Starting Vegetable Plants Indoors
By starting vegetable plants indoors, you can enjoy earlier vegetables in late spring and summer.
Obtain best results by using a soilless potting mixture and artificial light, such as fluorescent tubes. Soilless mixes are available at most garden centers. Containers for seed should be sterilized by dipping them in a solution of 10 percent household bleach and 90 percent water. Large seeds, such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, can be planted directly into cell packs. If packs are unavailable, plastic water cups make a good substitute. Cut cups down to about two inches. Punch drainage holes in bottoms and sides with a sharp instrument. Sow small seed in terra cotta or plastic flower pots and then water. Cover rooting containers to retain moisture. Remove covers when seed germinates.