Page 31 - Organic Gardening 3 Part Series

frequently, at about 2 weeks before you're planning to transplant them outdoors.

One week before you transplant, move them outdoors to a spot which offers
them some protection from strong wind and sun. You can start off by leaving

them outdoors anywhere from 1 to 4 hours until they're outdoors permanently.

You'll need to water them more frequently again since the wind and sun will

quickly dry their potting medium.

This process can also be done outdoors by starting them right in the garden. This

is best for plants which don't transplant well, such as beans, peas, and root crops.
Starting seeds outdoors is not recommended for seeds that are difficult to
germinate or for plants which need a longer growing season.

The key is to consult your seed packages or catalog to find out when you should
plant outdoors. If you live in an area which receives frost, you'll want to check
with local gardeners or your local extension service to find out the date of the last
expected frost.

Mark your rows with wooden stakes and run a string to keep the rows straight.
Your seed package will provide spacing guidelines.

Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, and then firm the soil with your hand or
the flat end of a spade.

Lightly water the area and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Once your seedlings are growing vigorously, you'll want to thin them. Once
they're ready for transplanting make sure to do it on a cool, overcast day.
Working in the evening gives them all night to recover. Don't transplant during
hot, sunny, or windy weather.

Your seed package will advise you on the best time to move transplants to the
garden. Remember to harden them off.

Whether you're purchasing seedlings or starter plants, or you started your own
from seeds, the planting process is the same.