Spring is Coming

This appeared in the February 24, 2022 edition of The Fish Wrap.

February can feel pretty dreary for gardeners. After a big winter storm and weeks of gray days, it feels like Spring will never come. But there’s an antidote to the winter blues - starting seeds inside! February is a great time to start cold hardy brassicas like Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower. They can be ready to go outside in early to mid-March.

Besides the mood boost, there are several pros to starting seeds inside. It’s easier to control soil moisture, temperature and light to assure optimal germination and growth. You can start with very small cells and pot up as needed. If you start more than you need, you can choose to transplant the healthiest plants that have the best chance. You’ll have established plants so you can transplant at the exact spacing you want in the bed.

There are some disadvantages to starting inside though. When a root touches a container wall, it learns that it has limited space. Even when transplanted, it will carry that memory of limitation and won’t reach its full potential. A stunted rootbound plant will struggle to develop coping skills to help it survive harsh outdoor conditions, like taking a city kid on a wilderness survival trip. If plants indoors don’t get enough light, they will stretch too far and get ‘leggy.’ You want the soil in the cell a little rootbound for easy transplanting, but if it gets too rootbound, the plant will struggle when transplanted outside. 

Direct seeding is preferable for root crops, cucurbits and onions while transplanting works better with nightshades and brassicas.  To start seeds inside successfully, you need a good light - no window will give you enough sunlight in winter. You also need potting soil, a warm environment and some good clean water. Sprout hope for Spring today!