Pomona, NY – Seed starting is a great way to start your garden early and ensure that you have a steady supply of healthy, robust plants throughout the growing season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, seed starting can be a rewarding and fun activity. Here’s what equipment you will need and some tips for success.

The timing of seed starting depends on the plants you want to grow. Generally, you should start seeds indoors a few weeks before planting them outdoors. This will give your plants enough time to grow and become strong before you transplant them outside.

What Equipment You Need
To start seeds indoors, you will need a few basic gardening tools. Here is a list:
 Containers: Start your seeds in peat pots or peat plugs which will eliminate the need to
transplant the seedlings from a container into the ground, reducing the possibility of
damaging them.
 Soil: Use high-quality seed-starting mix designed to provide the right balance of
nutrients and moisture for young plants.
 Seeds: Choose high-quality seeds and make sure to read the instructions on the seed
packets.
 Water: Water your seeds regularly, but don’t overwater.
 Light: Seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. Be sure to place them
on a sunny windowsill. Consider starting with easy growing vegetables such as lettuce,
tomatoes, peas, peppers, and squash.

Tips for Success
Here are some tips for successful seed starting:
 Start with clean containers: Wash your containers well with soap and water and rinse
thoroughly.
 Plant at the right depth: Follow the instructions on the seed packet to determine the
proper depth for planting your seeds.
 Provide enough light: Seedlings need 12-16 hours of light per day. If you are using
grow lights, keep them about 2 inches above the plants.
 Keep the soil moist: Check the soil regularly and water as needed. Don’t let the soil dry
out completely, but also avoid overwatering.

At Down to Earth Garden Center in Rockland County, their garden center is filled with
perennials, flowers, shrubs and trees, with new arrivals coming in every week. The 10,000
square foot showroom has a wide selection of contemporary, classic, traditional and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture as well as home décor. Down to Earth Living is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, NY. Hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily and they can be reached at 845-354-8500. Online find them at www.dteliving.com