Spring has sprung!March is one of the best months to kick-start your garden, and what better wayto embrace the season than by planting seeds for a bountiful harvest?Here on our beautiful Central Coast, the weather can be unpredictable during thistime of year.Whether still thawing out from the winter chill or the temperatures have startedto warm, we have just the solution!How about creating your very own vegetable garden indoors from seeds?With rising food costs, a push for sustainability, and the desire to reduce foodwaste, more and more people are growing their own produce.And, seeds are usually far more economical than purchasing nursery plants. Bestof all, these tiny seeds may yield abundant harvests, offering incredible bang foryour buck.Sure, some seeds are best sown directly into the ground as soon as any chance offrost disappears. But there are abundant varieties of vegetables that can bestarted from seed indoors, so why not get a head start?Excited but overwhelmed? We’re here to guide you in creating your very ownvegetable garden from seeds!You won’t need much to begin. In fact, you may already have a few items aroundthe house, garage, or storage unit.A Few NecessitiesSeed PacketsWhether you purchase seeds online or from a nursery or home improvementstore, make sure that you select vegetables that will thrive in the current season.The seed packets will indicate the optimum times of year for planting based ongeographical location, also known as your USDA hardiness zone.A few warm-season crops that do well starting as seed and then transplanted intocontainers or the ground include tomatoes and peppers.Containers or PlantersNo need for fancy pottery. Getting started can be as easy as using a yogurtcontainer, egg carton, or empty can. Just make sure to poke or drill a few smallholes in whatever vessel you choose for drainage.A convenient option is to purchase seed-starting kits from your local hardwarestores or nurseries.SoilWith seeds, it’s best to use a specially-formulated seed-starting mix—not pottingmix or bagged garden or top soil. Fill the containers to the top quarter.Starting Your SeedsEach vegetable has its own growing needs. Your seed packets will offer thisspecific information.Following the packet’s instructions, press each seed down into the soil. The depthwill be indicated on the packet as well as lighting and watering requirements. Besure to label the seeds. It’s easy to forget which seeds are in which container.Once you’ve planted your seeds, you’ll want to create a type of greenhouseeffect. First, lightly mist the soil covering the seeds. Then cover the containerswith plastic wrap.Ideal Indoor EnvironmentOptimum seed growing conditions usually require specific amounts of bothsunlight and darkness. To ensure you’re providing adequate amounts of each,consider using an inexpensive LED grow light with a timer.Aim the light two to four inches above the soil, adjusting the light as the plantsgrow larger, maintaining this distance between the plant and light. Also, keep theseeds away from any drafts.Seed CareFollow the packet’s watering instructions. Once the seeds germinate (sprout), youcan remove the plastic wrap or cover.When the seedlings sprout their second set of leaves, change your wateringmethod. Once a week, use a solution of water and liquid fertilizer. Be sure not tooverwater.When to Transplant the Seedlings OutdoorsWhen the risk of frost has melted away, and your seeds have transformed intotiny seedling miracles, it may be time to prepare them for the move outdoors.Rather than thrusting your seedlings outside, you’ll need to help them adjust fromtheir stable indoor environment to the outdoors where weather (includingtemperature and wind) and light are variable. This gradual transition is known as“hardening off.”Here are a few tips to harden off your seedlings: Approximately two weeks before transplanting, choose a spot outdoorsthat’s sheltered from the wind and offers a mix of both sun and shadethroughout the day. Initially, set the seedlings outside for a short time—perhaps an hour orso—eventually graduating to their being outside all day. Be sure to keep the soil moist.Growing your own food is so rewarding. From seed to seedling to full maturity,with just a little effort and a few supplies, you’ll soon be enjoying your harvest.Celebrate your accomplishments perhaps with a garden feast!We promise—nothing tastes better than homegrown.
