By AMANDA ZAMBRANO
Master Gardener Intern

WARSAW — Growing vegetables from seed is an economic way to obtain your own produce. While some seeds can be direct-sown, particularly cold weather crops like peas, lettuce or carrots, most of our summertime favorites need to be started indoors as our northern Indiana growing season isn’t quite long enough for them to mature.

Crops like tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli and peppers can all be started indoors. You’ll want to start about six to eight weeks before the last frost date, which is typically around the middle of May. That means starting your seeds in early to mid- March, depending on what you’re growing.

Unless you have a very large garden, you may want to tag a gardening buddy to split seed packets, as they typically have far more seeds than can be used in a single year. Seeds can be obtained from any local gardening store or through catalogs or online. You can find organic seeds, non-GMO seeds, hybrid seeds, heirloom seeds or any of your favorite standard variety of vegetables.

There is a wide variety of planting options for your seeds. Peat pots or starter trays are common, although something as simple as an egg carton will work well. Make sure whatever you choose has drainage at the bottom.

Do not use potting soil to start your seeds. Instead, select a soilless mix. You can blend yourself if you choose to not use starting trays that are pre-filled. Use equal parts peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Mix it together thoroughly and add just enough warm water to make the mix moist. Fill your containers to just below the rim.

Seed packets will indicate how deep to plant your seeds. Try laying the seed on top of the soil and pressing it in to the appropriate depth with the eraser of a pencil, then lightly cover. Use the largest seeds in the packet for the best results.

Select a warm home for your seeds — try setting them on top of the refrigerator or near but not on top of the oven and maintain a temperature of about 70-75 degrees. Tent with plastic wrap and vent the wrap with a toothpick so air can circulate. Do not use a typical watering can, as it can provide too much water and drown the seed or cause rot. Try misting instead.

Once the seedlings sprout, remove the plastic and move them into bright light, such as a sunny window or a grow light. Be sure to turn your grow light off at night to simulate night time.

The plants will need to be transplanted into individual pots when they sprout their second pair of leaves. Select a good potting soil and mix well with plenty of compost. Continue to water and ensure plenty of light. Your plants will be ready to move to the garden come the middle of May.

Amanda Zambrano is the director of advancement at Grace Village Retirement Community. She is a master gardener intern, just learning the ins and outs of successful gardening.

Along with her master gardener volunteering, Amanda serves on the board of directors for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, the Symphony of the Lakes committee and a Kosciusko County Community Foundation scholarship committee. She plays flute for the Symphony of the Lakes and enjoys hand-quilting, baking and reading. She is also an occasional blogger. Amanda lives in Warsaw with her husband Dan and her son Alexander.