Spring is a time to sow our garden for the summer yield of fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and more.

You could opt to buy your seedlings at a gardening center, but sowing your own seedling may offer you a greater ability to grow your favorite variety, and can be more cost effective especially for larger gardens.

It is a good idea to know your growing zone to give you an idea of your area's average last frost date. Here is zone 5 we can expect our last frost date to be around mid May with the end of the growing season being around mid October with the first frost date. These dates will help guide you to when you can plant and what you should plant. 

Usually purchased seed packets will provide planting information that includes when you should sow the seeds indoors; for example warm season plants such as  tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should be started 6-8 weeks before last frost. You should also look at the packet for how many days until maturity. If your growing season is shorter than this, you may want to grow a variety that matures earlier or to start the seeds inside to help extend the growing season.

There are different methods to sowing your seeds, you can plant them indivi

Different types of seeds require different germination and growing conditions; these are often also written on the seed packets. Generally speaking seeds need light well drained soil and warm soil often around 18-23C (65-75F) for germination. For those seeds that prefer warmer soil, a heat mat can be used; be sure to check the temperature range of the mat to ensure it meets your needs. A thermostat can also be purchased for those seedling that have specific heat needs. Some seeds must also be germinated in the dark, others in the light, and others are flexible. During seed germination, care must also be taken not to let the seeds dry out once the have absorbed water as this can lead to the seed dying -using a mister or covering the seeds can help with maintaining moisture consistency. 

As the seedlings emerge from the seed they require light (often between 12-16 hours/day), if they do not receive enough light they will be become stretched looking for a source. This can create "leggy" seedling that can become weak, and can lead to the stem breaking and the seedling dying.  During the winter months, however there are fewer daylight hours and it may be difficult to get adequate light from a window. If this is the case for you, a full spectrum grow light can help you supplement light for your seeds growing needs. 

As your seedlings grow you may have to contend with some pest such as soil gnats whose larva such the sap out of the plant while the adults eat the plant. These can multiply quickly and destroy your seedlings. Diatomacious earth can be purchased in a food grade, but it is microscopically sharp which can damage the exoskeleton of garden pests and killing them as well as their larva. There are also other options such as using sticky traps to catch the gnats. Another common issue is Damping off which is caused by various pathogens within soil. This occurs when the seedling appears to wilt and die for no apparent reason.  Once way to minimize this is to monitor the soil moisture. If the seedling are being covered, excess moisture on the cover should be removed, air flow should be permitted, and the surface of the soil should also be allowed to become slightly dry between watering. 

Fertilizing seedling, it is generally recommended to fertilize seedlings with a diluted fertilizer once the second set of "true" leaves have grown. The true leaves are not the leaves that are first produces by the seed, they are also have the characteristics of the adult plant leaf in shape. The website tab under fertilizers provides greater detail in this area

In early spring when the daytime temperatures have reached tolerable temperatures for the seedlings, they can be placed outside to acclimate  them or  "harden off" the seedlings. First start with a few hours (bring them back in if you see that they are stressed, such as substantial wilting),  with protection from direct sun (in the shade) and wind. Increase the amount of time they stay outside for a week or two until they can be planted outside 

4. Direct Sow Cool-Season Crops

• Cool-season veggies (peas, radishes, carrots, spinach) can be sown directly outdoors 2–4 weeks before last frost.
• Soil should be workable and not frozen or overly wet.

5. Soil Preparation

• Amend soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage.
• Ensure soil temperature is suitable for the seeds you’re planting (usually between 50–85°F depending on species).
• Test soil pH and adjust if needed (most veggies prefer pH 6.0–7.0).

6. Succession Planting

• To maximize your short growing season, practice succession planting by sowing seeds in intervals (e.g., every 2 weeks) for continuous harvest.
• Good for fast-maturing crops like lettuce, radishes, and beans.

7. Propagation Beyond Seeds

• Division: Split perennials like hostas, daylilies, and peonies in spring or fall.
• Cuttings: Take softwood or hardwood cuttings depending on species (e.g., softwood for herbs in summer, hardwood for shrubs in late fall/winter).
• Layering: Bend a low branch to the soil and cover it until roots develop; great for shrubs like raspberries.
• Grafting: Often used for fruit trees; best done in late winter or early spring before bud break.

8. Protect Young Plants

• Use row covers, cloches, or cold frames to protect seedlings from late frosts or cool weather.
• Mulch around seedlings to regulate soil temperature and moisture.

9. Watering & Light

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.
• Ensure seedlings get enough light to prevent legginess and promote healthy growth.

🌼 Quick Reference: Key Planting Windows in Zone 5

Crop Type

Start Indoors (weeks before last frost)

Direct Sow Outdoors (weeks before/after last frost)

Tomatoes

6–8

After last frost

Peppers

8

After last frost

Broccoli

6

2–4 weeks before last frost

Lettuce

4

4 weeks before last frost and succession planting

Peas

N/A

4 weeks before last frost

Carrots

N/A

2 weeks before last frost

If you want, I can help you create a customized seed-starting schedule or explain how to propagate specific plants you want to grow! Just let me know.

You said:

what are good plants to propogate

ChatGPT said:

Great! Here’s a list of easy and rewarding plants to propagate in Zone 5, categorized by propagation method. These plants generally root well and can give you lots of new plants from cuttings, divisions, or layering — perfect for expanding your garden or sharing with friends!

🌱 Good Plants to Propagate in Zone 5

1. By Division

(dividing mature plants into smaller sections — best in spring or fall)

• Hostas — shade-tolerant perennials with attractive foliage
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis) — hardy, colorful flowers
• Peonies — large, fragrant blooms (best divided in fall)
• Sedum (Stonecrop) — drought-tolerant succulent groundcovers
• Astilbe — shade-loving with feathery plumes
• Bee Balm (Monarda) — attracts pollinators, aromatic

2. By Softwood Cuttings

(take from new spring/summer growth; roots in a few weeks)

• Rosemary (in protected indoor conditions or greenhouse)
• Coleus — colorful foliage, easy indoors or outdoors
• Mint — fast-growing and vigorous herb
• Hydrangea — softwood cuttings root easily in moist conditions
• Fuchsia — vibrant flowers, best taken early summer
• Geranium (Pelargonium) — popular flowering plant

3. By Hardwood Cuttings

(take dormant woody stems in late fall to early spring)

• Roses — many varieties root well from hardwood cuttings
• Forsythia — early spring yellow flowers
• Lilac — fragrant spring bloomers
• Spirea — hardy shrubs with colorful flowers
• Blackcurrant and other berry bushes — easy from hardwood cuttings

4. By Layering

(bury a low branch until it roots; best in spring or summer)

• Raspberries — suckers root easily
• Blackberries — trailing branches root well
• Currants — bushy shrubs that layer easily
• Clematis — flexible vines, easy to root by layering
• Wisteria — vigorous vine, benefits from layering for new plants

5. By Seed

(while not “vegetative” propagation, seeds are great for many perennials and vegetables)

• Coneflower (Echinacea)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
• Sunflowers (Helianthus)
• Peas and beans (easy vegetable seeds to save and plant)
• Lupine — nitrogen-fixing wildflower

Bonus Tip:

For successful propagation in Zone 5, start cuttings indoors or in a greenhouse early in the season, or use a cold frame. Use rooting hormone to improve success rates, keep humidity high, and provide bottom heat if possible.

If you want, I can walk you through step-by-step propagation methods for any of these plants! Which ones interest you most?

You said:

do any seeds need special attention when sowing

ChatGPT said:

Yes, many seeds do require special attention to improve germination rates and healthy growth — especially in Zone 5 where the growing season is limited and conditions can be tricky. Here are some common special seed treatments and tips that can help:

🌱 Seeds That Need Special Attention When Sowing

1. Stratification (Cold Treatment)

• Some seeds need a period of cold, moist conditions to break dormancy and germinate properly.
• Examples:
  • Perennials: Lupine, Delphinium, Columbine, Peony, Coneflower
  • Trees & shrubs: Apple, Cherry, Serviceberry, Oak
• How to do it:
  • Mix seeds with moist sand or peat moss in a sealed bag and refrigerate for 4–12 weeks before sowing.

2. Scarification (Breaking Hard Seed Coats)

• Some seeds have tough outer coatings that prevent water absorption; they need to be scratched, nicked, or soaked to improve germination.
• Examples:
  • Legumes: Beans, Peas, Lupine, Sweet Pea
  • Perennials: Baptisia, Redbud
• How to do it:
  • Rub seeds with sandpaper or nick with a knife, or soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting.

3. Soaking Seeds

• Some seeds benefit from soaking to speed up germination.
• Examples: Beans, Peas, Morning Glory, Sweet Pea
• How to do it: Soak seeds in warm water for 6–24 hours before sowing.

4. Light Requirements

• Some seeds require light to germinate and should not be covered with soil.
• Examples:
  • Lettuce, Snapdragon, Lobelia, Coleus, Alyssum
• How to do it:
  • Press seeds lightly onto the soil surface without covering, keep moist.

5. Warmth Requirements

• Some seeds need warm soil (70–85°F) to germinate.
• Examples:
  • Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil
• How to do it:
  • Start indoors with bottom heat or use seed mats for warmth.

6. Slow Germinators / Long Soak

• Some seeds germinate very slowly and may need extra patience or pre-treatment.
• Examples:
  • Lavender, Delphinium, Foxglove
• How to do it:
  • Combine soaking with stratification or sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification.

🌟 Quick Tips for Better Seed Sowing Success

• Always check seed packet instructions for specific needs.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds for better germination.
• Maintain consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil.
• Use sterile seed-starting mix to prevent damping-off disease.
• Label your seeds clearly, especially if sowing indoors.

If you want, I can give you specific instructions for any seed type you’re working with or help you build a seed starting calendar for your Zone 5 garden! Just ask!

You said:

Is lisianthus a good seed to plant

ChatGPT said:

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is a gorgeous flower with delicate, rose-like blooms—definitely a favorite for bouquets and ornamental gardens! However, when it comes to planting from seed in Zone 5, there are a few important things to know:

Is Lisianthus a Good Seed to Plant in Zone 5?

Pros:

• Beautiful, long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue
• Great cut flower with a high “wow” factor
• Can be grown indoors or outdoors

Challenges in Zone 5:

• Slow and tricky germination: Lisianthus seeds are tiny and can be slow to germinate, often taking 10–20 days or longer.
• Long growing season needed: They typically need a long, warm growing season (90+ days) to bloom well, which is tight in Zone 5’s shorter season.
• Temperature sensitivity: Seeds prefer warm soil (~70–75°F) and consistent moisture, but seedlings can be sensitive to damping-off.
• Needs careful indoor starting: Best to start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost with bottom heat and good lighting.

Tips to Grow Lisianthus Successfully in Zone 5:

• Start seeds indoors early (late winter/early spring) with bottom heat and high humidity.
• Use a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix and do not cover seeds (they need light to germinate).
• Be patient and keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Transplant seedlings carefully after hardening off, only after all danger of frost has passed.
• Consider growing in containers so you can move plants indoors if weather turns rough.

Summary:

Lisianthus can be grown in Zone 5, but it requires extra care and attention to seed starting and timing. If you’re up for the challenge and want stunning flowers, it’s worth trying! If you’re a beginner or want easier blooms, you might start with hardier annuals or perennials better suited to Zone 5.