Now is the time of year in most zones to start planting your seeds indoors. For some this seems like a very difficult task, but if you follow a few simple guidelines it is really quite simple - and rewarding! There are several advantages to starting your own seeds. First of all, it can save you quite a bit of money over buying the more mature plants. Secondly, if you order from catalogues, you can often find some very unique plants that will be delightful to grow. Thirdly, there is a great sense of satisfaction to see the mature plants and know that you started it from a tiny seed. Here are some tips for starting your seeds indoors:

1. Make sure you read the package carefully. Different seeds have different requirements. For example, some you just sprinkle on the soil, while others need to be buried in the soil. Some seeds actually germinate better in the dark. And others require soaking overnight or nicking for quicker germination. The back of the package should have this information.

2. Keep the soil moist - but not wet- when you plant your seeds. After you water them in and mist them, you can keep them moist by loosely covering with saran wrap. You can purchase the seed starting systems, which come with a special ventilated lid.

3. Once the seeds have sprouted make sure to remove the cover to prevent dampening off.

4. Make sure the seedlings receive adequate light. If they do not they will stretch to reach the light and will become leggy and unattractive.

5. Once the seedlings have grown their "true leaves" (this is the second set of leaves and often look quite different from the leaves that originally sprouted) it may be time to put them in a larger container. Just be sure that you handle with care so as not to break the fragile stem or damage the root system.

6. When it is time to move them outside they need to be hardened first. Start on the first day and put them outside in a shady area. On the second day, expose them to a couple of hours of sun. You gradually increase their outdoor sun exposure over a period of at least a week. At this point they are ready for their new home where you can plant them and enjoy the "fruits of your labor!"

Christy Porter- NuLife Web Design
Editor - HerGardenWeb

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