know
-
how
outdoors
Sow and G row
It's not necessary to fuss a great deal over
your seedlings (unless you really like to!). Here's how to plant and tend them.
Count on the Calendar
Seed
packets usually tell you when to start seeds by
referencing your average last-frost date. For
example, if the packet directions say to start
plants indoors six weeks before your average
last frost, count back six weeks from that date.
a
Not sure what the average
last-frost date is where you live?
Find out at
BHG.com/lastfrost.
PLANT PROPERLY
Take a look at each
seed packet to find instructions on
planting depth. If seeds are too small
for you to sow with your fingers, place
a few in a folded slip of paper and
gently tap them into the soil. Plant one
to three seeds in each pot and cover
(or not) as instructed.
LIGHT BRIGHTLY
Seedlings require
about 12 hours of bright light per day
to grow strong, stocky stems. If you
don’t have a suitable windowsill, use
fluorescent lights. Situate them 2-3
inches above the tops of the plants.
Adjust the height of the lights upward
as the plants grow.
HIN RUTHLESSLY
Before seedlings are
inches tall, snip off the weakest plants
,
in each pot at soil level, leaving just one
or two plants in each cell. From then
on, every time you water use liquid
fertilizer at one-quarter the rate listed
on the package. Water as needed to
keep seedlings moist.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS JA N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 7 7
PERFECT FOR THE PERSON
W HO ALWAYS REMEMBERS
THE DRYER SHEET.
AFTER THE LAUNDRY'S DONE.
And, it’s easy to install. Just stick it and forget it for about
4
months*
*Depends on frequency o f use and dryer settings.
