Ready, Set, Grow!

The fairy tale greenery, bright and happy flowers, sumptuous vegetables, fresh berries, and butterflies flitting on a warm breeze. This is the picture-perfect image splashed across magazine covers this time of year. But how does one DO that? How do you turn a pink thumb green? How does chunky, brown dirt become beautiful, luscious plants?

Well, first time growers and professionals alike are already gearing up now for this green scene. Even though there's still snow on the ground shoots are sprouting up in kitchens and basements all over New Hampshire.

This is the time to start planning the garden of your dreams. Check out gardening books from your local library to get ideas on your first garden or to freshen up an old routine. Some I've found helpful are You Grow Girl (also www.yougrowgirl.com), Gardening Basics, The Experts Book of Garden Hints and Let's Get Growing. Research the types of plants you'd like to grow, making sure they fit our New England climate and growing season. Think ahead, beyond this season, by learning which plants should be grouped together and how yearly crop rotations can improve both your results and your landscape. Map out the plot of yard you'll be dedicating to gardening. Don't have a yard? Don't despair. You can also grow both vegetables and flowers in containers on a balcony, porch or rooftop.

Make a plant list and a budget, those seeds can add up fast. And don't forget about the proper tools you'll need for your endeavor; at minimum, a trowel, hand hoe, watering can, pruning shears, and gloves. Think too about the cost of transplants and fertilizer. Take your shopping list to a local garden center (avoid big, box stores as they won't be so knowledgeable about the area or have as high quality specimens) and start browsing. If you've done your research correctly, you'll be prepared to pick up some seeds and get to growing.

Starting from seeds is the most basic form of gardening, unfortunately the growing season is a bit truncated here in New England, but that just allows us to live with our seedlings by bringing them indoors. Cheering on the young, green seedlings will warm any winter-weary heart and turn cold thoughts to warmer weather. There are many options to start seeds indoors.

You can germinate the seeds before planting in soil by spreading them on a moist paper towel, placing another moist paper towel on top, rolling the towels up and placing the whole thing in a plastic bag. Set the bag of seeds in a warm place (such as on top of the fridge), and they'll sprout in two or three days. Next, transplant your sprouted seeds to small pots.

Or, skip the sprouting step all together and begin by following the recommended planting instructions on the seed package. I purchased a Burpee seed starting greenhouse from the seed store to keep the majority of my seedlings in one place. These can be had in several different sizes depending on how many seedlings you want to start out with. What I found extremely cool about this product is that it comes with dirt! Little freeze dried dirt pellets expand when you add warm water and eliminate a LOT of mess when it comes to filling tiny cups with soil. Other containers that will work include egg cartons (cut off the top half), butter tubs, or transplant flats from last year's crops. Whatever you use, make sure it's clean before you start.

Fill your container(s) right to the brim with soil or seed-starting mix to allow air to flow across the tops so that your seedlings don't drown. Follow planting instructions on the package to be sure seeds are buried the appropriate depth in the soil. Sow several seeds in each cell, or container, to ensure at least one healthy plant. Be sure to mark which seeds are which as it will be very difficult to tell when they mature. Water your seeds often and keep them in a warm place, out of the sun until they begin to sprout (about 14 days, depending on plant type).

Once seedlings have all sprouted, transfer to a sunny spot (still indoors) while they continue to mature. Thin each container back to house only the strongest of the seedlings to allow that one the best chance of survival (nail clippers work slick for this). About a week before you plan to transplant your seedlings to the outdoor garden, place the containers outside in a well sheltered spot, avoiding direct sunlight, and bring them back in at night.

Late May is transplant time in New Hampshire, I've got the 25^th pegged as a good day, provided mother nature cooperates. When you are ready to transplant, be sure you've got a good map. Planning before you plant will help to ensure adequate spacing and harmonious growth. Happy Growing!