Community

Down to Earth Living Shares Indoor Seed-Starting Tips

Published

8 months ago

February 20, 2026

Spring may still feel far off with cold temperatures and snow covering the ground, but Down to Earth Living is encouraging gardeners to make the most of the season indoors by starting seeds early.

From browsing seed catalogs and planning garden layouts to planting seedlings now, gardeners can get a head start on spring and grow stronger, healthier plants once warm weather arrives.

When to Start Seeds

Seed-starting time depends on what you are growing, the plant variety, and your local climate.

In our region — including Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley — the last frost date typically falls between late April and early May. Gardeners should confirm their specific local frost date before transplanting seedlings outdoors.

To determine when to start seeds indoors, count backward 4–8 weeks from your local last frost date. This allows seedlings adequate time to grow before transplanting. Keep in mind that frost dates are estimates and weather can vary from year to year, so monitor conditions and adjust timing as needed.

Start with the Right Equipment

To successfully start seeds indoors, you’ll need containers, seed-starting mix, seeds, water, and adequate light.

Use peat pots or plugs to protect roots during transplanting.
Choose a high-quality seed-starting mix designed for young plants.
Start with quality seeds and carefully follow packet instructions for depth, spacing, and care.
Beginners may want to try easy-to-grow vegetables such as lettuce or tomatoes.

Tips for Seed-Starting Success

Use clean containers: Wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly before planting.
Plant at the proper depth: Follow directions on the seed packet.
Provide sufficient light: Seedlings require 12–16 hours of light daily from a sunny window or grow lights. Keep grow lights approximately two inches above the plants.
Maintain consistent moisture: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.
Ensure good airflow: Proper ventilation helps prevent disease and encourages strong growth. Open a window occasionally or use a small fan.
Harden off plants: Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day before transplanting.
Transplant gently: Move seedlings carefully and plant them at the same depth they were growing indoors.

“Starting your garden indoors is a great way to beat the winter blues and get a jump on spring,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “With the right tools and a little know-how, you can grow strong, healthy plants from seed. Just follow the basics: read your seed packets, provide plenty of light and water, and be patient.”

Community

Italian-American Heritage Month Celebrated in Rockland County

Published

6 days ago

October 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

October is a time to celebrate the history, traditions and contributions of Italian Americans—and in Rockland County, that heritage runs deep.

Every October, communities across the United States recognize Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, honoring generations of Italian immigrants and their descendants who have helped shape American life.

In Rockland County, Italian-American heritage can be found throughout the community—in family-owned businesses and restaurants, churches, civic organizations and generations of families who have made the county their home.

The story is part of a much larger American immigration experience. Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians came to the United States seeking opportunity and a better future. Over generations, Italian-American families established roots, built businesses, entered the professions and became active members of their communities.

Their influence extends far beyond food and family traditions. Italian Americans have made significant contributions to the arts, entertainment, science, business, education, public service and countless other areas of American life.

A Heritage Passed Down

For many Rockland families, heritage is preserved through traditions shared from one generation to the next—from recipes and family gatherings to photographs, stories and the memories of relatives who came to America.

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month was first designated by Congress in 1989, establishing October as a time to recognize Italian-American history and contributions. The observance also coincides with Columbus Day, traditionally celebrated on October 12 and now observed federally on the second Monday of October.

While Christopher Columbus remains a significant historical figure for many Italian Americans, his legacy and the consequences of European exploration are also subjects of ongoing historical discussion. The heritage month provides a broader opportunity to recognize the experiences and accomplishments of Italian Americans themselves.

For Rockland County, October is a chance to celebrate a heritage that remains very much alive—not only in the traditions of previous generations, but in the families, businesses and communities carrying those traditions forward today.

It is a celebration of where those families came from, what they built, and the legacy they continue to pass on.

Community

Free AI Smart Glasses Available to Visually Impaired Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Visually impaired veterans in the community may be eligible to receive free AI-powered smart glasses through a program being distributed by the Suffern Free Library in partnership with TechSoup.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 smart glasses are designed to provide hands-free assistance for people with low vision. According to the program information, the glasses can read text, books and signs aloud, describe a user’s surroundings and assist with hands-free navigation.

The glasses can also be used to take photos and video and to play music.

Who Can Qualify?

The program is available to veterans who:

Have low vision
Own a smartphone
Attend one of the required training workshops

Participants must complete a training session to learn how to use the technology and its accessibility features.

Upcoming Training Workshops

Training sessions are scheduled at the Suffern Free Library on the following dates:

September 22 at 4:30 p.m. with Senator Weber
September 30 at 1:30 p.m. with Senator Weber
October 27 at 4 p.m.
October 28 at 11 a.m.

Interested veterans are encouraged to register online through the Suffern Free Library.

The library is located at 210 Lafayette Ave. in Suffern, New York. For additional information, call 845-357-1237 or visit the library’s website.

The program is being offered as an effort to provide veterans with technology that may help them navigate their surroundings and perform everyday tasks more independently.