Summer Seed Starting for Winter Vegis

Recently I've become aware that seed starting should not be limited to the spring.  A prime seed starting time is in the summer, when you can plant so that your garden continues into the fall and even the winter.  I went through my seed packs and selected some fall/winter appropriate seeds.  Choosing the right "winter-hardy" varieties is important.

The packs on the right have now been planted

I've already got some seeds started - these are primarily for the late summer and the fall.

Red Leaf Amaranth

Kale and a few lettuce varieties

More lettuce

Here are the seeds I planted today.

Notice the stickies - great for labeling

I used the Planters Pride window seedling trays available from Canadian Tire - great value at about $3.  They come with inserts and a clear lid.

I decided to use a different type of insert - the one shown below gives a little more flexibility.  When the seedlings are ready to plant into the garden I will "prick them out" using an old pen as a dibbler.

Insert used

I like the "Dutch Treat" seed starting mix.  You should be sure to pre-moisten the mix before adding it to the inserts.

Dutch Treat seed starting mix