Seed Starting Basics 2024
Perfectly “Imperfect” carrots~
Have you started your seeds? Where did you purchase your, containers, potting mix and seeds from? When do I know when to plant? What is your favorite to plant? What garden/planting Zone are you?
So many questions and I hope I have a few answers for you… Keep reading along
Make A Plan:
That is my first piece of advice. I know sometimes we just want to run with it but once you know your hardiness zone (click the carrots above) you can decide what you want to grow, what you will need and collecting those things.
Decide if you want to just start with a few veggies or go all out. I suggest small and either add on through the season or next year.
Journal:
A glimpse of my 2024 garden plan, calendar and storage ideas.
I start a new journal and calendar every year. I keep them and look back at the old ones and see what worked and what didn’t and make changes as needed.
In this journal I add a garden design to follow and then in any calendar I mark end of frost dates and then first frost dates. Then I decide what I want to plant.
Seed Shopping and Storing:
I will order online from a few different places.
Botanical Interest, Burpee, Ferry Morse, Rare Seeds and a few odds and end place when I’m out in about. Visit them online and they will send you a free catalog (Rare Seeds costs)
My FAVORITE way to store my seeds is in the photo storage cases. I have been using these for 5 years now and love them. Keeps everything organized and labeled.
How long do I keep my seeds? Three years, no real reason I just feel that the shelf life is good for that long. Expired seeds from that date I will compost or give them a try as an experiment. If they are still good that is a bonus.
Dirt and Containers:
I will always start with a good potting mix, I use FoxFarm and add Coconut Coir. Mix this together in a large bowl, container or wheelbarrow. I will add boiling water to it to rid of any bacteria. (not a necessary step) and mixing it all together before I pot it.
Saturday mornings are made for playing in the dirt…
After many years of moving, recycling old seed starting pots I decided to get some heavy duty ones that I can use year after year. I spent a few dollars and started my Bootstrap Farmer seedling and starter pots with trays and domes collection.
Next Up “Planting the Seed”…Light, dirt, water and TLC.
*** I do not receive commission or am I affiliated with these companies or products, Sharing what I have used and loved ***
