Planting the Seed for a Bountiful Harvest

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 16:46 — Melyssa Prince

Planting the Seed for a Bountiful Harvest

 

Now is the time to start your warm season vegetable, herb and flower seed planting. Many varieties of seeds are planted indoors during the month of January when the temperatures are typically cooler and then moved outside with warmer temperatures. With a nominal financial and time investment, the seeds you plant today can result in a colorful, edible garden in the Spring and Summer seasons.

There are over 400 different varieties of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Many local gardening centers carry seed varieties that perform well in Texas; however, it is recommended that you consult your local nursery as they will have the product that do best in your gardening zone.

Jiffy PotStart your early season seed plantings early with greenhouses or pots by Jiffy. This hardware will help you have a successful harvest. Some other factors to include when planting your seeds:

1.   Use a plastic pot to start your seed project, and make sure the pot has holes at the bottom for proper draining.

2.   Be careful not to overwater your planting. Test the soil for moisture with your finger.

3.   Cover the pot with plastic to control moisture.

4.   Keep seeds in a warm environment to assist with the germination process.

5.   Fertilize (feed) and water on a consistent basis.

6.   When the outdoor temperatures rise after the last frost, move your planting outdoors.

Popular early season flowers like First Lady Snapdragons, Snow Carpet Alyssum or Dwarf Bedding Petunias can be planted now then transferred outdoors. Vegetables such as De Cicco Broccoli, Salad Bowl Lettuce and herbs like Chives, Parsley and Cilantro are also popular to plant this time of year.

If you’re interested in planting warm season flowers, vegetables and herbs, start these projects in January. Then transplant them outside after the last frost of the Winter season.

Some popular flowers include:

For Shade

  • Crystal Palace Lobelia
  • Impatiens

For Sun

  • Sensation Mix Cosmos
  • White Moonflowers
  • Heavenly Blue Morning Glory
  • Double Rose Moss Rose
  • Mammoth Sunflowers
  • State Fair Zinnias

herb mixSome popular herbs* include:

  • Hardy Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Creeping Thyme
  • Broad Leaf Sage
  • Oregano
  • Sweet Marjoram
  • Dill
  • Basil
  • Fennel
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro

*These herbs live year round!

Don’t forget your veggies!:

  • Champion Tomatoes
  • Jalapenos
  • California Wonder Peppers
  • Clemson Spineless Okra
  • Tendergreen Beans
  • Chantenay Carrots
  • Straight 8 Cucumbers

Radishes are also popular plantings for gardens as well as a good teaching tool for children. These edibles can usually be planted and the results show in less than a week!

Now is the time to plant your seeds, visit your nearest Calloway’s or Cornelius Nursery to learn more. Life should be beautiful and you can find success in the garden! Ask us how.