Get planting: How to start seeds for indoor or outdoor plants

Spring is finally blooming here in Alberta which means it's time to start growing beautiful plants for summer. Not sure what seeds to grow this year? Want some guidance on how to get started? We’re here to help.

Generally outdoor gardens shouldn’t be planted until the last frost has occurred. This usually happens around Victoria Day in May. Until then, you can start seeds indoors and get them growing strong before taking them outdoors. 

To start seeds, all you need is some potting soil, seeds, and pots. If you don’t have pots, there’s biodegradable options right at home. Eggshells, after being rinsed with hot water, make for the perfect pots as they retain moisture and hold soil well. Once sprouts are ready for the garden (or pot), crack the eggshell a little to help it degrade in the soil. Other biodegradable options include paper egg cartons, ice cream cones, citrus rinds, and toilet paper rolls. You can also fold newspaper into pots and fill with soil.

Picking seeds will depend on your location, preferences, and space. For indoor planters, try growing an herb garden to keep in your kitchen. Cat Grass and Cat Nip can also be grown from seed and kept indoors. Cat Grass can be added to smoothies for vitamin content and Cat Nip can be used to make tea to soothe the digestive system.

Outdoor plants to start as seeds include vegetables, fruit, and flowers. When you purchase seed packages, they come with directions on optimal planting time and when they can be transplanted outside. Be sure to read the instructions prior to planting your seeds.

Once you have your seeds and pots filled with soil, it’s time to start planting. Moisten soil, then poke holes for the seeds. To plant more than one seed per pot, make several holes about half an inch apart. The instructions on the seed packets will help determine proper depth. Gently fill holes with soil to cover seeds. To keep soil moist until seeds sprout, spray with water or cover seed pots with plastic to create a greenhouse effect and avoid the need to water until seeds have sprouted.