I don’t know why, but I can’t wait to get my garden started. Usually, I purchase transplants from around town, but this year I would like to start some from seed indoors. How do I do that? WG

It is that time of year. With a cool season vegetable planting time of mid-February to mid-March the window to start those seeds indoors is closing if not already closed. But the good news is that a lot of those crops can be direct seeded into the soil. Those crops would include carrots, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, lettuce, peas, spinach, radish, and turnips.

When you start seeds indoors, you will need to start them about 5 to 6 weeks before you plan on moving them outdoors. This means that if your target planting date for warm season crops is April 15^th, you should start your seeds somewhere around March 1^st.

Seed starting can be a little intimidating and there are a lot of fancy seed starting equipment, but in reality, you can start seeds in just about anything. Legit seed starting trays are great but ultimately, any type of container will work such as used yogurt or butter containers etc.

Personally, I like to use the peat pots since you can plant the entire pot in the ground when it’s time. But those smaller disposable plastic cups work well for starting seeds also.

Once you have your seed starting containers lined up, you’ll need to get some seed starting soil mix. Seed starting soil mix is a much lighter media and well suited to starting your seeds. Its light texture enables tiny roots to reach out easily. If you use a seed starting mix, it’s not a bad idea to fill your containers about half full of regular potting soil and then top off with the seed starting mix. This will help give them at good mix of media to start their journey to your garden. Just be sure to get this mix moist with water before planting your seeds. I say this because seed starting mix can be a little contrary with its first watering. If you’ve experienced this, you know what I mean.

Now that you have your seeds planted in their new temporary homes, you need to find a warm place with lots of sun. Most seeds germinate faster when their soil is warm. 70 degrees would be about right but a little warmer won’t hurt. Seed starting heating mats are available to warm the soil. With a heating mat, those cucumber seedlings start popping up in a day or two. Without them it may just take a little longer. Be sure to turn off and remove the seed starting heating mat once your seeds have germinated.

Seed starting trays tend to come with clear plastic covers. These are great because the not only help retain the heat but moisture as well. However, once your seedlings begin to grow, you’ll need to remove the cover to not only give them room to grow but to allow for air circulation. Also, those nice, warm, and humid environments are great breeding grounds for fungi so don’t leave them on too long.

Light is a key issue for your new little sprouts. A grow light just makes things easier. If your grow light has a frame or you suspend it above your seedlings, you’ll want the light pretty close to the plants…the closer the better. This also means you’ll have to raise the light as your plants grow.

If your new sprouts seem to be long and lanky, that’s their way of telling you they need more light. If you have a grow light, plan on leaving it on above your seedlings for about 16 to 18 hours a day. Currently, we are getting about 12 hours of daylight a day so you can see how grow lights can help to speed your babies along.

And plan on rotating your plants under the light unless they are all getting equivalent light. Without rotating, the plants right under the light will grow to shade out the plants at the edges. So, take turns under the lighting hot spots for more consistent results.

Now let’s fast forward closer to planting day. One thing that many a gardener overlooks is a process called “hardening off.” Hardening off involves gradually introducing your plants to the outdoors. To do this, plan on exposing them to the outdoors in stages. At first, maybe pick an area that is partially shaded and let them sit out for a couple of hours. Over about a week or so, gradually increase their exposure to the sun and elements so they can prepare for their new home.

You need to remember that your new seedlings have been living their best life indoors while having you pamper them with food and water. If they are not introduced gradually to the outdoors, it might be too much for them and they won’t make it. Introducing them gradually gives you a better chance at success.

If starting your plants from seed seems like too much, we have a good selection of vegetable plants available in our Annual Plant Sale/Fundraiser (www.tulsamastergardeners.org). See you in the garden!

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo: OSU Ag. Comm. Services