Starting Plants From Seeds

If you've been in the Northeast Cobb Home Depot lately you've noticed the large seed displays near the garden section. If you are eager for spring, starting seeds at home can satisfy your gardening itch.

Starting indoor seeds is easy. If you are a beginner, it's best to choose plants known to be easy to grow from seed, such as sunflowers, marigolds and zinnias. Primrose is a good choice for sun or shade. Pink Dianthus is simple and fragrant.

The seed packet will give directions for placing seedlings in a cool (45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) or warm place (70 to 85 degrees) for germination.

The best place for planted seeds is on a window sill or table at unobstructed south windows. Another option is in front of any sunny window or under a grow light.

The Home Depot suggests these three easy steps for planting seeds:

Step One

 Fill an egg carton or a shallow container that will drain well with a potting mix specifically formulated for starting seeds. If growing a large number of seeds, you may consider making your own lightweight seeding soil using sphagnum peat moss and perlite. Sprinkle with seeds onto the surface of the mix and cover with more mix as desired for the seed varieties planted. Set the container in a tray of water to moisten, or sprinkle water on the mix gently with your hands, or use a spray bottle to water the seeds to keep them from being dislodged.

Step Two

Slip the container into a plastic bag to keep it warm and moist. Position a room thermometer nearby to make sure the temperature is right for the type of seed (check the package). After a few days or weeks, once the seeds germinate, remove the bag.

Step Three

Provide light as soon as the seeds germinate. Use a sunny south-facing window, a grow-light just a few inches above the plants, or both. Raise the grow-light as the seedlings grow.

Find everything you need at the Home Depot, 3605 Sandy Plains Road.