Seed starting doesn't have to be hard....

Depending on where you live it might be time to start some seeds. I prefer to grow from seed whenever possible. It gives me a much greater variety of plants (especially heirloom veggies), saves money, and helps me enjoy gardening a little earlier in the season.

I start with selecting seeds from a good grower. I look for heirlooms, wide variety, and organic options. The more local the shop, the better! This year I made an effort to sit down and make a list of the veggies I most often buy at the grocery store. I have been known to grow 12 different tomato plants and not a single leaf of lettuce. This year I am determined to eat everything I grow.

While I am waiting for my seeds to arrive I usually make my own seed-starting soil mix. There are lots of recipes out there already but here's what I do:

• Ten parts coco coir (easy to transport in formed blocks)

• Three parts vermiculite and/or perlite.

• One part worm castings.

When to start your seeds will depend on a few factors. Here in Michigan I used to wait until June 1st to plant the majority of my tender annual vegetables. I am a rather lazy gardener and don't want to run out to the garden to protect seedlings from cold snaps. Now I push it up to early/mid May. I'm willing to watch the weather a little more if it gives my plants a jump start. Keep an eye on the weather, figure out your last potential frost date, and check your seed packets for the right timing.

Get yourself any small planting containers. I sterilize and reuse standard seed starting trays each year. Once they start cracking I replace them. This year I am starting my tomatoes in larger, 4 inch, containers to avoid repotting half way through the season. I have also enjoyed using molds to roll my own biodegradable newsprint pots. You can even use clean produce containers that berries and greens come in from the grocery store.

Make sure your potting mix is slightly damp. Many mixes can by hydrophobic and take time to absorb water. Its easier to set seeds in damp mix.

Fill your trays and drop some seeds in each one - just 3-4 seeds. Most veggie seeds don't really require any depth. If your package indicates 1/8" deep just gently press them into the soil and water well. Some seeds may require overnight soaking first. Read the individual packages.

Water well and place in a sunny, warm spot. I use seedling heat mats to give germination a boost. Plastic domes help to retain moisture. You don't want to let your seedlings dry out!

Once your sprouts are on the way pinch off all but the strongest one in each pot. Once the days are warmer than 50 degrees move your seed trays outside in a shaded, protected area during the day and back inside at night. They are ready to plant as soon as your are frost-free!

Additional tools that can help but aren't necessary are a small fan to help your seedlings develop strong stems, grow lights if you don't have a sunny window, and plant labels. I have never found the ideal labeling system. I use scrap wood for signs in the garden.

This year I wrote the plant variety on the 4" pots I am using. If you have a plant label that works for you let me know!

The tiniest tomato seeds!