Seed Starting for Spring Plant Sale

First of all, a big thank you to all our amazing gardeners who've offered their time and space to help us start seeds for our Spring Plant Sale! We couldn't make it happen without you.

At our Monday (3/21) meeting, we talked about seeds starting methods. Here are some things to consider:

1. For larger seeds, you can pre-germinate them in bags to speed up the germination process. A helpful gardening forum called Gardening Web has a great tutorial for this method: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/seed/2003044315027348.html

2. Following a few important steps for seed starting can make all the difference in your germination success. The following websites offer solid advice on the subject:
http://www.yates.com.au/propagation/tips/successful-seed-raising/
http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2010/03/starting-seeds-indoors.html

Remember that we're growing these plants for sale, and that the success of our sale directly influences our ability to expand our garden plots and program. So please, try to do the following three things to the best of your ability:

• Be sure to start your seeds as soon as you can this week so that they have time to mature adequately before the May 7 sale date.
• Do a little research about your seeds' germination requirements before starting them. Searching through Google using terms like "Calendula germination problems," or "how to start Hyssop from seed" can provide you with a lot of great information. 
• Update everyone regularly about your successes or concerns as you start your seeds by making posts right here on this blog. (Not sure how to make posts? Just click here or email cherri@aacil.org.) If you have any suspicion that your seeds are not properly germinating, please let me know as soon as you possibly can. 

Thanks again for being the amazing gardeners that you are! I'm so excited to read your seed starting updates.