by Lisa Schauer
Even if the snow is still falling outside, we can dream of warmer days, and plan for bigger harvests by bringing the joy of gardening indoors.
Seed starting holds many advantages for gardeners, including cost savings, hardier plants, and access to a wider variety of heirloom vegetables and more interesting hybrids available through seed catalogs.
“Winter is the time for dreaming and planning, to imagine all the things you can grow,” says Rachel Chapman, owner of Mountain Micros in Great Cacapon. 
You’ll want to purchase good quality fresh seeds from a reputable source, like Burpee’s or Botanical Interests, and follow the instructions on the label for zone 6B.
Some plants that do especially well starting as seeds indoors include tomato, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach and sunflowers.
Seeds for hardier plants such as potatoes, corn and squash can be planted directly into tilled soil in the garden after the last frost.
According to the old Farmer’s Almanac, the last frost for Morgan County occurs on May 1.
Seeds should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost, or around the end of March.
“Start at Mother’s Day and count back six to eight weeks,” says Chapman, who grows micro greens, radishes, and edible flowers indoors, selling them to local restaurants, including Lot 12, Naked Olive, and Ravenwood Pub, where they’re used for garnish.
“Just start. You don’t need to buy brand new. I use berry containers, or four-cell trays filled with potting soil,” says Chapman.
Start saving pizza boxes, or Styrofoam take-out boxes, and use them as planters, closing the lids while your seeds germinate.
You can make your own starter mix using compost, perlite, peat moss or coconut coir, adding your own garden soil.
Set your tray of planters near a heat source, away from light or other disturbances. Keep the seeds moist, but not drenched, warm at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and dark.
“Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in about three to ten days,” says Chapman.
Once the seeds germinate, open the lids and expose the seedlings to full sun, or use a LED shop light, raising the light as the plants grow.
Around Mother’s Day, you can begin to transplant your seedlings into larger containers, pots, gardens or raised beds.
Anyone who wants expert advice on starting seeds can visit the WVU Extension Service website.
Chapman is offering a class on seed starting at Mountain Micros in Great Cacapon on Saturday, March 29. Anyone interested in more information can find her on social media.
