RENEGADE GARDENER™

The lone voice of horticultural reason

Don’t attempt to grow plants from seed without investing in grow lights.

Getting close to the time when some of us will be sowing seeds—annuals, vegetables, even perennials—to save money, get a jump on the 2008 season, and most important, start gardening in the warmth and comfort of our homes.

Just don’t make the mistake of starting a few things in trays on top of the refrigerator, then moving them to a sunny window after germination. I don’t care what zone you live in, the little starts you’ll wind up with are not going to be worth transplanting into the garden.

The winter sun just doesn’t have enough power, especially after filtering through glass. If you are going to take the plunge, invest in a simple and inexpensive grow light system, and follow the directions given in this trusty article from the RG archives, Starting Plants from Seed.

Don Engebretson
The Renegade Gardener