Some Tips for Starting Plants Indoors

Although we are still under several inches of snow, with more in the forecast, it is almost April, and many of us are thinking of and hoping for the coming of spring. One way to bring a little bit of spring indoors is to start seeds in preparation for the summer growing season.

Starting seeds indoors, especially here in Northern Wyoming, allows one to gain a few weeks of growing time, which can make the difference between a bountiful harvest and losing your plants to an early frost.

For one thing, when does one start seeds indoors? Most seed packets have instructions on how to plant, either indoors or outdoors. Most say to plant indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the last seasonal frost, which in our area, in Zone 4, can be into June.

Candice Christensen, grower and greenhouse manager at Buffalo Gardens, had these tips for starting plants indoors. She said that is is too early to start vegetables, and growers should wait until the second week in April.

She said that herbs can be started anytime, and most can also be grown year around inside. Herbs do like sun, so grow them in a sunny window, or with a grow light.

Christensen also had these tips for starting seeds indoors. “Buy good potting soil, we use a brand that has clear perlite in it.”

Peat moss with perlite and vermiculite can also be used. Perlite creates a natural filtration system. It allows excess water to drain away but catches the nutrients that plants need.

Christensen added that plants should be placed in a “nice sunny window or use a grow light. The room should be at least 70-degrees.”

She said that seedlings need good drainage, and the soil should be from dry to damp, don’t keep it super moist, don’t over water. She added that the soil should primed, or saturated first, make sure that the soil is damp all the way through, either just after planting the seed or before planting.

She said that calcium is important to healthy tomatoes, as well as other plants, and one way to make sure the plants get a good start is to mix powdered milk into the potting soil before planting the seeds.

Also, she added that tomatoes often get too tall before it is warm enough to plant them outdoors, and this can be avoided by pruning the plants if they get too leggy. She said that you want the plants about three inches tall and bushy.

Always check, when purchasing seeds, for the growing season. Sheridan has approximately a 100 day growing season, and plant according. A lot of containers can be used as planters. The clear plastic pastry clam shells make a small greenhouse, punch some holes in the bottom for drainage. Small seed starting trays are available in many stores. One may want to experiment to find which one works best for them.

So, even though everything is, at present, snowed under, spring will come, and doing some indoor gardening seems to bring spring closer. Plus, indoor plants, especially herbs, have some health benefits. Plants improve one’s mood, reduce fatigue, improve your indoor air quality, and help to lower stress. Plus it is relaxing to take care of plants, pruning off the old blossoms and leaves, and making sure they are watered.

Also, think about how good fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes, will taste during the summer months. Most vegetables freeze or can well and think how nice it will be to have your own home-grown food stored for next winter. So, welcome spring by purchasing a few seeds and planters and start some seeds.