February is the Time to Start-Off Your Indoor Green House For Springtime Planting from the Authorities in Lawn & Garden at Packs Hardware February 14, 2019 Would you like to start your own garden? There are so many benefits to developing and growing your own food. Possibly you are a horticulturist with yearning for the land, but just can’t get out there in the savage cold? Your outdoor garden can start remarkably indoors in the wintry February weeks. Having organic veggies and herbs is a great way to supplement your diet and the gardening techniques can also turn to learning events for young ones. All you might need are some seeds or starter plants, organic soil, pots, sun or growing light, water and lots of love! There are plenty of ways Packs Hardware can service you in getting your indoor garden or green house started in Smithville. Our store can offer products like lawn and garden supplies, gardening tools, and more! Good outlining is the key to success when it comes to your indoor green house. Starting a seed-starting schedule or calendar can help. Also, mapping out your garden beds outdoors so you can know how many seeds to grow. After that, to start, you will need acceptable size pots with decent drainage. A 4” pot is generally enough for lettuce, and smaller herbs but you will need 1-2 gallon pots for plants like cherry tomatoes. Anything bigger you will need a 5 gallon pot. Starter plants are helpful when it comes to starting, but you can buy seeds and get right to it. Get help by purchasing peat, pellets, peat pots, and seed starter kits. Some Easy Plants to Launch With: HerbsGreensCherry TomatoesSpouts and Micro greensIf Planting Seeds: Plant the seeds at the depth the seed pack recommendsCover the soil with plastic to keep it from drying outPlace it in a warm window or where there is some warmthThey don’t initially need sun to germinateAfter they germinate, remove the plasticPlace in a sunny area that faces south or under grow lightsOnce they reach 2-3 inches and have some leavers, transplant them to their own separate containersPlants should be watered regularly in the winterPick a place that is cool such as a basement or spare roomHarvest your vegetables and herbs throughout winter When springtime comes you shall have a pleasing size plant that you can now take outside and transplant into the ground or into a bigger size pot. Acclimate your seedlings and plants to the outdoors for several weeks before moving them to your garden or outdoor pot. This rule is called hardening off. The hardening off stage allows your seedlings to transform from healthy growing conditions under lights to the ordinary weather conditions they will encounter in the garden. This process can be long, but helps the plants to keep them keep growing well. About a week or two before transplanting, put your herbs and plants outside in a secure place under an table or back porch that is defended from the wind, rain, and sun. Leave veggies, and plants outdoors for only a couple hours, then bring back inside. Follow this by increasing the exposure to the outdoors a little more each day. Do this, by adding hours and altering if they are in the shade or sun, since the springtime is sometimes insane weather. Be sure to be aware for dips in temperature. And also check them frequently for dry soil, since they will be in the sun and elements more often. You surely do not want your plants soil to get too dry, thus emptying your plants of needed nutrients. Sooner than later you will be able to leave your plants outside all night and in the full wind, sun, and rain. Be aware on the watch for 32 degree or below temperatures, as you would want to transfer them back to the indoors. After your seedlings are now hardened off they can be moved to their more unchanging location in the outdoor area you plan on moving too. You should water your plants well after planting. This method is so signifigant and pays off in the end with strong hardy plants that can withstand the seasons! Cold-harded veggies can be planted in the winter and fall months, if you pick the right ones, see below. Make sure whichever plant or veggies you choose, that you review the recommendations on the container or seed packet. The directions will warn you to the particular variety that is best for the area and temperatures. Pay attention especially to the frost dates and what the plant can live with. Plants that are cold-hardy and mature in 100 days BeetsBrussel SproutsCabbageCarrotsOnions Parsnip Vegetables that are middle maturing and cold-hardy and mature in 55-70 days. KaleRadishTurnipsCollardsChardLeeksKohlrabiScallions Plants that are quickly maturing and cold-hardy and mature in 40 days. Salad greensBok choiLettuceSpinachChicoryArugulaEndiveThat should be it! Surely you are nearer to getting your indoor garden started. If you do have questions or need some tools, fertilizers, or gardening supplies; the professionals at Packs Hardware in Smithville can help you get started on the right path to gardening happiness. Don’t hesitate to call us at 816-532-0525 or stop by the store. Lawn, Garden, & Outdoor, Garden Center, Lawn Care, Scotts Back To Tips & News