Starting Seeds Early: Why February is the Perfect Time
The new year brings excitement for all the gardening possibilities of spring, but you don’t have to wait as long as you think to get started. While the cool temperatures of winter make traditional outdoor gardening nearly impossible, the latter part of the season is a great time to start seeds. February is the ideal time to sow seeds indoors, and this gardening guide will show you how to get a head start on the growing season.
Why Start Your Garden in February?
In Canada, the official start of the growing season can vary. The last estimated frost dates can be as early as March to as late as the end of May. Attempting to start seeds outside after the last frost leaves less time for your plants to reach their full potential. Even with high-quality potting soils and fast-growing cultivars, waiting that long could mean missing out on a bountiful harvest.
Starting seeds in February gives your plants an early growth advantage. Seedlings will have ample time to mature, experiencing strong growth in a controlled environment before they are subject to the challenges of outdoor growing. That often results in greater transplanting success and fewer seedling failures. Even better, your plants can reach the harvest stage sooner in the season.
Turbo Grow Kits: The Key to Jumpstarting Your Garden
Depending on where you live, the weather is likely too rough to start seeds outdoors. Fortunately, indoor grow kits allow you to sow in a controlled environment. Starting seeds indoors makes early germination and seedling cultivation possible, bypassing the cool temperatures outside while giving your plants the greatest chance of success before outdoor transplantation.
There are many different types of grow kits available. For optimal growth, consider using Turbo Grow Kits by Supernatural Brands. These kits use the power of air to create the ultimate growth environment. Electric air blowers flash-feed plants, mitigating the concern of flooding and unwanted moisture fluctuations. The kit can support germination and maintain an optimal root zone for your seedlings, allowing your plants to grow fast and strong long before the conditions outside warm up.
Seed Planting Tips to Kick Off the Growing Season Early
Starting seeds in February is easier than you think. Follow our gardening guide to begin your planting journey indoors. First, you’ll need to gather the right equipment.
- Indoor Grow Kit: The most critical piece of the puzzle, grow kits help create the best indoor environment for germination and cultivation. Choose a high-quality option that is purpose-built for fast and stable growth.
- Heating Mat: Your home’s heating system can help to keep the soil warm, but using a heating mat can prevent temperature fluctuations while promoting germination.
- Potting Soils: The right growing medium will improve plant health. Consider premium soils like Pay Dirt for superior moisture retention, pH balancing and root growth.
- Grow Lights: Grow lights can supplement natural light from a south-facing window. Fluorescent or LED lights can help produce stronger seedlings.
- Plant Nutrients: After your seedlings produce their first set of true leaves, you can use nutrients with your grow kit to ensure your plants have everything they need to flourish.
To start your seeds, moisten the soil and fill the tray of your grow kit. Sowing recommendations vary by plant. In most cases, initial sowing requires you to make shallow indentations in the soil before lightly covering the seeds with the medium.
Use your grow kit to flash seeds with moisture while maintaining the best environment for germination. Pay close attention to soil temperatures and aim to provide 14 to 16 hours of light per day. As seedlings emerge, continue to use your air-powered grow kit to support the roots, flashing nutrients to encourage stronger growth.
Start Early for Springtime Success
You don’t have to wait for warmer temperatures to begin this year’s garden. With the right gear, you can have well-established plants ready for transplanting once the last remnants of winter pass by, ensuring early success and a generous harvest.
