How to Successfully Grow Your Garden from Seed!

Know your last and first frost dates – most important thing to know, as all key planting decisions and dates are based on this important knowledge.        

Link to your frost dates by ZIP code –  bit.ly/FirstLastFrostDates

Last frost date is 50% chance of Spring 32°F frost, first frost date is 50% chance of Fall 32°F frost.

Tips for stronger seedlings –

• Start seeds a week earlier
• Transplant a week later
• Provide weather protection

Choose appropriate varieties for your climate and length of growing season – what are you going to do with what you grow, what do you like to eat? Then, choose varieties for the number of days in your climate

3 germination factors –

• Moisture – soil should be initially very damp, then after seed sprouts barely moist
• Temperature – Initially very warm to sprout, then drop to around 70°F
• Light – Initially not needed, then once seedlings have leaves – 16 – 18 hours/day

Changing conditions to suit seed sprouting and seedling growth will avoid problems – decrease moisture and temperature will greatly decrease chance of mold related health issues

Early and late frost protection can greatly extend your growing season

• Quick, small hoop house or row tunnel with plastic cover
• Lightweight plastic on top of plants
• Bubble wrap on soil to maintain root temperature

Tips for direct sowing of seed –

• Depth of seed planting –usually no more than 2 – 3 times seed diameter
• Proper soil temperature – warmer gives faster, stronger germination
• Seed orientation – point that was attached to the fruit or plant grows the root