by Julie Connor, Somervell County Master Gardener
A great therapy for the “Winters in Texas Time Garden Blues” is to garden indoors or in your greenhouse. Get a head start on spring by planting seeds, the future of your garden. No greenhouse? Start seeds in a sunny window where the temperatures can reach at least 70 to 75 degrees. Shop your favorite seed catalog or visit a nursery for your old favorites or a new and exciting plant you want to add to your garden. Vegetables and flowers are the most common seeds to start, but you can also use stem, leaf or root cuttings. Always refer to your seed packet or go online for optimal temperatures for your seeds.
The growing medium for your seed should be composed of equal parts peat moss (which holds moisture) and perlite or vermiculite (for drainage and aeration). There are also seed-starting mixtures available which are finely ground and great for small seeds. If you have trays or small pots available, utilize these, as handling seeds when grown is made easier.
When planting the seeds a good rule for depth is 2-3 times the seed width. Water the medium before planting. Future watering should be a gentle mist nozzle so that the seeds are not disturbed.
Germinating seeds do not need fertilizer, but once the ‘true leaf’ appears fertilize with a seaweed and fish emulsion solution. Over fertilizing can lead to excessive growth which makes the plant weak. Cut back on the fertilizer if you notice a growth spurt.
Before transplanting the seedlings, acclimate them to the outdoors over a two to three week period leaving them overnight gradually. You can Google for a ‘Spring Planting Guide’ for Texas in preparation for the best time to put your seedlings in the garden.
Happy Gardening! Hoe, hoe, hoe.