Grow Seeds Outdoors

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Grow Seeds Outdoors

by Fran Sorin, Green Thumb

 

Don't worry if you have a secret " seed phobia. " Many more gardeners than you

would expect fall in the same category. They'll make up an abundance of

excuses, from not having enough time to not having enough space.

 

 

I have a philosophy that gardeners who don't plant seeds are really closet

" seed wannabes. " I used to be. But then something wonderful happened late

one spring. I received a packet of cosmos seeds in the mail. Hmmm, I thought

to myself, what do I have to lose? I gently sprinkled the seed on the soil,

took a little peat and covered the seeds, and then sprinkled them with a

watering can. Within weeks the seeds had germinated, and within the next

month I had beautiful deep pink cosmos blowing in the wind. I was hooked.

 

I have made plenty of mistakes over the years. But I have learned much. And

the most important piece of information I want to pass on to you is, buy

seeds that are easy to germinate.

 

Most seed packets nowadays will let you know not only when to plant your

seeds but also the ease or difficulty of germinating the seeds. For your

first stab at planting seeds outdoors, my flower winners are sweet peas,

cosmos, nasturtiums, tithonia and sunflowers. Depending on your zone, you

will plant each of these seeds at different times. Sweet peas, which can be

planted as early as St. Patrick's Day on the East Coast, are considered the

first sign of spring. These delicate little tendrils work their way up

wooden vines in the most beautiful assortment of colors and shapes and a

seductive aroma. You won't be able to resist the urge to cut them and bring

them into your home. The other seeds need to be planted after the danger of

frost is over and the soil has had a chance to warm up.

 

My veggie picks for easy-to-grow outdoor seeds are tomatoes, cucumbers,

squash and pepper. Again, follow the directions and you can't lose. (An

important side note: Tomato and cucumber plants need some sort of support in

order to grow healthily.)

Two last words of advice: Don't overplant. That is the tendency for all

beginners. Believe me, if you plant as the directions say and actually leave

enough space between the seeds, they will do fine. Just cover the seed with

enough peat or straw so that the birds won't get to them. Then, label

everything with plastic or wooden labels and non-erasable markers so that

you will remember where you planted these little guys. And of course,

lastly, take a watering can and gently water (not with a harsh spray). Check

daily to make sure that soil is moist.

Trust me, growing plants from seed is easier than putting on your makeup in

the morning. And just imagine row after row of magnificent VanGogh

sunflowers in your own backyard. Once you do it, I think you'll agree with

me that seed growing is addictive.