From the Ground Up: On your marks, get set — grow

March is seed starting time. Growing seeds is rewarding, but correct supplies are required.

Get flower and vegetable seeds from local garden centers, mail order companies, friends or seed exchanges. The germination medium should be lightweight, porous and free of pathogens. Commercially prepared soilless mixes are excellent seed-starting media, since they are already sterilized.

To plant your seeds, purchase new flats, trays, pots, compressed peat pellets or reuse flats, trays and pots. Before reusing containers, disinfect them by washing in soapy water and placing in a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Cutoff milk cartons, plastic jugs, paper cups, plastic food boxes can be used if they are clean, disinfected and have holes in the bottom for drainage.

A sunny window is not sufficient light for growing seedlings. For best results, grow seedlings under fluorescent lights. Expensive 'grow lights” aren't necessary. A standard fluorescent shop fixture with two 40-watt tubes (one cool white and one warm white) works.

When to start the seeds depends on how fast they grow and when you can plant outside.

For example:

l Geranium: 10 to 12 weeks

l Zinnia, tomato, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower: five to seven weeks

l Cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon and squash: three to four weeks.

To start seeds, fill container with germination medium to within 1 inch of top, firm the medium, water thoroughly and allow it to drain. Fine seeds and seeds that require light for germination are placed on the surface and lightly pressed into the medium. Cover all other seeds with additional medium to a thickness of one to two times the seed's diameter. Once planted, water by partially submersing the container in water. Watering from below prevents the washing of seeds on the surface. To insure uniform moisture levels cover container with clear plastic food wrap or clear plastic domes. Set container under fluorescent lights. Remove plastic wrap or dome as soon as germination occurs. Transplant seedlings into individual containers or cell packs when the second pair of 'true” leaves appear.

l Lisa Slattery is a Linn County Master Gardener. This article was adapted from an article written by Richard Jauron and Greg Wallace with ISU Extension.