Winter Garden Calendar
Cold weather never deters a true gardener.....there are always seed catalogs to read, bulbs to force, houseplants to care for. Soon it will be time to start transplants for spring garden planting.
Many gardeners enjoy growing their own transplants for many reasons including selection and economics. Of course, there are costs involved in growing transplants at home but there are many benefits as well. Plants help filter indoor air and increase oxygen and relative humidity levels.
High quality seed, sanitation, light and air circulation are important factors when growing transplants. Seedlings are always susceptible to damping-off, a fungal disease. Always use clean, new or sterilized containers and a pasteurized planting media to reduce the chance of damping off. Reduce the spread of damping off by planting seeds in rows rather than broadcasting them over the surface of containers.
Before planting, sort seeds according to their growing conditions. Most common garden seeds germinate best with gentle bottom heat; others need a cooler location or other special treatments. Also, some seeds need dark to germinate while others need light. The seed packet should tell if there are special requirements. You can save time and space by grouping seeds according to their needs.
Newly germinated seedlings need bright direct light. A south-facing window or fluorescent light fixtures are most feasible options for most gardeners. Set the lights so they are 3 to 4 inches above the tops of the plants, raising the fixture (or lowering the plants) as the seedlings grow taller. If growing seeds in a sunny window, turn them ever few days to reduce their stretching to the light.
Plants grown outside are constantly blown by the wind and develop strong cell walls to survive. Inside, however, most seedlings don’t receive enough stress from air movement. Research has shown brushing the tops of plants a few times each day can strengthen the stems and leaves producing stronger, more vigorous transplants.
Transplants need to gradually adjust to outdoor living before they are planted. Expose the seedlings to the direct sun and wind by moving them outside for about an hour the first day and gradually increase to constant exposure after about two weeks. Don’t allow transplants to wilt or become nutrient deficient. This added stress can stunt plants and slow growth once they are transplanted.
Most transplants should be started six to ten weeks before you plan to set them outside. Check your seed package for recommended time to start seeds. The average day for the last spring freeze in Otoe County is around the 24th of April.
