By Jessi Jablonski
A need for seeds
As beautiful as winter can be, it starts to feel like the season is dragging on this time of year. A great way to combat cabin fever is to get a little dirt on your hands! Starting seeds can be a fun way to create new life for the garden, even when there is still snow on the ground.
First things first: What plant goes where?
Planning out your garden is an important step. Whether you are plotting out your vegetable garden or sketching a new design for your flowers, putting it on paper will give you an idea of how many plants to start from seed.
Once you have decided which seeds you are going to start, purchase your seed. There are plenty of reputable sources for seeds locally. Check the back of the seed packets for current dates. All seed packaging will indicate a “Packed for” date. Seeds that are older have less of a change of sprouting, and that can be a big waste of time, space and money.
Read the packet for specific sprouting instructions. Some seeds have a naturally tough coating that protects them in the cold winters. To mimic the natural outdoor freeze and thaw, many seeds will require a soak in water to get them to sprout. The seed packet will also indicate when the seeds should be started, relative to our last frost date. Typically, our last frost date falls sometime in late May, so I like to count backwards from Memorial Day.
When its time to plant, get all of your items ready:
The seeds – Pre-soaked if needed.
Potting mix – A seed-starting mix will work best, and have the balanced nutrients that the seeds need.
Growing containers – Cleaned used food containers will work just as well as a store-bought pots. You can also use paper containers or whatever you have lying around the house. Just make sure it is clean, and did not have chemicals in it. Cut a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
Plant tray – Growing containers and water will sit in this tray. Make sure there are no holes in it.
Plant tags – Or a marker to write on the container.
Spray bottle – To dampen the soil when planting.
Clear plastic – A plastic baggie placed over the containers will keep seedlings moist during germination. Remove this when the seeds have sprouted.
Fill your containers almost to the top with soil, but do not press down on it. Leave the soil fluffy for now. Place the desired amount of seeds on the soil. Add as much soil is needed, per seed packet instructions. Mist the soil to dampen the top, then place the seed container in the tray. When you are done seeding, and have moved your tray to a sunny window or under a light, add about 1/4 inch water to the tray. The soil will wick the water up, ensuring the seeds won’t get disturbed. Check the water regularly, as seeds need to be moist to germinate. For the best germination, try to keep the temperature around 70 degrees.
As the seeds germinate, remove the plastic covers. Adding a fan on low speed will help prevent the newly-sprouted seeds from dampening off, or rotting from the moisture of the soil. Don’t forget to keep the seedlings moist. If young plants wilt too much they may not bounce back.
Happy Planting!
The Plant Lady is a regional horticulturalist with the goal is of making Bluff Country more beautiful – one garden at a time. Follow her on Facebook @PlantLadyMn for helpful tips and tricks, or via email at ThePlantLadyMN@gmail.com.
Sesame Honey Snack Bars
½ cup honey
1 cups sesame seeds
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup chopped almonds
Prepare 2 large sheets of parchment paper by spraying them with cooking spray. Place one sheet of parchment on a cookie sheet, oil side up.
Add honey to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and almonds; mix until combined. Transfer the sesame mixture to the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Cover with the other sheet of parchment paper (cooking spray covered surface touching the sesame mixture), and roll with a rolling pin to flatten the mixture to ¼-inch thick.
Carefully remove the top parchment paper and let cool for 15 minutes. Cut the sesame honey mixture into bars using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Refrigerate the sesame honey bars for at least 2 hours before serving. Store in a refrigerator.
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