Start your garden from seed this year with Kenyon Noble! Now that Spring is actually here, it’s time to get your seeds in soil. There are so many reasons to start a garden from seed, but these are a few of our favorites: you know what you grow, it saves money, and it's fun! Keep on reading and see how easy it is to start your garden from seed this year.
1. Plan your space
First things first: what do you want to grow this year? Whether you have a large in-ground garden plot, or have a few pots on your apartment balcony, everyone’s garden needs are subjective. Do you want an herb garden? Vegetables? A little bit of both? Keep in mind that some plants can live in harmony next to each other (peppers and tomato plants) while others will take over the entire garden (cucumbers, green beans). Knowing what plants make good neighbors will help you visualize and plan accordingly for your available space.
Once you have a good idea on what your space will allow, what you want +to plant, and how you’re going to configure your garden, you can write up your shopping list and head to Kenyon Noble!
2. Shopping
When starting out, you can go one of two ways: pre-made seed starting kits or DIY.
Seed starting kits are convenient, affordable, and easy to use. You simply add water, plant your seeds, replace the cover, and wait. With many sizes available in-store and online, you can start seeds for any size garden.
DIY containers in many forms: with pre-made soil pots, empty cell trays, or upcycled containers like plastic to-co containers with clear lids, clear produce clamshells, or yogurt cups (make sure any upcycled containers have been thoroughly washed, and have a drainage hole drilled in the bottom). Add your favorite seed-starting potting mix and water to moisten the soil, and you’re ready to go!
While the Bozeman location Garden Center doesn’t open until April 27 (save the date!), you can shop everything you need to get started in-store today. Use the below list as a jumping-off point and tailor to fit your needs.
Seeds
Seed starting kit and/or containers
Seed-starting potting mix (if using containers)
3. Time to pot!
If you’re working in an indoor area, laying down a tarp or old sheet will help with clean-up. Lay out your supplies and assemble your planting kit/containers with soil and add water as directed. When proceeding to plant your seeds, be sure to follow the directions on your seed packets very carefully. Every plant is different and requires different planting methods (depth, number of seeds per hole, etc.) Carefully add water, so as not to displace your seeds.
Label your containers directly after planting! Many plants look alike when they sprout, and making sure you know which is which will prevent you from planting in the wrong pots down the line. If you are using a pre-made kit, replace the clear cover once you are done. If you have individual containers, cover with plastic wrap. To-go containers or plastic clamshells just need to be closed.
4. A waiting game
Find a spot in your home that is hit with sunlight every day. Your seeds need lots of sunlight to stay warm and create a greenhouse effect in their little containers. Add a plastic plant tray under your containers to protect your surface from water damage. This will also allow you to water your seeds from beneath, keeping your seeds in place. Once your seeds have begun to germinate (poke up through the soil), you can start watering from the top. Once your seeds have sprouted (look like tiny little plants), you can remove your lids or plastic wrap and continue to water from the top.
Pro-tip: If your home is on the colder side, consider a seedling heat mat to keep your seeds happy and assist with germination.
5. Keep an eye on the weather
You won’t want to move your plants outdoors until the last frost has come and gone, so you’ll likely need to accommodate your little green houseguests for a while longer than expected. Examine your plants daily, and if they appear to be outgrowing their containers, you may want to transfer them to a larger pot until the weather breaks.
The benefits to growing your own food are endless, but just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Let Kenyon Noble be your one-stop garden shop this year — we look forward to seeing you!
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.