It's not difficult to grow annuals from seed--and that way you can make sure they get off to a good start. Many seeds may be direct-sown, or planted directly in the garden. Others are best sown in flats or seed-starting trays (figure A) filled with fine, light-textured potting soil designed for use with seedlings. If the flats are reusable, make sure they're clean before planting. Wash flats with a capful of bleach in a tub. Fill clean flats with moist potting mix, and make sure the potting medium is level. You may also plant in recycled containers such as milk cartons or cans (figure B). Just add drainage holes at the bottom and make sure the containers are clean to begin with. Here's how to proceed: - Water the potting soil before planting seeds: you don't want to disturb freshly planted seeds with water.
- Don't plant too deeply. The smaller the seed, the less soil covering it needs.
- Create 1/4"-deep trenches in the flats--by pressing a ruler or plant tag lightly into the soil--and gently tap the seeds out of the packet and into the trenches (figure C).
- Cover the seeds with a fine dusting of potting mix.
- Label the seeds. You can plant more than one type in a flat as long as they're labeled. A start date helps too.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the flats until you see the seeds emerge from the soil. Keep them warm by covering the flat with a clear-plastic cover.
- Don't over-water.
- Transplant the seedlings when they have two sets of leaves.
- Dig the seedlings from the soil--don't pull them, which could injure their roots. Gently lift a clump of seedlings from the soil, using a knife blade or flat stick, and tease the roots apart. Move individual seedlings into cell packs that have been filled with potting medium and watered in advance.
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