Winter is finally winding down and the seed of a new season is just around the corner! Soon snow will be forgotten and spring flowers will be blooming. With this in mind, you might be thinking of starting your garden early indoors, by planting a few of your favourite seeds...but is 'seed starting' really for you? Here are a few of my gardening tips to help get you started this season.
First you may ask yourself why start seeds?
Starting your own seeds indoors can save you a huge amount of money. You can source unique varieties of seeds that are usually not available (as plants for sale) in your local garden centre...Plus it can be fun to do! Compared to farming, gardening and garden maintenance today has taken a turn - becoming more of an art form in itself.
However, seed starting does take time, patience, space, and knowledge. In addition, combined with all these elements, you really need to ask yourself the question: How many plants do I need/looking to maintain? Remember that one tomato plant will feed a family of four; therefore, seeding a whole tray of tomatoes may be excessive.
What is the number one reason people fail at seed starting?
The main cause of failure in starting your garden is sowing your seeds too early. Like anything, to be successful you need to read the instructions on the back of the seed packs. There you will find all the information you need to know to be successful! The norm is to start your seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date. So if you live in southern Ontario, go to your last frost date on the calendar (for myself the last frost date is around May 24th) and count back four to six weeks - bringing you to a start planting date of April 15th.
Other tips to help get you started:
- The best soil is a 'Seed Starting Mixture' available at most garden supply stores.
- The best location to germinate seeds is on top of your fridge. The heat from the fridge motor will warm the soil - helping the germination process. After your seeds have sprouted, move them to a bright, sunny location like a west or south-facing window.
- For larger seeds soak them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. This will weaken the shell and improve germination. Some hard shell seeds need to be scarified (scraped/knicked with nail file or sandpaper before planting).
NOTE: The easiest seeds to start indoors are Marigolds.
Happy Gardening!
Frank Ferragine
Gardening Specialist, "CityNews"
Frank's Q&A Gardening Column Returns!
Citytv gardening specialist Frank Ferragine will be here to answer our readers' gardening questions for another season. Here's the first from a reader in Thorold. Read below to find out how you can have Frank answer your gardening questions.
Question:
Hi Frank, need help with a Hoya plant I have. I brought it inside for the fall and just this last week it has started to lose a lot of its leaves. I only water once a week and try to turn it a quarter of a turn as well. It doesn't have any pesky friends and is located in a very sunny spot. What could be the problem? Love your bits on BT and Also Cityonline. Keep up the great work.
Kim Risi Thorold, ON
Hi Kim, Hoyas are known for their trouble - free care; however, like humans they are living organisms and sometimes need help. It's not uncommon for plants to go through a period of shock when they are first brought indoors. In fact, a plant may drop its leaves and appear tired during a period of adjustment to light and humidity once moved into its new indoor location.
Second, Hoyas like it dry! Although you may only be watering your Hoya once a week, this could just as well be too much. Before watering, use your finger to determine if your Hoya is indeed dry before further watering. Remember, bright locations are best for Hoyas, so the sunny spot you have it in is excellent. My last words of wisdom are to simply ensure your Hoya is not being affected by drafts or heat from a nearby vent.
Good luck! Frankie
Have a Question for Frank that you would like answered in The Epoch Times? Submit your questions today to AskFrank@epochtimes.com or by fax 416-298-1299 Attention: Frank Ferragine or mail to: Frank Ferragine c/o The Epoch Times, 103-201 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4G8
Watch for the answer to your question in Frank Ferragine's Q&A column in The Epoch Times on the first Thursday of every month! Also, watch for Frank on Citytv Toronto and CP24 weekly on "Frankie Flowers" airing every Friday at 12:30 for more great gardening tips!
Feeds