Spring Gardening: Start Your Seeds Now!

February 15, 2025

With longer days and rising temperatures, it’s the ideal time to begin seed-starting for your spring garden in Northeast Indiana’s 6a hardiness zone. Starting indoors now gives flowers and vegetables a strong head start before transplanting outdoors.

Seed Starting Essentials:

• Timing is Everything – Check a local planting guide to determine when to start seeds indoors and which seeds can be directly sown outside.
• Light and Nutrients – Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and provide ample sunlight or grow lights to prevent leggy seedlings. The addition of mycorrhizal fungus in the soil will encourage vigorous root growth.
• Moisture and Air Movement – Water consistently from below, but avoid over watering. Good air circulation helps prevent dampening-off fungus.
• Harden Off Before Planting – Once it's warmed up outside, gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

A little planning and care now will set your garden up for a vibrant and productive growing season!