Seeds and Seed Starting

Several years ago I decided to quit starting plants (ornamental and edible) indoors from seed. It was always a great way to appease my impatience for spring's arrival, but a seedling massacre occurred every May, as my attention was diverted to the many garden tasks outdoors needing completion. Inevitably, I'd forget to water, or take [...]

So often we're told that a certain bulb multiplies by seed, but how often do you see it in action? In the photo above, the Siberian squill seedlings look almost like grass, but many of them still have the brown seed coat on their tips. Also, they are not flat like grass blades, but round [...]

Seeds of vegetables grown in cold climates need to have a short length to maturity and an ability to tolerate cooler than typical temperatures--day and night. You can look in any general seed catalog for terms like "short growing season," "early-bearing," "tolerates cool evenings," or even the magic words, "especially bred for northern growers." It's [...]

Botanical Interests was a new seed company for me when I hosted a giveaway of their seeds last year. Since then I've had a chance to grow their seeds. My favorite has got to be the Lauren's Grape poppy. It is gorgeous paired up with 'Dark Towers' penstemon. Over 300 Kinds of Seeds But Botanical [...]

Finished reorganizing the seed stand. Culled all the broken flats. Organized the cell packs. All this for the master seed starter, not me. My eldest daughter does most of the seed starting. I taught her everything I knew, and she improved upon it. So I just get everything back in order after a winter of [...]

I used the random number generator, which picked number 26. Angie submitted comment number 26, so she is our winner. I have sent her an email with details on how to receive her seeds. Coupon code is good for another week But don't forget, for another week, everyone is eligible for the following online order [...]

As a result of my membership in GWA, for the past three years I have received a media packet from Renee's Garden. A free packet of seeds is always included in the mailing, as well as an order form listing every seed they're selling that year, with an invitation to mark off which seeds you [...]

A reader contacted Cold Climate Gardening recently to ask: I live in area between Syracuse and Ithaca... near Cortland. I have tomato seeds--many different varieties. When should I start the seedlings to grow in peat pots inside the house? Is it too early? While I am at it...what else should I be starting? Thanks a [...]

Matriarchy of Ramping Up the Garden! She has already received instructions on how to claim her free seeds. Happy seed starting, Matriarchy! Those of you who didn't win will have another chance next week at Garden Rant.