Grow your own (the basics)

The capability to incorporate your own food into your kitchen with just the start of a seed is so incredibly important. It's a dissolving practice & most kids do not even realize that most of their food comes from a plant or animal. It's sad, really. My goal is to bring it back to life. Make it more common to have a sizable garden in each backyard.

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So, let's start with the basics. What vegetables & fruits are you frequently using in your kitchen? Do you make spaghetti or your famous lasagna often? Tacos, Wraps, Subs? All of these things include tomatoes, onions, lettuce & any other favorites you might love to add. Yy favorite Tomato sauce consists off all of these things & more! Pick out your 'frequent fliers' & grab those seeds.

Supply list for starting seeds:

• Seeds - Baker Creek is my personal preference here's why

• Containers - wet peat pots are my favorite, they're cheap, biodegradable & have excellent drainage.

• Soil - "..commercial seed-starting mix since it is lightweight, sterile, and free of weed seeds." -Farmer's Almanac website.

• Sunlight - approximately 12 to 16 hours per day

You have your seeds, now what? When can you start?

1. Be sure to know what zone you are located in. This is important because frost can lead to dead seedlings. Click here to find out what Zone you are located. approximately 4-6 weeks before your very last frost date proceed with step 2.

2. It is generally a good idea to read each seed packet for specific information on how to start seeds.

3. Fill you container with seed stater approximately 3/4's of the way full & wet your soil. Let the soil completely drain (not dry) you just don't want extra water hanging around.

4. Indent your soil about 1/4-1/2 down your pot & add your seed. Gently, cover it with soil.

Tips & Maintenance

• You'll want to keep the temperate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit where your seedlings are.

• Once a week turn your seedlings to keep them reaching for the sun, this strengthens the stalk, preparing them for outside wind & rain.

• Use a mist sprayer to water your seedlings, keep them moist, not wet. Too much water will cause them to either rot or develop a disease.

Seed Staring Basics straight from the Farmer's Almanac

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Transplanting

Once you plants grow the be about 3 inches tall or so, and they look like they have a strong stalk & at least 4 leaves that could withstand a little wind & rain, it's time for transplanting. You can either transplant to a larger pot or outside. Once the smallest possibility of frost has come and gone, you're good to go.

Choosing a place for your garden:

I recommend doing this sometime after you start your seedlings, but before they're ready to be transplanted outdoors. This gives you plenty of time to prepare.

• You'll want an area that gets about half day of sun and half day of shade, it doesn't have to be exact, but kind of base your options around that.

• Clear the area. Remove grass, rocks, etc. Allow 8-12 square inches per plant. Tomatoes have the potential to get huge.

• Rotate/loosen your existing ground soil & I always recommend adding garden soil and/or manure to your existing ground soil. Mix it up well & even out your ground.

• Water the entire area well, but do not flood it.

• Dig a hole double the size of your root system & plant your seedlings. Water the area each day for the first week.

Be aware of garden pests (especially when you have small plants) Consider something like this.

Congratulations, you have officially started a garden! Watch it grow & produce. Your plants have so much to teach you along the way. Keep an open mind & never be afraid to ask questions.