Hello fellow garden enthusiasts!
As the chill of winter truly sets in, my thoughts are already drifting to the vibrant colors of spring and summer. And this year, I'm embarking on a brand new, incredibly exciting gardening adventure that I can't wait to share with you all: starting flowers indoors from seed!
I've always admired those who manage to get a jump start on the growing season, and now it's our turn. According to the wonderful folks at the University of Missouri Extension online, it's time to prepare our indoor spaces for planting pansies and begonias. This is a first for me, and honestly, I'm buzzing with anticipation!
This year is extra special because my son, Tytus, is heavily involved in his 4H garden project. What better way to add to his hands-on education than by nurturing tiny seeds into thriving plants right here in our home? It’s going to be a fantastic learning experience for both of us, watching life emerge even when there's snow outside.
Our "Indoor Grow" Cheat Sheet: Pansies & Begonias
To help anyone else who might be joining us on this journey (or just curious!), I've put together a quick guide based on the MU Extension's recommendations. These two flowers have very different needs, so paying attention to their preferences is key!
1. The Early Birds: Wax Begonias
Begonias are known for being slow growers from seed, which means they need a good head start. The Extension suggests planting them early to mid-January, roughly 16 weeks before our last anticipated frost.
Light Lovers: These seeds are incredibly tiny, almost like dust! The most important thing to remember is not to cover them with soil. They need light to germinate, so just gently press them onto the surface of your moist seed-starting mix.
Warm & Cozy: Begonias like it toasty to sprout, ideally between 70°F–75°F. If you have a heat mat, now’s the time to use it!
Humid Heaven: Keep their tray covered with clear plastic or a dome until you see those first tiny green sprouts. This high humidity is crucial for germination.
2. The Cool Kids: Pansies
Pansies are hardy and actually prefer a cooler environment for germination and growth compared to many other annuals.
Darkness is Key: Unlike their begonia counterparts, pansy seeds often germinate best in the dark. Many experienced growers cover their trays with black plastic or cardboard for the first 10–14 days.
Stay Cool: Once they've sprouted, remove the cover and move them to a bright, cool spot (around 60°F). If they get too warm, they tend to become "leggy" or stretched out.
Timing: You can start these a little later than begonias, typically late January to early February, about 10–12 weeks before the last frost.
A Special Note for Tytus's 4H Project (and all budding gardeners!):
Nourishment: Once those "true leaves" appear (that's the second set of leaves, after the initial seed leaves), a very weak liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength) can be introduced weekly.
Toughing Up (Hardening Off): About 10 days before it's time to move your precious seedlings outside, start gradually exposing them to the outdoors for a few hours each day. This process, called "hardening off," helps them adjust to sun, wind, and cooler temperatures, preventing transplant shock.
Document Everything! For Tytus's 4H project, keeping a "Garden Journal" would be fantastic! He could track planting dates, germination times, and weekly growth—a wonderful way to observe and learn.
I am so looking forward to sharing our progress, the inevitable triumphs, and perhaps a few comical learning moments along the way! There’s something truly amazing about bringing the promise of spring into your home during the coldest months.
For more detailed information, I highly recommend checking out the source of our inspiration: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6570
Be sure to come back to this post and let me know if you are joining us in planting indoors this year! What flowers are you starting? Any tips for a first-timer? Let’s grow together!
Happy planting!
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