Grow your own seedlings indoors

Starting seeds indoors lets you select the best varieties and have them when you want them. The basic plan is to plant seeds in moist potting mix and put the containers in a warm place until seedlings emerge, keeping the mix moist but not soggy. Then move the containers to a very bright place until the plants are big enough to plant out. Here are the important details:

 The container should be 2-3 inches deep and have drainage holes. Reused nursery cell packs are good, or tofu containers punched for drainage; egg cartons are too shallow. Recycled plastic trays from grocery purchases make good saucers to prevent water from damaging indoor surfaces.

 Don’t overplant, as seedlings are tricky to separate without damaging their roots. When you first plant the seeds, water until the container drips, drain the tray, and then water only a tiny bit whenever the surface is dry. Don’t water to the dripping point again until seedlings are growing well. Make sure to add a label with the variety and date. (Recycled popsicle sticks make good labels.)

 The warm place could be on top of a refrigerator or other appliance. If seedlings don’t appear in the number of days listed on the seed packet, that probably means the location isn’t warm enough. In this case, buy a plastic electric warming mat (available at local nurseries or from Gardeners Supply at www.gardeners.com). For just a few seedlings, you’ll need only the smallest size and not the separate thermostat.

 Check daily. As soon as the first bit of even one seedling breaks the surface, move the seeding container next to the brightest window you have. Rotate it daily to keep seedlings from leaning to the light. Seedlings should be stocky; except for leeks and onions, which should be as wide as they are tall. If they are spindly and narrow, your window is not bright enough. In this case, buy or make a seed-starting light fixture. It can be as simple as a 4-foot shop light with seedlings kept 6 inches from the light. (You can place the container on a pile of books or bricks; remove books or bricks as the seedlings grow.)

 In some cases, it is wise (or at least possible) to pot up seedlings into a slightly larger container for a week or more before you plant them out. Disturb roots as little as possible; water thoroughly after repotting. (See “pot up” notes.)

 Before you plant seedlings outdoors, put them outside in shade for two or three days, then all night, then move them to sun. Avoid harsh outside weather, such as strong winds or icy nights in this “hardening off” period. Then plant them in their final location and give a good watering. Water to keep soil moist if rain is not sufficient, but rain is usually enough through April, and maybe longer.

Pam Peirce 'Cascadia' snap peas.