Green Thumb
Gardening has been a lifelong passion for Wende and she’d like to share her passion with her readers. Follow her as she writes about her gardening adventures, lists tasks to do depending on the season, and gives easy to understand gardening advice.
Seeds 101
It's time to start some seeds indoors if you are the type that likes to do this. It's not for everyone, but if you have the time it can be really rewarding. I find it really helps pull you out of the winter doldrums most of us gardeners have as it gets us actually "doing" something garden-like instead of just dreaming about it!
I've been asked many time how long seeds last if you have them, but didn't get around to planting them last year. If you gathered seeds from plants last growing season and stored them in a cool, dry and dark place, generally they should grow this year. Some types of plant seeds can be kept longer. Onion, parsnip and spinach seeds usually last only 1 to 2 years. Pepper, okra and sweet corn typically last 2 to 3 years. Pea, carrot, kohlrabi, broccoli and beans last 3 to 5 years. Brussels sprout, beet, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, pumpkin and squash can last 4 to 6 years. Of course, these are estimates because other factors can affect seeds - either during storage, or when they are planted.
Below are the seeds to plant indoors starting mid-March from the on-line Steins gardening calendar:
Start vegetable seeds indoors such as broccoli, celery, early cabbage, eggplant, cauliflower, peppers, head lettuce, leeks and parsley. Start annual seeds indoors such as alyssum, moss rose (Portulaca) and salvia. Plant or repot geraniums that were stored in a cool, dark location for the winter. Cut back 4 to 6 inches above the container and water thoroughly.
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