Gardening with the Masters: Want to start some seeds at home?

Gardening with the Masters: Want to start some seeds at home?Wondering when you should start plants indoors fromDVD Ripperseeds? The time in our area is early April.

Supplies you will needGrow lightsare clean, disinfected containers with drainage holes, sterile seed starting medium, fluorescent or grow lights, labels and a location with proper ventilation and temperature (usually 70-75 degrees for germination).

Many types of seed-starting containers are available commercially. You may use carryout or plastic food containers, paper cups or egg cartons. Just be certain they are clean and have drainage holes.

Seed starting soil should be fine, light and sterile. Selecting a commercial product specifically designed for starting seeds will help assure your success. Do not use real garden soil. It is too difficult to sterilize and too dense.

Quality and quantity of lighting is vital to growing healthy seedlings. Use fluorescent light fixtures that can be raised and lowered as plants grow. Plants will stretch toward light, so keep the light about 3 to 4 inches above the plants.

* Fresh seeds are the most viable. Seeds stored under properGrow lightsconditions may last for several years.

* Water softens the seed coat and dissolves the nutrients in the endosperm to make them available.

* Light stimulates or inhibits germination. If light is required, do not cover the seeds with soil.

* Oxygen breaks down the food stored in the seed. Oxygen is available in light aerated soil.

* The temperature required for most seeds is 70-75 degrees, unless otherwise specified.

* Soil anchors the plant, and provides even moisture and nutrients.

To begin, fill your container with pre-moistened potting soil. Place seeds in rows or scatter on the surface.

Cover with damp soil to a depth about two times the size of the seeds. Spritz gently with water to set the seeds into the soil. Do not overwater. Cover theGrow lightscontainerDVD Ripperwith plastic covering.