Community

Down to Earth Living Shares Indoor Seed-Starting Tips

Published

3 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

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.