Seed sowing! This is the perfect time to start seeds indoors for the more finicky, heat-loving crops, such as peppers, tomatoes and herbs. Starting these crops indoors allows you to get a jump on Vermont’s short growing season, as well as giving you some much-needed sign of growing greenery indoors during these cool spring days when we are desperate for any signs of new life! To start seeds, you’ll need:

1) Your favorite seed varieties

2) A light and well-draining soil mix specifically for germinating seeds

3) Seed trays, peat pots or cell packs

4) A sunny warm window, or grow lights and a heated seedling mat

5) A spray bottle to keep soil moist without dislodging seeds

Follow the depth and spacing directions on the seed packet, moisten the soil and plant. Be sure to time your seed starting for last frost date, which for Vermont is usually Memorial Day weekend. In order to transplant well, little starts need a good root system and at least an inch or two of green growth. Be sure to keep your starts warm, moist (not soggy!) and give them adequate light so they don’t get leggy. Watch out for any mold or mildew, as this can quickly kill little seedlings and is usually caused by over-watering, poor drainage or cool temperatures. After danger of frost is passed you can plant the little guys outside in your garden and watch them grow faster and bigger than just sowing directly in the ground. Enjoy your harvest, and watch out–seed starting is addicting!

A reminder about houseplants! As the temperatures drop and all our greenery comes indoors, be aware of insects and diseases on your houseplants that may have taken up residence during the warm season. Inspect your houseplants carefully for any sign of insects, such as aphids (little green monsters on the new growth), scales (dark bumps on the stems), or white fly (just what it sounds like). If you unknowingly bring in plants with an infestation it can quickly spread to your other plants and then you’ve got an epidemic on your hands!

If your plants have bugs, there are several steps to manage the problem. First, don’t put the infected plant anywhere near healthy plants. Use a strong stream of water to knock off as many bugs as you can. If your sink isn’t big enough, do this in your shower or bath. Try to spray underneath the leaves and all along the stems, and gently shake the plant to dislodge any stubborn bugs. Allow the foliage to dry, and then spray the whole plant with an insecticide approved for indoor use, such as Indoor Pharm from Pharm Solutions. Indoor Pharm works very well on herbs and flowering plants. I use this product on all our houseplants here at the garden center. It’s organic (derived from food-grade oils), easy to apply and has no unpleasant smell. Be aware that since it is an oil, it can burn the leaves if used in direct sunlight, so be sure to apply and let it dry in a cool and shaded location. Use this regimen of spraying with water and then Indoor Pharm every 7-10 days and you should be bug-free!

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