For numerous reasons, I’ve completely switched over from using plastic cell trays for seed starting to using soil blocks. Soil blocks are the best fit for me. To help you determine whether plastic trays or soil blocks are the best fit for your seed starting plans, this week I am breaking down the pros and […]
Seed starting is a welcome way to get our hands dirty during winter and early spring, but a few common missteps can quickly turn excitement into frustration. In this encore episode, I’m revisiting the five most common seed-starting mistakes gardeners make — and sharing practical ways to fix them or avoid them altogether for better […]
I returned from a trip abroad last week and checked on the seeds I had started before I went away. Some seedlings struggled in my absence more than others, and it gave me a few ideas for seed starting tips that I wanted to share with you. On this episode, I’ll be supplementing last week’s […]
Seed-starting success begins long before the first tray is filled with soil. In this encore episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own preparation process, sharing how thoughtful planning and a smarter seed organization system help to eliminate stress and prevent costly mistakes while setting the stage for a smoother season from the […]
Preparing for seed starting season well ahead of time and becoming better organized will save you headaches and money in the months to come. This week, I’m sharing how I prepare and the new efficient seed organization system that I have adopted. I have made changes this year to my seed organization that have been […]
Seed starting is a fun winter and early spring activity that gives us an opportunity to exercise our green thumbs during an often dreary time of year, but missteps can lead to disappointment. To help you have a successful and delightful experience, this week I am sharing the top five seed starting mistakes and how […]
Each December I start to gather my supplies for the upcoming and very busy seed-starting season ahead. I’ve learned over the years, it pays to start getting ready while the pace is calmer and there’s still no real pressure to get the timing right, just yet. But, Mother Nature waits for […]
Seed starting season is one of my favorite times of the year. It allows me to start gardening indoors several weeks before my garden beds wake up for the year, and it holds the promise of the growing season to come. In this week’s podcast, I am sharing the seed starting essentials for successfully germinating […]
Propagating native plants from seeds protects genetic diversity and is simple to do. To discuss all the benefits and the steps for the easiest way to start and grow native seeds in winter (no special equipment required) is my guest this week, Heather McCargo, the executive director of the Wild Seed Project. Heather now lives […]
Many factors affect whether seeds started indoors will grow to become seedlings that are strong and healthy enough to transition into the garden, survive and prosper. On this week’s encore episode, John Porter of The Garden Professors shares his non-negotiables for success when seed starting. John is currently the urban agriculture program coordinator for the […]
Indoor seed starting time is nearly upon us, and whether you are starting seeds yourself for the first time in 2021 or you have prior experience, I’m certain you’ll find my discussion with tomato growing expert Craig LeHoullier enlightening. In this encore presentation, Craig and I share tips and tricks to successfully start seeds indoors. […]
Winter sowing is an easy and fun way to scratch the gardening itch in the coldest months while also getting a head start on growing flowers and cool-season crops that will then take off in spring. In this week’s encore episode, I explain how winter sowing works and identify the types of seeds that are […]
Not only is it possible to start beet seeds in containers — it can also lead to better results. In this video, I show you how I do it and explain why it’s the easier way. Beets are one of those crops that you always hear must be direct-sown into the garden. […]
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, save a ton of money, and grow out varieties that you normally can’t find in a nursery. In this video, I share the basics of indoor seed starting to easily and successfully sow seeds. Seeds can be […]
Before placing your order online or filling out a seed catalog order form, be sure you are making the best buying decisions. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing tips to help make you a more informed seed shopper. Below, I explain what to do before you start, how to process the plethora of seed catalogs […]
There is an easy way to tell if the seeds inside an old seed pack are still good — before going through the time and trouble of planting the seeds in the garden to find out. In this video, I’ll show you how to check seeds for viability and test their germination rate. […]
Starting seeds indoors is a fun activity that helps you make the most of a short gardening season, but some seeds are harder to germinate than others. In this video, I share tips and tricks for seed germination success. Outdoors, Mother Nature does a great job of breaking through the seed coat […]
The anticipation and excitement that come from sowing seeds for a favorite flower or vegetable can lead to disappointment weeks later when many, if not all, of those seeds have failed to germinate. While many factors affect germination — from the age and quality of the seed to the depth of planting — the most […]
I love starting seeds indoors. It’s a great way to get a jump start on the season – to play in the soil even when the temperatures outdoors are sub-freezing. Growing seedlings indoors can be a little tricky though. Plus, those seed trays take up space that not all homeowners are fortunate to have. It […]
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s seed-starting season. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to start gardening even though your garden outdoors may be covered in snow. It also provides you with better control over the health of the plants you will add to your garden – and is the perfect […]
Do you grow plants indoors? Have you tried starting plants from seed or are you thinking of trying this year? In either case, light may be on your mind lately. It’s been on mine, so I invited Leslie Halleck, author of the new book Gardening Under Lights, to join me for this week’s podcast to […]
Welcome to Part Three of Starting Seeds Indoors: The Non-Negotiables for Success series. Hopefully, you have already enjoyed Part One and Part Two , during which we spoke with Craig LeHoullier to learn the seed-starting techniques he has developed during the past 20-plus years. Parts One and Two provided lots of basic (and in-depth) information on seed […]
In this podcast, we continue our seed starting discussion with guest Craig LeHoullier. In Part One of the Starting Seeds Indoors: The Non-Negotiables for Success series, we brought the seeds from initial planting through germination. We also touched on how to harden off seedlings as well as methods for providing moisture and light. At this point […]
Have you considered starting plants like tomatoes, eggplants, lettuce, and herbs from seed but worried that it was too hard and that you would kill them before they even get started? According to Craig LeHoullier, a frequent podcast guest, and joegardener® blog team contributor, you’re not alone; but don’t let this hold you back from […]
By joining my list, you’ll also get weekly access to my gardening resource guides, eBooks, and more!
Use the hashtag #iamajoegardener to let us know!
