Catalogues

If you're just getting started, you may want to buy seeds from a catalogue company that specializes in growing vegetables. You'll receive good instructions, quality, and selection.

Collecting Seeds

If you already have a vegetable garden, it's fun to collect seeds for next year's planting. Just clean the seeds and let them dry out. Then store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time. If you're not sure you're doing it right, follow the specific directions for the vegetables you plan on growing.

Get a Jump on Spring by Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Paper cups, small flowerpots, or flats work great for starting seeds indoors. Make sure they allow for drainage (put small hole in the bottom of your paper cups.).

Prepare the Soil

Fill your containers with Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix, which is ideal for germinating seeds, or a good potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix. Sprinkle seeds onto the soil, then cover them with more soil to the depth recommended on the seed packet.

Help Your Seedlings Acclimate

Once your seeds start to sprout, give them a little extra room by transplanting them to bigger pots. Then let them get a taste of the great outdoors by putting them outside for a few hours at a time. This helps the plants get used to their new environment without suffering shock.

Some Seeds Start Better Indoors than Others

Indoor planting works differently for different kinds of plants. Here's an easy guide for you.

Plants that start well indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, celery, cauliflower, head lettuce, eggplant

Other plants you can start indoors: Broccoli, brussels sprouts

Plants you can start indoors or out: Beans, peas, most lettuce, and corn

Plants to start only outdoors: Root plants (carrots, turnips, etc.)

»  Find out how to grow carrots