I like to get a head start at growing plants from seed starting off indoors and then in the greenhouse.  I do not have a sophisticated seed sowing schedule, but mainly use directions from the seed packets to guide me.  I have my standard vegetable seeds that I like to grow every year but I do like to find different seed sources.  As in my previous post on “Seed ordering time”, this year I ordered my vegetable seeds from Stellar (a family run seed company based in the West Kootenays).  With regard to perennial and annual seeds, I like to experiment every year with different varieties and varied seed companies and I take note of seeds that have done well over previous years.   I really do not need to plant more perennials as my garden is already jammed pack, however, annuals do come in very useful to fill in the gaps when you get a lull in the garden.

I have started sowing basil, 3 different varieties of cherry tomato (heirloom seeds) and a few annual seeds.  Initially I place the seed trays on a plastic mat on the living room floor.  We have hot water heat so it provides enough underneath heat to help germinate the seeds.   For tray covers, I just use plastic wrap.  Once the seeds have germinated, you can remove the wrap.  Make sure that you appropriately label your seed trays with the plant variety.  For markers I use either wooden or plastic that you can pick up from the dollar store.  Towards the end of  March I transfer the seed trays to the greenhouse and place them on a heater cable which is immersed in sand.  I also have a small heater in the greenhouse on a timer to prevent the temperature in the greenhouse dropping below zero.

Directions on the back of the seed packet provides a wealth of information, i.e.  the appropriate time to sow the seeds, the approximate time until seed germinates, how deep to plant the seed (usually small seeds are planted near the surface of the soil and larger ones placed a little lower).  There is also direction as to the right time to plant seedlings out in the garden.  Key thing is to not over water.  A lot of times it is trial and error as to the success rate of seed germination.  I always tend to sow too many seeds and invariably have to do a major thinning out, i.e. pulling out the weaker seedlings allowing the more prominent ones to grow.   I don’t mind having surplus plants as I usually pass them on to friends and family.

It is important too to have the right potting soil.  You do not want anything too heavy so I usually pick up a mix of peat, vermiculite and perlite.  Peat is often substituted with coconut fibre due to environmental concerns with harvesting peat.  Later when you are potting up your established seedlings, you can use a mix that has more body to it which has had compost or organic mixture added to it. 

Although patience is needed with seed sowing, the rewards of an established vegetable or flowering plant makes it all worthwhile.