Starter Plants 101

Starter plants, or seedlings, are small, young plants that can kick start your garden, as all of the work of growing from seed has already been done. In late spring, Seward Co-op carries a wide variety of starter plants from local producers. Here are some steps to get your starters into the ground:

1. Try to plant on a cloudy day with minimal wind.
2. Moisten your garden soil, but not so much that it’s soaking wet. It can also be helpful to water your starters before transplanting them into your garden.
3. Dig your hole for planting. Make it a little wider than your starter’s root ball and just as deep.
4. Turn the starter container upside down and place your other hand on the soil side to offer support. Gently tap the container to get the starter plant out.
5. Place your starter in the hole you just dug.
6. Fill the hole with soil and tap lightly around the starter so the roots and soil make good contact.
7. Water the soil thoroughly after transplanting.
8. After a few days, add a starter fertilizer if you like, according to instructions.
9. Be sure to keep your newly transplanted starter moist, watering typically once a day until the plant is well established.
   Source: https://www.almanac.com/tips-transplanting-seedlings

Getting in the Zone

The U.S. Department of Agriculture keeps an up-to-date map of plant hardiness zones that informs which plants, particularly perennials, can be grown in different climates across the country. As of 2023, the Twin Cities are now in Zone 5a. Seward Co-op sells seeds and starter plants from local producers who cater to our zone, so you can be sure to find the right plants for our particular area.

Super Sowing Selections

Ready to try growing from seed? Though many gardeners will start their seeds with an indoor set up, you don’t need one. Direct sowing in your outdoor garden can work wonderfully. Remember: Gardening is about trying things! Of course, it can be overwhelming with all the “rules” to follow. Our tip? Use the things you learn as a guide, and if you can’t make your conditions perfect, it’s usually still worth a shot. Even if your yields are smaller than in the most ideal growing conditions, growing from seeds can be an affordable way to experiment and begin growing your own food.

Have little ones you want to plant seeds with? Try this Microgreens activity for planting calendula seeds.

Pest Control Tips

Finding holes in your leaves or half-eaten peppers on your plants? Try these tips:

• Place pinecones in container pots to deter diggers.
• Save plastic clamshells from berries and trap your maturing fruit inside to protect from garden thieves.
• Plant pest-resistant herbs and flowers like rosemary and marigolds around your enticing edibles

Further Resources

For a detailed guide to growing specific vegetables in Minnesota, visit the UMN Extension site.

Want more info? We love the UMN extension guide, which covers topics including how to start seeds indoors, controlling pests, weed control, soil testing, and lots more!

Starter Plants

Seeds

Soil