This winter may feel like it’s never going to end, but spring is on its way and it’s time to starting thinking about your garden.
On this horticulture day edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe is joined by Aaron Steil, Assistant Director of Reiman Gardens, and Richard Jauron, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist. They talk about selecting seeds for your spring garden and give tips for how to transition your seedlings to the outdoors.
Before going to buy seeds, Steil says it's important to come up with a specific plan and know where you're going to put each plant. Then, time your planting carefully so that your seedlings are ready to face the outdoors when the time comes.
"If you start them too early they get lanky and tall and don't transplant so well," Steil says.
Keep the soil warm, preferably between 70 and 75 degrees, and get your seedlings used to going outside in the week or two before you transplant them. A heating mat can help with soil warmth, or place your seedlings on top of a radiator if you have one.
"Warming the soil helps a lot with germination and helps a lot with growth," Steil says.
