Kody Hanner
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Do you know when to start seeds indoors for your vegetable garden?
Once upon a time, knowing when to start seeds was a total mystery for me. I would stare at that map on the back of the seed packet with a swirl of color that swept across a drawing of the United States. For the most part, that picture only confused me more especially when just within my county the climate changed radically from the coast to mountains to scorching hot valleys. How could this sweeping picture on my seed packet have any accuracy?
Understanding Seed Starting by zones
The United States is broken up by USDA hardiness zones. Here is a link to determine your zone. These zones are considerably more accurate than the picture on the back of a little seed packet. Hardiness zones are categorized by average minimum winter temperature and then broken up in 10 degree F groups. The intention is to determine a plants ability to thrive within a zone.
Knowing your zone allows you to take your final frost date and count backwards a suggested number of weeks as stated on your seed packet. The goal with this is that by the time you reach your final frost date, you will have starts that are strong enough to withstand being transplanted.
Taking the math out of seed starting
There are a ton of sites, blogs and books out there that explain and provide charts for seed starting. The majority of them are one size fits all guide still requiring you to count backwards from your final freeze date. Two years ago, when I was looking for advice on growing onions, I found a blog post at the Rustic Elk that had a link for a seed starting guide by zip code! I was stoked because it takes into consideration microclimates and takes the guess work out for both spring and fall gardens. I was sad this year when I went back to the blog I had previously referenced to find that they had removed the link from their site. After hours of searching, I found the site and I am happy to share Garden.Org with you!
How I use this seed starting guide
When I get my seed orders in every January, I sit down and add them all to my seed starting planner. I use one from the Prairie Homestead and then slightly modify it to fit my needs. I sell many of my vegetable starts so even ones that suggest direct sow (planning right in the garden), I have to start in pots for customers as well. I refer to my seed starting guide and write the suggested start date next to each variety of seed that I add to my planner. Then I write what date they should be transplanted or direct sown next to it.
Disclaimer – I always check on my seed packet or the site in which I bought them to confirm that a certain variety doesn’t have additional suggestions.
Tips to effective seed starting
Sanitize all equipment to avoid moldy seedlings
Keep moist (water regularly and use greenhouse covers)
Make sure your grow lights (if using) are close to avoid leggy seedlings
Fertilize with fish emulsion once established
Remember to harden off any plants before transplanting!
What to teach your kids about gardening?
Homestead Science is an interactive homeschool curriculum that will introduce your child to small-scale farming. This one-of-a-kind homestead curriculum has something for preschoolers through adulthood.
Homestead Science is designed to give your child a better understanding of where their food comes from. This allows them to take ownership in providing food for the family, whether that’s understanding what they are choosing at the grocery store, helping you tend to the garden, or gathering eggs from your chickens.
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