Love flowers? Then you just have to try growing flowers from seed! It’s easy, exciting and very economical. You can grow those rare flower varieties that aren’t available at the garden stores, that too, by spending much less than their market price. Also, growing from seed promises the joy and satisfaction of being able to oversee your plants right from the start!
Spring is ideal for starting seeds indoors. Begin with 7-8 weeks to go for the expected last frost date. I’ve found commercially available seed starting medium to be of great help in gardening from seed. Quality is paramount. Make it a point to purchase only from a trusted brand. An hour before sowing seeds, water lightly to moisten the medium. Check the instructions on the seed packet for the ideal planting depth. Again, water lightly after sowing seeds and cover the container with a sheet of plastic. Young seedlings are like identical twins, so very hard to tell apart! Labeling, I’ve learned the hard way, is the best way to avoid confusion.
Seeds require considerable moisture for their growth. Sprinkle often enough to keep the medium moist at all times. Remove the plastic cover after seed germination. Use of artificial lamps is the easiest way of creating conditions favorable for optimum growth. Refer to the details on the seed packet for the right temperature settings. When your plants have produced at least 2 sets of true leaves, start fertilizing them weekly. The seedlings will soon be ready to be moved to individual pots for hardening. Start by placing the plants in a shaded part of your garden for 2-3 hours. Gradually increase the time they spend outside over a period of 10-12 days and transplant after all threat of frost is past.
Regular care, a little effort and love is about all that your plants will need in the subsequent times. Not a hard bargain for the garden of your dreams!
