It's time

Spring is right around the corner, I believe about seven days until the vernal equinox. The first time I heard that word, I decided to write a story. Of course, that was long time ago, the story is long gone, but I never forget the sound of those words.

Being a spring baby, I love spring. Being a gardener, I love spring. Being a bird watcher, I love spring. I just love spring. It's a time of new growth, awakenings and the scent of soil waking up. And, while I am praying for not-so-much rain, I do love that smell.

On Thursday, March 12's Main Street Eats, we will talk a bit about seed starting. It's time. If you have the inclination to roll your own pots, here is a video that will show you how. It's a fun project for the children in your life, and a great recycling lesson also.

​Here are another few tips to get those transplants off to a good start.

1. Keep records to allow for better planning: Record when seeds are sown, the germination date and success rate, and when seedlings are ready for transplanting each year. It doesn't hurt to record your weather either.
2.  Store seed properly to maintain viability Once you are ready to sow, you can test the viability of many, but not all, seeds by soaking them in water for a few hours. The seeds that are still living will sink to the bottom, while the dead ones will float on the surface. This test generally works better for larger seeds, but there are no absolutes. Also, you can wet some paper towel, wrap 10 seeds and place in plastic bag to stay moist. Let it breathe a little. If five seeds sprout... you have 50% viability. 
3. Containers for seeds: Recycled plastic containers, like empty yogurt or margarine tubs, work well, too, provided you’ve poked holes in the bottom for drainage. If the two nest together with a little space at the bottom, poke holes in one container place over the top and fill with soil. Wet, plant seeds, cover with plastic cling wrap and place somewhere warm.
4. Paper Pots: Roll your own with the video under "inspiration."
5.  Tamp seeds down to make direct contact with the soil. Cover only lightly with soil.
6.  Prevent disease by providing air flow and drainage: Plants need air, songs and love to germinate. They like to be damp, but not soaked. They like a breeze but not wind.
7. Cover trays with plastic wrap to keep the moisture level constant: However, remove that plastic and get those tiny seedlings under the full spectrum lights immediately.
8. Keep seeds warm to encourage germination: Don't put them in the oven. Invest in a heat mat if your house is still cold.
   
9. Turn seedlings daily to keep stems strong: Watch those beauties - they know how to "walk towards the light," and if you turn them daily they will grow straighter and stronger.
10. Petting and blowing: Yes. they need that wind, so if you don't have windows open yet (we don't), blow across them, pet them or turn on a gently fan.
    
11. Feed them well: You only need to do this after they are a couple inches tall and have more than four leaves. Once the true leaves emerge, it is time to begin a half-strength liquid fertilizer regimen on a weekly basis.
12.  Harden off before planting outdoors

Happy planting. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask questions using the comments section below.