by Lisa Giroday, Sandra Lopuch and Sam Philips | There are several food growing-related things that our optimistic and resourceful species can do to ward off the doldrums of the LAST LEG of winter — to bridge the gap between now and the much anticipated Spring Equinox (March 20th, folks). Planning gets us totally pumped for the actions that the near future holds! Just a couple of weeks ago, we mentioned some of the planning aspects of getting ready for spring food growing. Now we can plan further by starting some seedlings indoors! There are many little seedlings we can and should be starting at this time, so let’s get them in the ground as soon as it warms. Yes!

So what should you be starting right now? You can get going onions, peppers, greens, kale, peas, and more. Some seedlings, such as peppers, will need a grow light and a bit more effort, but try starting some greens, peas, and onions inside by a sunny window to get a head start on the season. And, get this: You DON’T require a greenhouse. A sunny windowsill will do just fine for many seedlings until they are set outside. Get started with all the stuff and directions you’ll need after the jump…

You’ll Need:

• Pots: this could be 4” nursery pots, newspaper pots, egg cartons, any container with drainage holes

• Trays, plates, or something to catch excess water

• Soil: Use organic and local soil. You need it? We got it.

• Row Markers: These are for labeling your seedlings. You can use row markers from a nursery, or wooden popsicle sticks

• Seeds: Local and organic, of course

• A sunny window, cold frame, or a greenhouse

• Watering can

Directions:

• Fill pots with soil; do not pack down.

• Sow seeds as per packet instructions. Again, never pack the soil down.

• Label with the row marker WHAT seed and variety it is, and put the date on there as well, so you can keep track of germination.

• Lightly cover according to recommended depth on the seed packet.

• Lightly water; you need to keep the soil moist for germination, so monitor this every day. Tip: You can also moisten the soil BEFORE putting into the pot and sowing the seed. This ensures even moistness; just be sure you CANNOT squeeze any excess water from the soil – this means there is too much water in the soil.

• Keep it in a sunny windowsill, preferably south facing if possible, and watch the magic happen.

• In the meantime, consider timing: When are you setting these seedlings outdoors? Need a hand with this? Call on us! Have fun and get ready for growing!

THE VICTORY GARDENS ARCHIVE

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Victory Gardens is a team of local urban farmers for hire. Lisa, Sandra and Sam help transform tired or underused residential and commercial green spaces into food producing gardens. Their goal is to challenge the way communities use space and to participate in the change needed to consume food more sustainably. For the rest of the growing season, they’ve hooked up with Scout to share some cool tips and tricks on how to get the best from of our own backyards.