Spring is here, at least according to the calendar, and we are all itching to defrost our green thumbs. One of the biggest problems at this time of year is being over eager. There are, however, some things that can be done while we in the Northeast are waiting for Mother Nature to warm up a bit.

Organizing the garage, cleaning and sharpening tools is a good thing to get accomplished in anticipation of spring weather. Take time to inspect and place materials and tools in accessible spots so they will be handy later on. It is also a good time to take stock of the items you need to replace or replenish such as fertilizers and sprays. It is also a good time to prepare markers and stakes for your garden. One useful tip comes from Colette Wampole-Mealy, Herb lecturer. She suggests buying inexpensive Venetian blinds and cutting them into appropriate lengths. She then labels them using pencil which she guarantees will not wash off or fade as quickly as inks.

It is also a good time to get your seed orders made and the materials for starting the seeds indoors. Remember that the last frost date on Long Island is May 15 so count backwards from then to guarantee safe planting. Depending on the type of plant, this brings the planting time to the middle of March for plants that are ready in 8 weeks or to the beginning of April for 6-week maturity. The seed packages should give you this information.

There are several steps and tips that help produce good plants from seeds.

Step 1- Keep records to allow for better planning. Record when the seeds are sown. You can also write this on the marker label for each type of seed. It is also good to save the seed packets so that species and cultural information are available. Record the germination date, success rate and when seedlings are ready for planting. This helps you make decisions for subsequent years. It might be a good idea to note where the seeds were purchased.

Step 2- Use wide, flat containers to avoid overcrowding. Plastic pots or containers are preferable to clay because they retain moisture more consistently. Wide, shallow containers prevent overcrowding of seedlings. Plants that resent disturbance when transplanted are best sown into small individual containers like cell packs that drain well. NOTE - If the container has been used before, soak it with a 10% solution of Clorox and warm water for 15 minutes and let air dry. If you wish, use the dishwasher.

Step 3- Create a soil mix containing peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. This can be purchased separately or there is a mix called Seed Starting Mix that is available in garden centers. Fill the cell packs or flats, press in and water thoroughly. DO NOT add fertilizer.

Step 4- Sow seeds carefully over the top of the flat or put one or two in each cell. Tamp seeds down lightly so they make contact with the soil. Cover with a thin layer of perlite. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering or placing the container in a pan of water.

Step 5- Cover the flats or cells with plastic wrap or a pre-made plastic cover that comes with some seed starting kits. This is to keep the moisture level even and needs to be checked daily. If you find that the soil or the seedlings are dry, lift the covering and spritz the surface with a spray bottle filled with warm water. If the soil is completely dry, place the entire flat in a basin with 2 or 3 inches of warm water and allow the water to wick up for a few hours. The idea is to keep the area moist but not too wet and not to disturb or injure the new seedlings as they emerge. Remove the coverings as soon as the seeds germinate and become seedlings.

Step 6- Light is not essential for germination, but heat is. Most seeds require temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F to germinate. Bottom heating is helpful if available. After germination, keep containers in a sunny place. They may also be placed about 3 to 6 inches beneath fluorescent lights. Keep artificial lights on for 12 to 14 hours a day. Adjust the lights to the size of the plants as they grow taller. If natural light is used, be sure to turn the flats or pots every day to get even growth. Hint: Brush the palm of your hand or a brush, like a make up brush, against the top of the seedlings to encourage strong stem growth.

Step 7- Once the first set of true leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into cell packs or two-inch pots and fertilize. The first set of leaves to emerge is usually part of the embryo. These leaves get nutrients from the seed endosperm. The next set of leaves that develop is referred to as true leaves and need supplemental feeding. Use a half-strength liquid fertilizer like Schultz or Peters fertilizers for indoor plants added to water once a week.

Step 8- Acclimate seedlings to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. This is called hardening off. It is best to do this over several days. Choose a place that is sheltered from direct wind. Place them in direct sunlight on the morning only of the first day. Increase their time outside by a few hours each day until they are vigorous enough to be transplanted. Transplant carefully, preferably on a cloudy, calm day.

Starting your own seeds is enormously rewarding. It is exciting to help Mother Nature bring about one of her miracles.

Gardens by Judy,
---- Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.