Well OK now guys and gals, for most of us Growing Season is almost upon us!  Now is the time to start your seeds for the coming season and to make any necessary amendments to your soil, provided the ground isn't still frozen where you are!  Here in Connecticut, it's still a bit early to start digging and turning but, oh well, I can sit here and day dream about it!

Tips for Seed Starting.....

                If you're anything like...a Cheap Yankee Witch...you'll love my little tip for starting your seeds.  We all know how great those little mini-hot houses are for starting seeds but the cost can be a little much.  Don't worry, you can make your own little hot houses at home!  Simply take a few clear plastic disposable cups, full with potting soil or seed starter soil, add in one or two seeds, water and cover with a plastic sandwich baggie.  This method will be less than half the price of the hot houses no matter how many seeds you're starting!  Just place them on a cookie tray in a warm area until they sprout.  Do not water them until they sprout, as long as there is condensation on the plastic baggy they're fine.  When they sprout water lightly and move them to a sunny location.  When they're an inch to an inch and half tall remove the covers completely, unless the area is a bit drafty then you may wish to cover them again in the evening.  Water them well at this stage.

For acclimating them to the outside you must gradually take them outside when the weather becomes warm..40 and up farenheit during the day time hours.  Let them sit outside during the warmest part of the day first in a sunny location for roughly one or two hours then bring them inside.  Add an hour a day while the weather is good, if there's a rain storm, snow storm or cold snap keep inside during this time, increasing the time they spend outside gradually until the weather is warm and they're staying outdoors 24 hours a day.  If you notice any wilting, leaf discoloration and such stop and bring them indoors until the weather is warmer.  All baby plants must be acclimated to outside conditions properly before planting into the garden or permanent container which will sit outside for the warm months.

During this part of the season is it wise to consult with your Garden Journal and see what you did last year and what worked and what didn't.  Also to see what you would like to try this year.  If you're not keeping a Garden Journal...start one!  It is an invaluable tool for the home gardener.  In it you sketch out your gardens and make notations as to where your plants already are, this way you can see if there's room for more!  Also write down all plants you have, their color, light requirements, height, water requirements and the like.  This is handy when making new additions, you'll easily be able to see what place in the garden is best for them based on the already existing plants and conditions.

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