Time to start seeds indoors

Jeanne Crisp and Julie Kelly

Starting your own seeds is easy, fun and doesn't need to be a big production. You need supplemental light, seed-starting soil, a heat source, water and an indoor space where you can carefully monitor your young plants. Most seed packets offer a wealth of information. Let's examine one to learn more. A Territorial Seed Company packet of seeds for butterhead lettuce includes these instructions:

"Sowing indoors – Sow 3-4 seeds per inch in sterile seedling mix 4-6 weeks prior to planting outside. Two weeks after seeding, lettuce can be transplanted into individual pots. Remember to harden off for 2-3 days before planting out. To harden off, set transplants outside in a sheltered area and reduce the amount of water."

Let's talk about what this means:

"Sowing indoors" – If the seed packet or catalog description doesn't mention starting the seeds indoors – don't. Pick another variety or a different vegetable.

"Sow 3-4 seeds per inch" – You can buy growing containers with individual cells in varying sizes that are reusable from season to season or you can use recycled plastic containers, egg crates, yogurt containers etc. Any container that is 2 to 3 inches deep will do. Be sure to punch holes in the bottom for drainage and thoroughly sanitize all used containers. Set the containers into non-draining drip trays.

"In sterile seedling mix" – Not potting soil, not dirt from your garden. Buy a product specifically made to start seeds.

"4-6 weeks prior to planting outside." Mukilteo's last frost is typically April 21-30. If you want to plant your lettuce around April 25, start your seeds March 15-20.

"Two weeks after seeding" – This is when seeds germinate and grow leaves and stems. If you provide a light source a few inches above the pots, your stems will grow sturdy, not leggy. The light should be adjustable to move up as the plants get taller. If you have a heat source (top of frig, heating pad set low, or a special seed heat mat) your seeds will germinate more quickly. Place the drip tray on the heating surface and under the light. Cover your trays to create humidity. Store-bought flats usually come with a clear lid, but you can also use clear plastic bags or bubble wrap. Remove the cover when you see germinating sprouts.

"Lettuce can be transplanted into individual pots" – This is a great use for all those small pots left over from your annual flowers. Fill the 3-4 inch pots with moistened, organic soil, handle the baby plants very carefully, and move them into the larger containers. Keep the containers in drip trays.

"Remember to harden off for 2-3 days before planting out. To harden off, set transplants outside in a sheltered area and reduce the amount of water." – Your lettuce will be several inches tall and look ready to grow. But it needs to adjust to outdoor conditions slowly, not just be rudely booted out of the house.

Here are a few additional notes: Use labels to help you remember what seeds are in what containers. Water gently, either with a soft flow or spritz from above, or by wicking up water from below.

Begin to fertilize your seedlings as soon as they get their first true leaves. Water with a half-strength solution of liquid fish/seaweed fertilizer every week or two. Use either a spray bottle or add the fertilizer when you water.

Last but not least, the timing discussed above will vary by plant.

Visit the Mukilteo Community Garden website, mukilteogarden.org, for a chart that shows when to start or plant different vegetables. Happy dreaming!