Are you itching to get your hands in the dirt and start gardening? You're in luck!
March is the perfect time to start your seeds indoors so your garden will be ready to plant when the weather conditions are right.
Planning your Garden
Before you start your seeds, it's important to consider a few things.
First, you need to know when you can plant your seeds outdoors. Keeping seedlings indoors too long will result in leggy and tender plants that won't be as hardy when moved outside. Our average last frost date in Billings is May 12, meaning planting your garden before that date is risky. We usually recommend gardens be planted mid to late May.
Next, pay attention to how many days it takes for the seeds to germinate. This information can be found on the back of your seed packet. Plants like tomatoes take longer to germinate making them an ideal seed to start indoors, where as plants like squash, cucumbers and leafy greens actually do better directly sown in the garden. Not all seeds should be started at the same time.
Finally, make sure you've got all of your supplies. You'll need small pots or seed trays, a seed starting mix potting soil, and grow lights or a very bright, southern exposure window space. Seedlings will need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth.
A Labor of Love
Starting your seeds indoors can be a rewarding and fulfilling activity. It takes careful planning and lots of love and attention to successfully start your garden indoors, but the results are well worth the time and effort. Of course, if indoor gardening isn't for you, we are growing all of the plants you'll need to make your garden beautiful and they'll be ready just in time to plant!