Starting Seeds Indoors

Spring Fever - a feeling of restlessness and excitement brought on by the coming of spring.

Each year about this time I get a case of spring fever.  The cure...starting seeds indoors.  It's really easy and fun.  It can save you money in the long run and it is enjoyable for any garden lover. 

There are several ways you can go about it.  This year I invested in a couple Jiffy Greenhouses...

Some Jiffy-Strips and some Jiffy Organic Seed Starting Mix.

And of course my seeds.

My seeds of choice this year are...tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumber, cantaloupe, peppers, watermelon, broccoli, parsley, chives, basil, dill, lettuce and marigolds.

I love the little greenhouses because it is all ready for you.  It has everything you need but the seeds!

The first thing you have to do is add water.  This expands the peat pellets.

This is how they look after they expand.

Then you need to gently pull back the netting that is on top of the pellets.  It's also good to kind of fluff and level the peat.

This is how they should all look now.

Next, plant your seeds.  We did 2-3 seeds per pellet and we covered them lightly with the peat.

If you are planting several different kinds of seeds be sure to label so when they come up you no what is what.  

Next put the lid/dome on the tray and place it in a warm spot.  

 When the first seeds begin to sprout you can prop the dome open.  When they all have sprouted you can remove the dome and place the tray in a sunny location.  Be sure to water your seeds when the peat turns a light brown. 

Pretty simple!  Be sure to save your greenhouse for next year.  You can buy refill pellets or you could just fill the tray with starter mix. 

If you'd rather not invest in a little greenhouse there are several alternatives.  Egg cartons work great!  Some people use old tea cups, be creative with it and enjoy yourself! 

                                                                                                                   “It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is  you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”  Mark Twain.