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With the harsh Midwest winter in full swing, many Ohio-natives can’t wait for spring to come. If you’re one of the many gardeners who’s anxious to get outside and back to work, you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to wait until spring to begin. Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center in Clermont County, OH, has been the community’s go-to farm and garden supply store for over 30 years. The team explains how you can get a jump-start on your spring garden by planting seedlings indoors this winter. 

How to Prepare for Spring by Gardening Plants Indoors

Provide Adequate Lighting 

Lighting is the most challenging element to replicate indoors. Houseplants typically do best in windowsills or rooms with plenty of direct or indirect sunlight, depending on the plant variety. However, outdoor plants require more sunlight than their indoor-only counterparts, typically eight or more hours. That can be hard to provide on overcast winter days. Grow lights, which simulate the sun, can help. Leave them on for 12 to 15 hours a day for best results.

Use a Seed-Starting Mix 

garden-suppliesSeed-starting mix consists of peat moss and vermiculite, which retains water better than the average garden soil. Even moisture is essential for seedlings in the germination period. These media are also weed and fungi-free, unlike earth dug up from the yard. When you re-pot the seeds or plant them in the garden, use quality potting mix or topsoil from your local garden supplies store.

Choose the Right Seeds 

Another important step is choosing the right seeds. Many different kinds of plants can be successfully started indoors, including vegetables, herbs, and decorative flowers. However, keep in mind they’ll need to be re-potted as they grow. Buy seeds for plants you can’t buy at your local gardening supplies center or plants you want to grow in large quantities. Many people start annuals — such as alyssum, marigold, and morning glory — as seeds because it’s more cost-effective for plants that only last one season. Perennials — such as purple coneflowers, delphiniums, and wildflower mixes — are also excellent choices. 

Set a Date 

The start date depends mainly on the type of plant. Check the packet to see how many weeks of growth are required before you can safely set them outside. Also, determine the last expected frost date. This will give you a reasonable ballpark estimate of when to start and when to replant. However, keep an eye on the weather as unexpected changes can occur, which could set back your replanting date.

Take advantage of your spring fever by getting a head start on your landscaping. For garden supplies, stop by Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. Their knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping customers cultivate healthy, fruitful gardens, supplying everything from seedlings to custom-made potting mix. They also carry a broad range of pet supplies and accessories as well as feed and farm supplies. Call (513) 734-2246 or visit the website for more information on their garden supplies. 

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