Soon time to start seeds indoors!

If you like to start seeds indoors, it will soon be time! Peppers, tomatoes, petunias and eggplants are all seeds that need a much longer growing time than we have here in Canada. Peppers and eggplants should be started 8-10 weeks before the last chance of frost so approximately the second week of March. Petunias can be started anytime now as they take 10-12 weeks. Tomatoes can be started late March which is 6-8 weeks before last chance of frost.

There are four essential ingredients needed to start seeds. Water, Temperature, Soil and Light.

Soil: Trays need to be filled with a special growing medium, never regular garden soil. The roots need aeration and garden soil is just too compact.

Water: The soil needs to be kept moist, never drying out or too wet.

Temperature: The temperature of the soil should be kept at 21-25 C in order for seeds to germinate and grow properly. There are special heating mats available which keep the temperature constant.

Light is super important. Ideally, grow lights 3" above the seed trays is the best. Light that is too far away can make the seedlings stretch, becoming straggly and weak. Not a great way for plants to start out.

If you've never started your own seeds before, start small. Experiment with placement, light and warmth. It's a lovely feeling to see a seed grow right before your very eyes!

And the seeding begins!

This week is our first week seeding for spring! From petunias to peppers, we have over 200 trays to be filled and placed in the germination chamber. Once seeds sprout, trays are placed on the bench with heat below to keep the seeds warm while growing.