Each year, I patiently wait for the first days of spring. This lovely, long-awaited change starts somewhere between the end of January and the beginning of March. As we are smack in the middle of land-locked Oklahoma, there is really no rhyme or reason to when the weather shifts. But, when it does, it is always exciting!
Weeks before the actual shift in temperatures, I feel an itch to start getting my fingers dirty in the soil. I long for the smell of tomato plants on my fingers, along with the yellow, powdery residue that lingers even after washing. I ache for the warmth of the sun on my skin while I’m bent over the garden beds, pruning, harvesting and weeding.
I first began experimenting with seed starting shortly after we moved into our previous house. We lived in town and had a typical just-under-an-quarter-acre backyard. My husband built a quaint raised bed, and we bought supplies and soil from a big-boxed hardware store. (I am pretty certain; I also bought my little seed packets there!) I had some decent success, it was probably the Miracle Grow, and I decided to continue this fun growing experiment the following year. My hubby added a second raised bed, and we opted to buy bulk soil from place on the edge of town, that specialized in compost and filler dirt.
Over the years, I have learned more and more about this process of growing plants, starting seeds and soil composition (which means never using Miracle Grow!!) I am by no means an expert on this, and I know I have only scratched the surface of how to grow the best plants. But, let me share what I have learned about seed starting, with the hope that it will be a simple launching pad for those just starting this journey! And, naturally, if you have additional tips, please share them!!
Tips for Seed Starting:
- Buy Heirloom Seeds: Heirloom seeds have been saved for many years and pollenated in their natural environment (i.e. in the garden!) They have not been cross-bred or hybridized in any way. They will produce the same fruit that it did 20, 50, or 100+ years ago.
- Buy from a Trusted Business: Do research on whatever company you plan to purchase seeds from. Don’t just order from a company because “everyone is doing it.” Decide what your bottom line is and stick to that when selecting a company.
- Buy What Your Family LIKES: While you may be wanting to give a new fruit or veggie an honest try, don’t buy things you know your family will not eat. If no one in your family likes zucchini, and you have tried it enough times to know this, don’t grow zucchini. It will only take up valuable time and space in your garden.
- Grow What You Need: This ties into the above tip, but do not grow an overabundance of a variety of food if you don’t need that amount. Sure, it is fun to share with friends and family, but don’t grow with this intention. If sharing is part of your goal, maybe plan to grow one or two extra plants beyond what your family will consume in a year.
- Get Organized: Have a system for storing seeds from previous years, so that you know what you need to buy for the upcoming growing season. Create a timeline for the plants you plan to grow, including important information about each seed. (Starting dates, growing temperature, transplanting dates, etc…) Make your own Seed Chart or DOWNLOAD THIS ONE!
- Have Supplies Ready for Planting: The supplies I use each year for seed starting are stored either in our shed or inside the house. Sturdy growing trays, 4-inch pots and small starting cells are stored in the shed as they tend to be a bit dirtier than what I want in the house. Seeds, grow lights and a heat mat are all stored in a bin inside the house to keep temperate and clean/dry. Each spring I purchase organic seed starting mix and seeds as needed.
I hope this gives you a good start to growing your own food this year! It is such a simple way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet, not to mention saving a bit on your grocery bill!
