Germinating Seeds for Your Garden

Years ago I worked in a green house and have always started my own garden from seeds. It's so fulfilling to watch them grow from a small seed. 14 years ago my husband and I built a cold frame. I started the seeds inside and moved them outside as them grew and as the days got warmer into the cold frame outside. It had a opaque top to hold in the heat from the day. You must keep opening and closing it though. Too much sun and they will die, too much cold and they will die.
 Last year I started herbs from seeds. I started growing  Basil, Thyme and Rosemary.
I started them in one pot, which is hard to do because they all have different watering needs. It is possible though, and great for cooking.

Most stores have seeds in stock now for germination now. It takes between 15-45 days to germinate the seeds. It mostly depends on the size. usually the larger the faster it germinates. Generally you start 8 weeks before the expected last frost for your area. That would make about March 9th about the start date, but for Tomato plants I like to get a jump start and get them nice and big so they are a good size before planting. So it's time to start planning now,and it helps get through winter.

Things to Get Started
Seeds
soil
pots
warming mat ( this is optional, but seeds like it warm) you can also use the top of a water heater or refrigerator.

Be sure to read the directions on the seed packet, because each seed has different depths and soil preferences. If you want Tomatoes for your garden, it's about time to get started.

As your seedling get bigger you will need to transplant them to a bigger pots, so they don't get root bound. I have successfully grown, corn, zucchini, beets, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, basil, Thyme, rosemary and garlic. My daughter became a beet lover after trying them out of my garden. Everything taste better grown in your own soil.  These are the basics, there's a lot of information on getting started on the internet. here is a link to a good site.
http://www.reneesgarden.com/articles/start_seeds.html

HAPPY PLANTING!

                                                                     Warming Mat

                                                                       

                                                                    Seedlings

                                                                        

                                                                  Transplanting

                                                                      

                                                                 Finished Product

                                                      Cold Frame