organizing your seed-starting

When shopping catalogues or online for seed-starting, your most difficult task will be narrowing down the hundreds of tempting choices.

To get growing, you will need soil-less germination mix and propagating kits. I use cell packs in flats with plastic dome lids, but I also reuse three- and four-inch nursery containers.

You can sow into six-packs and plastic deli clamshells. The only requirement for reusing containers is that you wash them clean with soap and water and a little bleach, and that you choose containers that have adequate holes for drainage.

Timing & how much to sow

Cosmos: an easy annual
for seed-starting

Most seed-starting recommendations for sowing dates are given in relation to the last spring frost date.

So if your last frost date is May 15th, and the recommended sowing date is six weeks before the last frost, count back six weeks from mid-May to arrive at the right time, around April 10.

My husband tracks his seeds on an Excel spreadsheet, but I'm not nearly that organized. I just sort through my packets in advance and note the planting dates for each different variety on a calendar.

More tips:

Don't start too soon: Although it is tempting to get started as soon as your seed packets arrive, don't sow too soon or you could end up with leggy plants ready for the garden long before it is safe to transplant them outside.

For example, if the guidelines suggest sowing four to six weeks before the last frost date, it is actually best to go with the four-week, rather than the six-week date.

Avoid sowing more than you need: This is an easy mistake for beginners to make. In my first season, I sowed an entire packet of foxgloves and ended up with seven dozen plants taking up precious space under my grow lights. By all means, sow a little extra to make sure you get enough plants, but then thin the seedlings out to a manageable number.

Storing leftover seeds: Many seeds are viable for several years if stored in a dry, cool, dark place.