Potting Up Matters

In 2000, I was terrified of growing most things from seed...I was a "starts" girl.  I remember a neighbor that grew her own tomatoes from seed (under lights indoors initially), and I was in total awe of her.  Surely only an expert could do that!

Then, in 2005, I gave it a try.  Truly, it's totally doable!  First, the basics:

1. On Vashon, growing under lights in late Winter/early Spring is a MUST.
2. On Vashon, growing your plants under lights in a SUNNY WINDOW really helps!!
3. Everywhere, grow lights are most effective if they are 2" or closer to your plants. 
4. Hang your grow lights on adjustable chains - I alter their height practically every day.
5. Water thoughtfully (not too dry, not too wet).  Meaning, not soggy and not dusty dry.
6. No lights at night - let them sleep.
7. As the weather warms up, you'll want to put them out for some "direct sunlight."

So...on to the "potting up" concept.  See the evolution in this photo:

I start with the peat pots that are pre-made and swell when you soak them in warm water.  The plant on the left is about 2 weeks old.  The next pot is 3 weeks and the next pot is about 5 weeks.  The last is about 7 weeks old.  It's important to pot up our babies - a peaceful process.  Mix 1/3 bagged compost with 2/3 potting mix - pure compost is too heavy and will foster mold in your indoor starts.  

Only the plants you need to start way early (peppers, tomatoes, basil) need to be potted up as they will grow for so long and get so large indoors.  Our cool weather crops (broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, etc.) goes straight into the garden still in it's peat pot when it is about 4 weeks old (late March/early April).  

I won't say that growing your own plants from seed is "FREE" of effort - of course not.  But, it's not rocket science either.  The way I figure, it costs me $3.50 for a bag of tomato seeds...and I can grow $90 worth of tomato starts with fairly minimal energy.  It's fun to buy different varieties and share seeds with friends, too!