When it seems there is little to do in the garden, the most restless gardeners are busy getting a head start on spring, sowing seeds in February or March and tending to tiny seedlings that will be ready to transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. There are plenty of reasons to work with seeds. At the top of the list is the nearly endless variety of seeds for annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables that are available.
Cost is another reason to work with seed.
You may be amazed when you see just how far a flat of annuals will go if you re trying to fill in a large space, like an edging to a driveway. Growing dozens and dozens of seedlings on your own can you give you the lush look you long for. In order to have seedlings that are mature enough to transplant into the garden early in the spring, it s necessary to start them indoors, under lights. The easiest way to make your own light garden is to use an inexpensive fluorescent fixture. Special wide spectrum lamps most closely approximate sunlight, but outfitting the fixture with one warm white and one cool white lamp will do just as well.