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Starting Seeds
Garden Tips Newsletter - January 16, 2002

Are you trying to ward off the winter doldrums? If so, starting seeds for your spring garden may help. Many plants can be started from seed now, grown indoors, and set out in a few months. Starting seeds now can help you get a jump-start on that spring garden and may even save you a little money.

Some good plants to start growing from seed include Gerbera Daisy, allysum, coleus, dusty miller, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds, petunias, phlox, protulaca, salvia, vinca, verbena, sweet peas, poppies, and larkspur.

To sow seeds indoors start with a soilless medium in a shallow, well-draining container. Plant seeds in 2-inch rows or recommended spacing on the seed packet. Place seeds in warm, sunny location and keep the media moist (not wet). Germination will depend on the plant; see the back of the seed packet for approximate days to germination.

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.