Gerald Filipski

In all my many years of writing about gardening , never have I seen such an interest in gardening as during the pandemic . I believe we are all realizing that growing our own food is a way to avoid supply issues , chemicals , and to just enjoy the taste of produce grown by our own hand . Once we have committed to becoming a gardener , gardening is indeed a lifelong learning experience combined with a liberal dose of creativity .

Growing your own bedding plants from seed can be very rewarding and cost-effective . It allows you to grow varieties that are difficult to find as bedding plants in local greenhouses . You can start your seeds indoors , six to eight weeks before the last spring frost . In Alberta that last frost can be a little unpredictable , so I like to err on the side of caution and start my seeds eight weeks ahead . Last frost dates in Alberta range from May 15 to June 15 , according to The Old Farmer ’ s Almanac . Check with local greenhouses or online for the last frost in your area . For a planting medium , a soilless potting mix is best . Look for one that is sterilized . The pots or containers for starting the seeds can be anything that is suitable . I like to use the plastic containers you get at supermarkets that are used for bakery goods such as cookies . These containers are ideal , because they come with hinged lids that can be kept closed to keep in the humidity . Other containers to use are the larger plastic margarine tubs , milk containers that are cut in half , or small plastic pots .

Soak the potting mix in a small

pail or container by adding water and mixing it with your hand . You are looking for the mix to be moist but not to the point of having water dripping off if you pick up a ball of it in your hand . Add enough of the mix to the planting container so that it is within five millimetres of the top of the container . Leaving the space at the top will allow you to water without having it run off the sides . When adding the potting mix , press hard enough to remove any air pockets that might have formed but not too hard to compact the soil excessively .

Planting the seeds is next . Space the seeds over the top of the soil . Leave a few centimetres between each seed . Read the seed package to determine how deep to plant the seeds , and after planting , gently firm the surface . At this point put your containers into a bright , warm room but not in direct sunlight . I also recommend covering the container . If it is a bakery clamshell , close the lid but leave it slightly open to allow for air circulation . If you are using a margarine or milk container , then you might want to cover it with a plastic bag . Leave an opening at the bottom of the bag where it meets the container to allow air in . Covering the container will help keep the soil moist , which is critical for germinating seeds .

Check the potting mix daily and if it is drying out , mist the soil lightly . Once the seeds have sprouted , they will need a light source and

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