Spring is just around the corner and there’s no better time to start learning the steps. Through this process, you can find gratitude and appreciation for the little food you produce because of the amount of effort you put into your garden. I hope this gives you something to look forward to!
You can start by collecting seeds from your closest grocery store. Sometimes we may forget the fruits we consume have a handful of seeds inside them and they can grow. Another way is to literally just order or buy a packet of seeds from your local plant nursery. Even the Dollar Tree has them. Remember to read the seed package because every seed is unique and timing is important when you decide to plant! It should also explain the amount of light and water, time for maturity, and soil needs to help assist you in keeping your new baby healthy.
Germination is the process in which the seed starts to grow. I suggest following @mtplanters on Instagram to help with steps and tips when germinating. Once you have your seeds, clean and place them on a damp paper towel. The seeds need to be slightly moist at all times for humidity. Placing them in a container or zip lock bag will keep the heat and moisture inside. If you plan on having an indoor garden, the kitchen holds more humidity compared to other rooms in a household. If your seed needs a lot of light, a south-facing window would be best!
Once you notice that your little seedlings have started sprouting from the paper towel method, it is time to transfer them into soil. It’s best to start with soil that is meant for growing seedlings and start off in a small pot or container. You can also make your own organic soil; there are many videos on YouTube that provide the details on how to do so. You can also use an egg carton to allow growth, but the plant will need to be re-potted as soon as its roots are growing faster. Make sure to keep the seedlings moist to prevent them from drying out at least once a day, depending on the temperature.
Patience and persistence are key. Not all the seeds will germinate. The first seeds I ever tried were lemon and blackberries, but they got rotten because I didn’t change the paper towel. It was frustrating but that’s okay, I’m still learning. I also suggest labeling the containers with markers so you don’t get them mixed up.
Above all, have fun and continue to grow!
