Cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, mustard, and spinach are easily transplanted and can be started indoors in late February. Plastic trays or pots, or peat pots are often used for starting seeds. The peat pots can be placed directly in the soil, providing minimum root disturbance at planting time.

Several types of medium may be used. Vermiculite is clean and is normally a sterile medium. It does not form a crust and provides easy emergence for the seedling. Other mixes are available. One includes four quarts of vermiculite, four quarts of peat moss, one tablespoon of superphosphate, and two tablespoons of limestone.

If soil is added to the mix, it should be sterilized. Place the mix in a pan and cover with aluminum foil. Poke a hole in the foil and insert a candy thermometer. Place the pan in an oven and heat until the thermometer shows a temperature of 180°F. Make sure that containers, tools and the working area is sterile so the plants and seed will not become contaminated. Containers can be placed in chlorine bleach and water in a one to ten ratio to rid them of disease.

Starting Seeds Indoors

1. Fill the container up to ¾ inch from the top with the sterile mixture. The container should have adequate drainage.
2. Level the mixture and make shallow rows 1-2 inches apart in the flat.
3. Sow the seeds uniformly and thinly in the rows and label each row.
4. Cover each row of seed with vermiculite.
5. Spray with a light mist of water until the mixture is thoroughly wet, or place the container in a pan of water to absorb it from the base.
6. Put a clear plastic bag over the container so the seeds will not need additional water during germination.
7. Put the covered container in a warm location, preferably in a south window. Temperature should be about 75°F

For further information consult Starting Plants from Seeds G 6570 and Vegetable Planting Calendar G 6201.