Xavier’s Garden Tips: Preparing for Spring

It is an exciting time to use the help of your students. Here are some helpful reminders to get ready for the upcoming spring:

Check your Seed Packs

It is time to sow brassicas inside. These include kale, collards, cauliflower, and cabbage. It is a crucial time if we want strong plants that we can transplant in March. Brassicas need between 4 to 6 weeks, enough light, and nutritive soil to grow strong.

Procure Proper Soil

Make sure you get seed starting soil for proper germination. You can get some from Ace Hardware. It is still a long way until March, so choosing soil with enough nutrients in it is key.

Water According to Plant Life Stage

Make sure to develop a good strategy of watering because baby plants need the right amount of water to grow. Before seeds sprout, you want the soil to always be moist but not wet. Once seeds sprout, only water when the soil feels dry, usually every few days. Bottom watering can be helpful at this stage. Use a fan for airflow, so soil doesn’t mold and can dry out between waterings. 

Root Vegetables Do Not Need to Be Started Indoors

Remember, root vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips are better for direct sowing with seeds outside. No need to start seedlings indoors.