Introduction to Indoor Seed Starting
Spring is in the air and we can't wait to get outside and start planting. However, getting started early in Colorado can be tricky with potential spring snow and frost. O'Toole's recommends starting your seeds indoors to give your vegetables a headstart on the growing season.
Timing Your Crops
To ensure your garden thrives, it's important to time your indoor starts based on the type of crop:
- Cold Season Crops: Lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes should be started mid to late March.
- Warm Season Crops: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers should be started late March to early April.
Supplies and Preparation
Choose seeds that are fresh and have high quality, like those from Botanical Interest. You'll want to use seed trays, pots, or other containers with good drainage. In this demonstration, we used the Sun Kits Mini Greenhouse.
For soil, select a lightweight and well-draining option like Black Gold Seedling Mix. Plant two or three seeds in each tray compartment and cover with a thin layer of soil about one-quarter inch deep.
Caring for Seedlings
Keep your seedlings warm, ideally between 70 and 80 degrees. A heat mat can help maintain the soil temperature consistently. Water properly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—avoid over-watering!
Covering your seeds helps retain moisture during germination. Once they sprout, place your seedlings in a sunny window or use grow lights to ensure they get proper light.
Hardening Off and Transplanting
About one week prior to transplanting, you must harden off your seedlings. This involves gently acclimating them to outdoor conditions and reducing watering to help avoid shock when they are fully outdoors.
With our unpredictable Colorado weather, always be prepared to cover your seedlings if there is a late frost in the forecast.
Questions about Seed Starting?
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