. Place your seed containers in a tray of warm water and let the water absorb upward through the hole in the bottom. By watering this way, you don't disturb the seeds. It is also important to remember to water with warm water; nothing can chill a seedling faster than an ice cold bath! You should always bottom water your seedlings; a hard spray could destroy their small root systems. 

        The first leaves that emerge are called "Seed Leaves." Once your seedlings have three or four of the"true" leaves that grow after the Seed leaves emerge, they are ready to be transplanted. Harden them off first by putting them out in the sun for an hour or two everyday and gradually increasing the time outdoors. Try to transplant on an overcast day or early in the morning to prevent shock. Water the seedlings before removing them from the container and keep the roots as undisturbed as possible. Be sure to plant seedlings at a lower depth than they were growing; it's best to bury them up to the first of their "true" leaves. Tomato plants can be planted quite a bit deeper as they will form roots from the stem. 

        If you decide to sow your seeds directly onto the ground, you must first prepare the soil. Loosen the soil and rake it smooth. Create rows or mounds for your seeds, depending n the planting instructions on the back of the seed package. Once again, plant seeds to a depth twice their diameter. Water the seeds very gently and make sure they don't dry out completely. Once the seedlings have true leaves, thin them out by removing the seedlings that are too close together. Most seedlings respond well to a light dose of water soluble fertilzer at planting time. 

        Seed packages usually contain information regarding germination time, harvest time, planting depth and row spacing. Use this as a guideline for sowing. Harvest your vegetables right before you cook them and you can relish the exquisite flavor along with the high nutritional value.