March in zone 5 means it is seed starting time and an exciting time! This is when the season starts warming up and us gardeners get to start doing what we’ve planned. It’s just an invigorating time! For those in other zones, your timeframe might be different so let’s find the perfect time for you to start seeds.
Seed starting starts out by working backwards. We work backwards from your last spring frost date. If you have The Garden Book, turn to the page with the hardiness zone map. Find your zone on the map, then look down the page to find your average last frost date for your area and mark it down.
If you don’t have The Garden Book, you can still find that information. The quickest way is to go to https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates. Enter your ZIP Code and it will give you the average date of when it is typically safe to plant in the ground in your area. That date is your starting point. You will also need to know your hardiness zone. This is important for planning which seeds and plants will thrive in your area. The USDA hardiness zone map can be found here.
Now we need to look at the seed packets. On the back of each packet, usually says 4 weeks, 8 weeks and sometimes 12 weeks. Now we put all that information together. Take your last spring frost date and count backwards the weeks based on the seed packet that you want to start. Here in zone 5 our planting date is typically around May 11. Counting backwards 8 weeks puts me around March 16th for the perfect time to start my seeds.
Next, you want to gather your supplies. You will need:
(Amazon affiliate links below)
- Seed Starting Trays
- We’ve had plastic trays for years and got them at a horticultural supply center. However, seeds starting trays can be found almost anywhere including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Amazon. If I were starting out and searching Amazon, this is what I would buy.
- Germination Soil
- Germination soil is different than potting soil or topsoil. Topsoil is way too heavy and the seeds would struggle to grow, potting soil doesn’t have the necessary nutrients a seed needs to germinate. So germination soil is specialized just for this. Again, we get ours from a horticultural supply center, but if I was buying on Amazon, this is what I would be choosing.
- Labels
- Label label label! No matter how many times I think I will remember what is growing in the pots, I always forget or things get moved or rearranged. I buy these plastic ones on Amazon, but I’ve seen some people get really creative in using old mini blinds and cutting them down to size. I’m not a big fan of using wooden popsicle sticks, but that is another option.
- Label Marker
- Using a label marker specific for gardening is very important. Since these labels are going to be subject to sunlight, water, and dirt – you don’t want your labels being washed away. I’ve tried a variety and these are the ones I buy year after year.
- Garden Scoop or Trowel
- A small trowel or garden scoop would be helpful in mixing your germination soil with water then transferring that mixture to your growing cells. In a pinch, I’ve even used a plastic solo cup because that’s what I had. If I was buying a new garden scoop, this is the one I would buy.
- Potting Tray or Plastic Tote
- You need something to mix water into your germination soil before adding them to your seed cells. I’ve used a large plastic tote from Walmart for years! I love it because then I can put a lid on whatever soil is remaining and then I have germination soil ready to go should I decide if I want to just do one more quick packet of seeds. If you want something a bit fancier, here is a plastic potting tray that would do the job well.
- Gloves
- Some people love feeling the soil in their hands. I personally can’t stand having soil under my fingernails, so I tend to wear gloves. I sometimes wear these gloves, or I use latex gloves for more waterproof protection.
Now that the date has arrived to start your seeds, and your supplies are ready let’s get started!
- First step is getting your germination soil ready. Dump the soil into the potting tray/tote and add water. You want to moisten the soil without being drenched – if you grab a clump of soil and squish it, you want it to hold shape without dripping.
- Pro tip: use warm (not hot) water, it will make your hands feel much more comfortable when working.
- Next, take your garden scoop and fill your plastic seeds trays with your moistened germination mix.
- Now look on the back of your seed packet and you will find one more key piece of information: depth. That is how deep you want that seed to be in your soil. There are some seeds that you just scatter on top and you don’t even press it into the soil, others need to half inch deep. So check your depth!
- General rule of thumb: seed depth is typically twice the size of your seed. So if you have seed that is roughly a 1/4″ long it would want to be planted 1/2″ deep.
- Using your waterproof markers, write the seed name on the label.
- Insert your labels into the seed trays and place in your greenhouse or growing area.
The growing area is where this conversation gets a little bit tricky. In order for your seeds to germinate they need heat and water. As they sprout, they will need sun, heat, and water. In order to fulfill those needs, there are different options. There are some who have indoor light setups with small enclosures and possibly heat mats. I have a heated outdoor polycarbonate greenhouse to set my plants in.
No matter which route you choose, you do not want your soil to dry out. They must stay moistened! Check your soil daily and water. There have been days when the air is so dry that I’ve had to water 2x in one day.
When seeds are just starting to germinate they could easily be dislodged with harsh watering; so be mindful of the pressure of your hose or watering can. I have a mist setting on my water nozzle that I use during this time. Instead of using a watering can you might want to get a misting sprayer.
So that’s it!
You are well on your way to a wonderful garden – whether it’s vegetables or flowers. I would love to know what you are excited to start growing this year from seed. Feel free to drop a comment on this post or share on social media and tag me @angeloacreswi.
Happy gardening!
