The seeds of discovery!

One joy of gardening is uncovering new plants that become staples of your garden year after year. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a garden veteran, you’ll want to visit a good garden center soon to check out the exciting new varieties for this season, especially in seeds. And right about now is a good time to get those seeds started indoors.

Starting plants from seeds is really pretty easy and inexpensive. Plus it allows you to grow some truly exceptional varieties—plants that won’t be available from local nurseries.

A few simple steps to seed-starting success…

• Determine your area's last frost date. The general rule of thumb is to plant your seeds about 6 weeks prior to this date, but check the directions on each seed packet for any variations. The easiest way to determine your area's last frost date is to contact the local extension agent who will give you a date based on last frost dates of the past few years.
• Make sure you start only seeds that can be transplanted. If the directions on the packet indicate the seeds should be "direct sewn", you don't want to start that variety early indoors... it won't adapt well in transplanting situations.
• Use small peat pots. They allow you to try lots of different plants within a small space. Plus you can keep the seedlings in their peat pots when you plant them in your garden, helping lessen transplant shock. At your garden center, you'll find mini greenhouse kits that are ideal. Peat pots are housed on a plastic tray with a clear plastic top that lets the light in and creates a humid environment seeds love.
• Use packaged soil mixes specifically formulated for seed starting. It's easier than mixing your own soil, and you won't have to worry about stray weeds
• Plant seeds at the right depth. Check each seed packet for specifics, but the general "rule of green thumb" is to cover seeds to a depth twice their diameter.
• Be extra careful with watering. To avoid dislodging the seeds, water by placing the peat pots in about an inch of water in a sink or tub. Or if you're using one of the little greenhouses described above, just pour about an inch of water into the tray. The water will soak in through the bottom of the pots, gently watering the seeds and preventing over-watering.
• Keep plants moist and warm. A windowsill greenhouse makes it easy to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity.

Be sure to pick up everything you need to get started: seeds, trays, a good seed starting soil, tools, gloves, and gardening books. It’s really not too early to plan your garden and get those plants off to a healthy start. And remember, seed starting is a great family project. Kids love planting and checking the results each day. Enjoy...

While much of the information in these tips is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.