Garden News
with Advanced Master Gardener
Steve Kruse

The month of March brings us the first day of spring! Time to start thinking of warm sunshine and green growing plants. We will still have cold days and maybe even  more snow, however it is time to start gardening. Now is the time to start planning what to plant and where to plant it. March is also the best time to start some seeds indoors and even plant a few things outside.

It is easier than you think to grow plants from seed. To do this you will need a few items. Obviously you will need seeds, soil, water and containers. Next you might need some heat mats, artificial lighting and a fan. To start the seeds simply fill the container with soil and plant the seed in the soil. The larger the seed the deeper it needs to be planted. Most seeds only need to be covered with a light coating of soil. Light isn’t important until the seedling emerges, heat and water is the most important factor now. Keep the soil in a warm area and only water when the soil is dry to the touch. Too much water will rot the seed and or the tender root. When the seedling emerges from the soil be sure to provide as much light as possible. Most homes are not bright enough to prevent the plant from becoming very stretched and weak. To prevent this place a light about one inch over the plant. It is best to have a cool light and warm light bulb to complete the full color spectrum. Be sure to raise the bulb up as the plant begins to grow. Remember to only water when the soil is dry to the touch. The plants are not growing rapidly and will not require much water. I like to use a fan on the new seedlings for several reasons. One it will dry the soil surface which will prevent stem rot and other fungi and the light wind will help the stem become stronger.

March is also a great time to frost seed clover on fields, hill-sides, or wherever you may need to control erosion. Many of our customers will also over seed horse pastures in March also. To do this broadcast the seed over the ground when we are in a freeze and thaw cycle. When the ground is frozen is will have cracks in it and when it thaws it will expand. The seed will fall into the cracks when applied and the thawing will cover the seed in the soil. The seed will start to grow as soon as the soil temperatures are warmer. This works well with many types of seed. This a great way to get a jump start on spring chores.

Stop in and see us for all your needs for planting seeds. We have a new shipment of seeds, soils, and fertilizer ready to help you start growing.