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Are
you ready for the seed starting season?
A
new gardening season is just around the corner. At this time of year, most
gardeners are busy pouring through the seed catalogs which seem to arrive
almost daily. We've all made our selections from the catalogs, made "wish
lists" for plants we hope to purchase and even planned where we will place
these plants and seedlings. However, there are 3 very important things you
may have overlooked.
First, did you sterilize your seed starting containers? Yes, you were very
diligent in cleaning them before storing them for this
season, but they should still be sterilized to avoid any fungus or bacteria
which may be still lingering. To sterilize containers: Wash thoroughly with
a mild detergent, then rinse in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10
parts water. Let dry.
Second, (and probably the most important!) purchase a good quality soil-less
mixture, like Jack's Classic Potting Soil with coconut coir. This potting
soil provides the ideal friable and non-compacting environment for the seed.
Plus its unique structure allows for maximum drainage while also adding the
benefit of the coconut coir to retain moisture.
And
finally, did you purchase Jack's All Purpose 20-20-20, Blossom
Booster 10-30-20 and Jack's ClassicoteTM
for your future young plants? While the seed holds all the nutrients the
plant will need to germinate, it will need a little fertilizer after it has
the first "true leaves". When these leaves emerge begin feeding with Jack's
20-20-20 at one-half the strength. This will give the seedling a better
start on it's way to becoming a remarkable plant.
All
gardeners wish we could rush our growing seasons! Just remember to keep in
mind the last frost date for your area. For those of you who reside in a
Zone 6 garden, this maxim may be useful. "Remember the three 15's."
March 15th, start your cool weather vegetables and herbs in an outdoor
cold-frame, and your tomato seedlings indoors.
April 15th, how could we forget this day?! Start your flowering annuals
inside. No, it's not too late. When the plants develop their "true leaves"
in about 2-3 weeks, the weather should be just nice enough for you to let
them get an hour or two of natural sunlight per day and also help prevent
the "leggy plant syndrome".
May
15th, time to get those hands dirtier! All danger of frost has passed and
it's time for you to move all your little seedlings into the "real world",
of direct planting, container gardening or raised bed planting. This is also
the time to add Jack's Classicote16-9-23 Time-release fertilizer with
micronutrients. For transplants dig a hole, work Jack’s ClassicoteTM lightly
into the soil at the rate described in the product insert for your plant
size. Position the plant in the center of the hole and fill with the
soil-fertilizer mixture.
To
all fellow gardeners who reside in Zones 7 - 10, you can adjust the above
for your Zone. Zones 9 and 10, have you fertilized as yet? Your plants are
probably just now adjusting to their new homes and can use the balanced
nutrients in Jack's Classic brand of fertilizers to get off to a great
start!
 Why
add Jack's ClassicoteTM
if you will be fertilizing with Jack's All Purpose
20-20-20 and Blossom Booster 10-30-20? Won't it burn or over-feed the plant?
NO.
This unique fertilizer is designed to release nutrients over time, for up to
4 months. For best results apply in spring or early summer. Sprinkle evenly
according to your pot size (for example: 8” pot = 2 tsp) and continue with
your normal water soluble program.
Let's
face it, all gardeners have times during the summer when we can not be out
tending our gardens. For some it may be vacation time, work, or just too
many picnics. How many times have you found yourself saying, "I hope it
rains so I don't have to go out to water the plants."? With Jack's
ClassicoteTM, you won't have to worry if your prized plant is getting all the
nutrients needed to ensure growth, you will know it is since you have
already taken the first step to safeguard this when you added Jack's
ClassicoteTM.
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