Spring Seed Starting

An outstanding selection of Burpee Seeds has just arrived in time to chase away the winter doldrums

The idleness of winter can drive a gardener mad. While it's not the same as being outside working in the soil, starting flower seeds indoors while snow covers the ground outside can pass the time until spring.

Now is a great time to start perennials like Delphinium, Lavender and Coneflower, as well as biennials like Hollyhock, Sweet William and Canterbury Bells. By starting your own perennial seeds you can coax beautiful blooms this season (instead of waiting the typical two growing seasons) while sharing the satisfaction and anticipation with the entire family. Plus, don't forget about starting vegetable seeds too!

A few tools that we find handy to help ensure success include:

Hydro-Farm Heated Germination Station

This kit includes a heated growing mat to keep those little seedlings toasty warm and a seeding tray with a greenhouse growing cover to help keep important moisture and humidity in for proper germination.

Florescent Grow Lights

A compact lighting fixture that can provide the perfect amount of light for young seedlings, these grow tubes are perfect to combat our dim Maine windows that offer little light this time of year. In addition, the fluorescent fixture provides some additional heat just in case those windows are a little chilly too!

Bonomyl

Apply this water soluble fungicide to newly planted seeds in order to ward off a condition called "damping off", which only affects seeds in the seed leaf stage, before true leaves are formed.

In addition to these fine products, Estabrook's also offers Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix, a professional blend that is right for all seedlings.