The days are getting longer, and the weather is starting to warm the air and ground.  It’s that time of year again; what are you going to plant in your garden?  Depending on where you live and what type of sunlight your garden gets, there are many options for a fun, easy, and environmentally green garden.

This is the time to start planning your garden and getting your seeds started indoors.  You could purchase pre-sprouted plants later in the year and plant them, but there is something so satisfactory about starting your garden from seed.  Watching the little sprouts grow and turn into mature plants is so simple and makes the finished product even more enjoyable.

No matter if you are planting a vegetable or flower garden, all seeds start out the same way.  They need soil, water, and sun to thrive and grow.  Pick your seeds carefully – it is a good idea to check the date on your seed pack.  Make sure the seeds are fresh so you will have successful sprouts.  Also, take into consideration what type of sun your garden gets.  Planting a sunflower in a full shade area will be frustrating and not provide good results.  I save recycled egg cartons and use them as my seedling cups.  They are wonderful seed starters and you can plant your seedlings directly in the ground in their individual eggcup.

Before starting your seeds, take them out of the packet and give them a looking over.  Take a damp towel and wipe them off.  Pick any rocks or pebbles out of the mix.  Separate your egg cartons into individual cups and fill part way with organic planting soil.  If you compost, you can put a small amount in the bottom of your cup.  Place a seed in each cup and fill with soil.  Put your seed cup on a glass or plastic tray near a window that maintains a good amount of sunlight and warmth.  Be careful they aren’t near a drafty window!  Your seedlings are delicate and need to be nurtured!

Water your seedlings and keep an eye on them for a day or two.  Many times they will need a couple drops of water after a few days, but make sure not to soak them.  You should see shoots starting after a week and the seedlings will grow to 2 or 3 inches by the end of a month or so.  By this time, you should be ready to till your garden and start planting.  Take your egg seed cups and plant them properly spaced throughout your garden and watch them grow!

Starting your own seeds is easy and fun!  If you have a family, it is a great activity to do together.  Using recycled egg cartons keeps your garden “green” and because you started the seedlings yourself, you know they are pesticide free and organic.  Enjoy the results of your seeds!  They keep you happy and healthy!