How do you know when spring is here? Do you notice some bulbs are popping through the ground or that the days are getting longer? For me, the first true sign of spring started back in February when seed packets went on sale at K-Mart and Target. Going through the huge assortment of plants and vegetables presented in small 4" x 3" size seed packets is like being at a vast nursery, only everything fits in your pocket.

The first thing I'm looking for in seed packets are if the growing instructions say 'Sow direct as soon as soil can be worked' or 'after signs of frost have passed.' Otherwise, you will have to start the seeds indoors, under lights, thin your seedlings out, gradually expose them to the outdoor elements once they mature, etc. I have tried to do this in the past with some heirloom tomato seeds. They started off great inside, but then were zapped by a strong gust of cold wind and I was bummed. Someday, when I have the time, I'd love to start more seeds indoors, but for now, sow direct is my favorite seed starting method.

So far sugar snap peas, mesclun, arugula, and radishes (French breakfast which are a long, red, and white variety and Raggae which are plump and scarlet) have been planted. The method is pretty easy: you just take the grass up in an area that gets direct sunlight, mix some compost into the soil and you've got a bed that is ready to plant.

I had never seen lettuce seeds before. They are so small and sand-like. Planting these requires a technique called 'broadcasting' which for me meant putting the seeds in my hand and scattering them around. Per the instructions on the seed packet, I covered them with a small scattering of soil because the seed needs light to germinate. A light sprinkling of Garden Tone, an organic fertilizer, completes the process.

Radish and snap pea seeds are much more traditional looking. These are planted in rows. I'm not very exact in my row making skills, I just kind of drag a trowel in the dirt and plant in that line. What's fun about radishes are they begin to germinate quickly, sometimes in under 10 days, so you get to see some results pretty fast.

Once all the seeds have been planted, then they are watered thoroughly and some netting is put up to ward off any deer or other critters. They they are left to fend for themselves as I head back to New York City. Cross your fingers and hopefully I'll get some results.

What veggies or plants do you like to start from seed? If you have any tips, I'd love to hear them.

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