Making the Decision to Start with Seeds
Will you begin your garden journey this season starting plants from seeds? It is a decision that is unique to each gardener. Much will depend on what you want to plant, the time you have to commit and indoor resources for success. Only you can decide what is a good fit for you. I do a limited amount of seed planting each year simply due to our rather short regional growing season (around 140 days) and the time and indoor resources needed for success. My space and light limitations just don’t add up for a successful growing formula. So I limit what I start from seed. And although I only commit to a small amount each year, I find great satisfaction in seeing that plant go from seed to a flourishing outdoor plant.
Where to Look for Great Seeds
If you are just beginning your seed starting journey, I highly recommend you take a look at Renee’s Garden Seeds. I have had great success with her seeds. All seed are not created equal! Renee seeds have a high germination rate and the plant produced is exactly what the packet describes. This company has developed a variety of edibles perfect for container and small space growing. Their unique varieties of watermelon, peppers, eggplant and squash are sure to spark children’s interest. I offered a number of seed packets to the Children’s Museum of Saratoga last year for their outdoor garden project.
What you need to know to Start Seeds
The Renee Seed packets offer great reading for the novice seed starter. They give you information about optimum growing conditions, colors to expect, wildlife it may attract and the eventual size of the plant. The packet also tells you if this seed is best started indoors, or sown in the ground after the last spring frost. The Renee Garden website is also chock full of seed starting tips along with extensive information about the seed varieties they offer. You will find great flower photos that will help you plan out your garden. https://www.reneesgarden.com
Introducing Seeds to Young Gardeners
Seed growing is a great way to get kids interested in gardening. This year I have chosen to start a few flower varieties indoors with my granddaughter. But I have also selected a few varieties to sow outdoor to really get the feel of the dirt in her hands. This will offer two different types of learning experiences. The sensory motor activity of planting and transplanting can be very beneficial to young developing hands. Observing and measuring growth of the plants as they sprout offers all kinds of opportunities to learn. I use primarily seeds that produce flowers. So when I choose my seeds for kids to grow I select those with bright colors, a variety of flower and leaf shapes, heights, textures and fragrances. This will hold your young ones interest as well as offer a sensory banquet for garden exploration.
Garden Goddess Coming Attractions
Check out my website for upcoming workshops and sign up for my seasonal newsletters : http://www.gardengoddesssenseandsustainability.com
This year I am expanding my workshop offerings to include “in the garden” style workshops for kids throughout the garden season. More information and dates will be listed on my website.
For the next 2 weekends I am presenting workshops at the Malta Community Center. Go to http://www.MaltaParksRec.com for dates times and more information.
As always…applying “common sense and sustainability” to all my garden practices!
