HOME & GARDEN

Growing vegetable and flower transplants

 

Starting seeds indoors permits you to select the varieties you like best, but pay attention to the following details. 

• Growing medium – A bagged, peat-based potting mix works best. Don't use garden soil.

• Water – Once watered, seeds must remain moist (but not saturated).

• Heat – Between 72 and 80 degrees F is best. A nearby heat source, such as an incandescent bulb, is often beneficial.

• Light – The average window will not provide enough light. To keep seedlings from getting leggy, place them under and right next to fluorescent bulbs that are meant for growing plants.

• Timing – Consult the Vegetable Planting Calendar at MU Extension's Website to know when to move them outdoors (http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/hort/g06201.pdf). Once outside, protect them from extremes in temperature and moisture.

 

Contact:  Nathan Brandt, MS, Horticulture Specialist, BrandtN@missouri.edu.