the by and by

I know it still seems like the dead of winter, at least here in Kansas City, but it’s time to start planning your gardens people! Every year I like to compose my garden of a mixture of seeds I’ve started on my own and plants from nurseries. I typically grow herbs from seeds because you can find a lot more interesting varieties in seed format and it would be really expensive if I bought every type of herb I wanted for my garden from the nursery.  I use the herbs fresh for cooking, drying for later use and I grow a couple things my cats are nuts about just for fun. It’s something I look forward to every year.

My first year seed starting, I was really overwhelmed by the varying information on how to start. I ended up getting a kit with a seedling tray, soil pellets and seed packets. I found the instructions that came with the kit to be overwhelming and way too detailed. An internet search did not yield much better results (this was pre-Pinterest, which may have something to offer us now). I have since, after reading and combining many different methods in trial and error filled attempts, established a method that has worked well for me. The rewards are always worth it and watching plants emerge from seeds remains just as exciting as an adult as it was in first grade.

Here’s my method for starting from seed and what you need (note: the supplies are cheap, cheap, cheap and you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes) if you want to tackle seed starting on your own: Continue Reading →