I don’t know about y’all, but I just can’t wait to get out there in the garden, digging in the dirt! I’ve actually already started to plant some of my seeds inside so they’ll be ready to put in the ground in a couple of weeks.
That’s right! Planting season is here and it’s time to start germinating!
In case you’re new to the idea of gardening and you’re thinking it’s a little early to be talking about planting things, this is great timing for you! March is the ideal time to start some of your seeds indoors so they’re ready to be put in the ground a little bit later in the spring.
There are several varieties of vegetables and herbs that require a few weeks of tender love and care indoors before they go outside in the big harsh world!
If you’re thinking of planting any of the following this year, you could start planting them anytime over the next few days. These guys all need a month or six weeks indoors under lights before being put in the ground:
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
The following plants need six or eight weeks indoors before going into the ground so you can start these closer to the end of March:
Peppers
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Eggplants
Onions
Parsley
You should check your seed packets for specific planting directions and find out exactly how much time each different veggie requires indoors.
What to plant seeds in
You can get planting containers from the garden section of any hardware store, or from the place where you order your seeds. But I generally save up egg cartons and those clamshells you buy lettuce in through the winter and use them to start my seeds. Any container will do as long as it can hold a couple of inches of soil and won’t get too water-logged. That means you need holes for drainage!
Pick up some good quality soil (ask the garden center folks to help you find the best one for you), some organic seeds and you’re on your way!
I can’t stress enough to read the seed packets before you get started. They’ll let you know if you should soak the seeds in water before planting, how deep to make your hole and how often to water.
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0 Responses
I, too, have been excited about another garden this year. Yesterday I planted all organic seeds in 100% organic potting soil. Everything organic means more nutrients, since those nutrients come from the soil. We’re lucky enough to have local organic nurseries and farmers nearby. Some of my friends in the Midwest have to order their supplies. :O)
I love the fact that you are encouraging everyone to plant veggies but I hope people think about their own climate when reading this. Your suggestion to start yummy cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts & cabbage is great but out here in the bay area of California there would be a real good chance of crop failure because most brassica’s are considered a cool season crop. I’m at the end of the growing season for these vegetables right now & will start seeding for them again around September when temps start cooling some as we approach Fall. I’m still able to get in beets, baby carrots, lettuce’s, spinach, chard, bok choy’s and other greens which will be harvested before the summer vegetables & herbs get planted. Have fun with your veggie gardens everyone; just be mindful of the climate you live in when deciding what to grow. If your not sure check with the Cooperative Extension office in your area.
Any suggestions on getting organic seeds? I have read that Monsanto has bought up a lot of the seed companies.