SEED STARTING
Step by Step
What zone are we in?
ZONE 6 Northeast
(MA, ME, NH, VT, NJ, NY)
The biggest question - When should I start my seeds indoors?
That depends on the type of seeds and the last expected frost date. The last expected frost date for Zone 6 is April 30 - May 30. For example; you should start broccoli 3-4 weeks before last frost. Count back 4 weeks from April 30th to April 2, is when you should start your seeds. On the other hand, Italian Roma tomatoes should be started 6-8 weeks from the last frost, putting the seed starting date to March 13. Generly speaking, around our area the last frost isn't until some time in May. So don't worry, there is still plenty of time to start your seeds.
Lets get started. . .
What You will need
- Containers - If you recycle, the best containers from your home are egg cartons and yougurt cups. If not WOLF HILL has plenty of containers to get you started. Jiffy pots, which are biodegradable, make an excellent starer container choice.
- Potting Mix - Your potting mix should not consist of dirt from the yard. Unless your soil has been tested and has the right balance. We recommend a potting mix that is made up of lightweight ingredients of peat moss, vermiculite, linestone (ph adjustor) and watering agent. We recommend Espoma Organic Seed Starter, a lightweight mix that provides the proper air space, and moisture retention.
- Seeds - We have an abundance of seeds; veggies, flowers, herbs, as well as organic seeds.
- Labels - So you know what you have planted, make sure you label your seeds.
- Covering or plastic bags - For heat and humidity. Did You Know - Wolf Hill carriers greenhouses to start your seeds? Complete with tray, peet pellets, and a plastic cover.
- Water - Seedlings must be kept moist not soggy. Soggy soil will create fungus. If the soil dries out just once, the seeling will die, so make sure you water properly.
- Lighting - Lighting is very important for the growth of your plants. Did You Know that insufficient light causes the seed to grow long, tall, and skinny, which will eventually fall over and die? Make sure you use flouorescent lights, placed 1 - 2 inches above seedlings. Seedlings must receive 14-15 hours of light per day.
Biodegradable pots
&
Organic seeds
Soil
1) Place potting mix into your container(s) filling to the top. You may want to dampen your mix to ensure complete wetness before you add your seed(s). Make sure the soil is the consistency of a damp sponge. Do not pack the soil mix into the container, just tap the container lightly to settle the mix.
Planting
2) Make sure you read the package of your seeds for special instructions. Some seeds may need overnight soaking, such as Morning Glories. A Good rule of thumb, would be to plant 3 seeds per container. Not all the seeds will germinate, and those that do may not survive. If all 3 seeds survive you can thin them to their own containers later
Watering
3) After you have planted your seeds, water with a fine spray mist. If you used pre-moistened soil, it is still a good idea to sprinkle some additional water on top of the newly planted seed. Do not saturate.
Greenhouse
4) If you have not bought a greenhouse kit complete with container, peat pellets, and cover, then you need to cover your containers loosely with some type of plastic. Covering your containers will help produce heat and moisture that your seedlings need in order to germinate. You can use plastic wrap, or plastic bags.
Heat - you need to have your containers in a warm area where the temperature is between 65-70 degrees. Using heating mats is a great way to insure the right consistent temperature. If using heating mats you will need to water more frequently.
Air - Air needs to be circulated under the plastic to guard against mold.
Signs of Growth/Light
5) At the first sign of the seedling emerging, remove the plastic and put the plant(s) into indirect light. Make sure the soil is moist, not wet. Your seedlings will need between 12 - 18 hours of light each day.
Fertilizer
6) Once the seedling takes form you will need to give it some food. Use a balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen and potassium, to encourage good roots and healthy growth.
Potting Up
7) Seedlings can remain in their original containers until you are ready to plant them outside. It is common to transplant, "Potting Up", the seedling when it is a couple of inches tall to a bigger container. This will allow the plant to develop a stronger root system. Use a 3 - 4 inch pot. Biodegradable pots are easy to use and safer for the environment. Remeber to keep the soil moist.
Thinning
8) If more than one seedling is growing in the same pot, you can separate them into individual pots, or you can cut off the weakest one.
Hardening Off
9) Before you plant you seedlings outside you need to get them ready for the great outdoors; this is called Hardening Off. You need to introduce them little by little to the outside temperature. Using a cold frame is the best way to introduce them. If you don't have a cold frame, put them in a shady area in your yard for short periods of time each day, gradually introducing them to sunlight. Each day increase the time until you notice that your new plants looks healthy and are ready to stand on their own.
Good Luck!
LETS GET STARTED
The ground is thawing it is time to start your gardens, and there is still time to start some seeds. Don't have time to start the seeds and want to just purchase the plants? We are stocked with beautiful choices of annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, trees and shrubs. Fresh stock gets delivered weekly. Don't see something you are looking for? Just ask ~ we will be happy to try and accomodate you!
60 Turnpike Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
978-356-6342 Phone
978-356-4476 Fax
104 Eastern Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-281-4480 Phone
978-282-0619 Fax
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