The weather is warming and spring is quickly approaching. Do you know what that means? It’s almost gardening season! So take the bus over to Home Depot in East Liberty, or wherever else you may find gardening supplies, and gather what you need to start.
After all, spring begins on March 20.
Don’t want to take the bus? Turn to online suppliers such as Target for grow kits or Walmart for packs of seeds and have them delivered to the university. Don’t forget small compostable containers and starting dirt.
Additionally, to keep counters clean and remain successful, I recommend acquiring a tray or some sort, or a plate to hold your plants.
Last year, when I was forced to take a gardening gap year due to my living situation, I felt as though I lost a part of myself. I can’t express into words how excited I was to get my hands dirty last weekend and begin my own seed starters early.
In my hometown, 14 packs of seeds at $1.96 a piece cost me a whopping $32.69. That number may seem like a steep investment. Yet, if you think about it, if properly nurtured to life, the seeds will yield produce valued well over that.
Now you may be thinking: Cas, how can I possibly start a garden out of my dorm? I’m glad that you asked! As long as your roommate lets you use a window and it’s sunny, you’ll be fine.
March is seed sowing time and there are several plant varieties that would be happy to be started around this time.
So, once you have your containers, fill them up to the top with dirt, like you would do a measuring cup with flour. Then, gently press down to compact the soil, but not
too tightly.
Next, water the soil and let it sink in for 15-30 minutes. Afterwards, place two to three seeds in each container. If you’re using a larger container, feel free to put more. Although, even with smaller seeds like tomato or onion, only a few seeds are necessary to grow a plant.
Next, fill the top of the containers lightly with dirt again, gently pack it down, then water it a second time.
If you followed all the steps and made it this far, congrats, you have officially planted yourself a seed starter! Now cover the top with some saran wrap and poke a few small holes in it for ventilation.
While sunlight isn’t super important in this stage, the seedlings will need immediate light as soon as the first one sprouts, Uncover the plant and let it breathe. From here on out, do not forget to water it.
If push comes to shove and you want to garden without the responsibility, Point Park’s community garden may be an option! To learn more about it, contact Heather Starr-Fiedler at [email protected].
