Start Your Garden Indoors Now

By Jennifer Eblin

Winter is oh-so-close to being on its way out, yet even with the hint of spring around the corner, nothing is guaranteed. The first few weeks of spring will still bring harsh winds, cold temperatures, and maybe even a few more snowstorms. As much as you would love to take your new seeds and plant outdoors, you just can't risk one last winter thaw wreaking havoc on your favorite blossoms. Focus instead on doing as much prep work as possible inside.

The beginning of spring and end of winter – it's the perfect time to get your plants started, before you expose them to the elements. This is when you can start seeds and even small plants. Everyone knows that bigger plants first start as seeds, and you can take a variety of approaches to start your seeds growing.

The first way takes a page from the world of elementary school children by placing seeds in wet paper towels. The paper towels protect the seed from any damage, while also allowing the moisture left behind to nourish the seeds. This paper towel should be placed in a small glass or cup, then removed after a few days or weeks once the seed sprouts. The second approach is to use a professionally designed sprouter system. This system has small plastic trays where you can lay out your seeds, and watch them slowly grow. Some of the more complex systems even come with food and water trays so your plants will continue to be nourished, even if you do not use plant food or water often.

If you plan to use seedlings, or plants that have already begun to develop, you will need to store them in a safe environment such as small terra cotta pots. You can use the same dirt or soil that you would use if the plants were outside, but you should use a small amount of plant food to provide some added nourishment. It might be helpful to purchase a size larger than you think you might need simply to provide some added protection. Winter has a habit of rearing its ugly head a few times during the spring months, and this will keep your plants protected until it's time to plant them outside.

Winter gardening can be as lovely and relaxing as spring or summer gardening. You must make sure to provide lots of light for your plants, be it artificial or natural light, as well as watering and using plant food when needed. By the time spring weather does arrive, your plants will be ready to go and you'll be one step ahead of your neighbors.

04/04/08  By Jennifer Eblin