HOW TO START SEEDS INDOORS
There comes that point in the cold, slow winter months when you really start to miss summer. The heat, the longer days, and of course - the beautiful flowers blooming all around! If you want to get a head start on planting, now is as good a time as ever!
By: JD
Why to start seeds indoors:
Get a head start on growing season
Buying seeds is cheaper than buying seedlings
You have more control over the health of your plants as they grow
You can choose from many types of seeds, instead of being limited to what you find in a nursery
My Seeds
Here are the seeds I started, along with their respective needs:
POPPY
Days to germinate→ 10 - 20 days
Height→ 36 inches
Days to bloom→ 365 days
DELPHINIUM
Days to germinate→ 14 - 18 days
Height→ 2 ½ to 3 ft
Days to bloom→ 100 - 120 days
ZINNIA
Days to germinate→ 7 - 10 days
Height→ 24 inches
Days to bloom→ 65 - 70 days
MARIGOLD
Days to germinate→ 7 - 14 days
Height→ 12 inches
Days to bloom→ 65 - 70 days
Hollyhock
Days to germinate→ 12 - 21 days
Height→ 6 feet
Days to bloom→ 365 days
NASTURTIUM
Days to germinate→ 10 - 14 days
Height→ 10 - 12 inches
Days to bloom→ 65 days
SUNFLOWER (Solar Eclipse)
Days to germinate→ 7 - 14 days
Height→ 4 - 5 feet
Days to bloom→ 75 - 80 days
SUNFLOWER (Evening Sun Mix)
Days to germinate→ 7 - 14 days
Height→ 6 - 7 feet
Days to bloom→ 70 days
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All plants require full sun (with exception of Nasturtium which requires full sun or part shade), which is perfect for the bed I intend to plant them in once the last frost has passed
All plants should bloom by the time spring comes around with the exception of poppies and hollyhock, which both bloom the year after they are planted​
How I Started my Seeds:
1. Bought flower seeds and a planting tray from Home Depot
***Be aware of the heights the plants will grow to and their light requirements
2. Set up planting tray
3. Added water to expand seed pouches
4. Opened netting covering seed pouches to put seeds in
5. Split tray into sections for types of flowers
***Since tray is 12 x 6 pouches, I made 6 3 x 3 areas for each of my 8 seed types
6. Planted seeds in seed pouches
***For large seeds put 1-2 per pouch, for small seeds put 3-4 per pouch
7. Put seed as deep/covered in as much soil as seed packet called for
8. Put planting tray by window that gets 7 hours of sunlight each day
***I am currently watering them every day and monitoring their growth
The Next Step...
Until the last frost has passed, I will be keeping my plants inside. I will probably have to move some into bigger pots depending on how much room they start to take up, which I will update you on once it happens!
For more Information
Visit these sites!
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https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/easy.html
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https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/10-seeds-to-sow-in-january/
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