Mid-Michigan Flower Gardening

Hi Everyone! It's been a little minute since I last posted. I have been toiling away the winter in a legal class that took me away....but I'm back, just in time for Spring!

A Facebooker recently asked about planting seeds. When planting seeds, the most important thing to do is carefully read the seed packet instructions. Keep the seed packets until the plants have grown. The seed packet will instruct you on such things as: whether the seeds need to be started in containers or if they can be sown directly into the ground, when to plant (some seeds like to go into the ground when it's cold and others need to wait until after all danger of frost has passed), and where to plant (a sunny location vs. a shady location).

Next, prepare your soil. In order to thrive, seeds require optimal nutrients. You will need to work in plenty of compost, which you can purchase at any garden center for around $5-$7/bag. You will need to work the soil approximately a foot deep. The soil should be loose, slightly crumbly, and moist. After you've worked in the compost, rake smooth.

Follow the packet instructions for planting. Generally, the larger the seed, the deeper it will need to be planted. Some smaller seeds will not be sown into the soil; they will be scattered on top. Water gently and thoroughly. The soil needs to be kept moist until seedlings spring up. NEVER let the soil dry out!  Once the seedlings are about an inch high, you may want to thin them out. Seeds are cheap, so don't feel bad about pulling some up. Doing so will help ensure that you have enough space for the others to grow and fully bloom.

After your seedlings have developed three sets of true leaves, you will want to pinch them back. Just snip off the top of the plant with your fingernails. Pinching the plants allows them to bush out and develop stronger root systems. As always, consult the seed packet for recommendations. After your seedling are a couple inches tall, feel free to mulch which will help keep the soil moist.





Enjoy!