Annuals From Seed   Growing annuals from seeds is not difficult, particularly with products available today for this purpose.   Materials Needs: Select a method Seeds Seed starting tray Seed starting medium or Jiffy pellets Plastic cover to fit tray or plastic wrap Misting bottle     Seeds: Be sure to read packages carefully as plants will vary in length of germination time. Flowers such as impatiens need a 6-10 week germination period, while some marigolds may be ready to plant out in 5 weeks. Calculate backwards from date of typical last frost (In the capital district we the average last frost happens in mid-May) and sow seeds accordingly. Also note whether seeds need to be covered with planting medium or sit on top of medium. This will greatly affect your success.   Seed Tray: Any tray with sides will do. You need not worry about drainage at this point as the seeds want to stay moist. Commercial seed starting products include many different seed tray kits including some made to fit your windowsill. Make sure your tray has a clear top or will accommodate plastic wrap to cover.    Medium: Either buy pre-mixed medium in a bag or mix your own. To mix your own you will need equal parts of vermiculite, peat moss, and perlite. If you do mix your own, you will need a general purpose liquid fertilizer to use each time seeds are watered. Pre-mixed medium includes added nutrients. If you choose to use Jiffy pellets, there is no need to buy medium as the pellet expands with water and contains soil.   Misting Bottle: The easiest, best way to provide water for your seeds and seedling. This prevents drowning.   Method 1: For Seeds Needing Soil Cover Mix your seed starting medium first if not using pre-mixed medium Fill tray with medium except for the top 1/4" layer and moisten it Tamp down surface to get it as level as you can Sow seeds by placing them in rows or sprinkle thinly on top surface. Be careful not to sow too closely or seedlings will be too difficult to handle easily when transplanting.  Cover seeds with top 1/4" layer of soil Moisten top layer with misting bottle Cover with plastic When seedlings almost reach the plastic cover, remove cover   Method 2: For Seeds Needing No Soil Cover Mix your seed starting medium first if not using pre-mixed medium Fill tray with medium and moisten it Tamp down surface to get it as level as you can Sow seeds by placing them in rows or sprinkle thinly on top surface. Be careful not to sow too closely or seedlings will be too difficult to handle easily when transplanting.  Cover with plastic When seedlings almost reach the plastic cover, remove cover   Method 3: When Using Jiffy pellets Place pellets on tray Moisten pellets Sow seeds by placing 2 or 3 in a pellet, either on top of soil surface or poke a hole with a pencil tip and place seed in and cover with soil, depending on seed requirements Cover with plastic When seedlings almost reach the plastic cover, remove cover   After you have sown seeds, place tray in the sunniest location you have. A south facing window is best. Grow lights can be used as well. Mist with water as needed and remove plastic top when seedling begin to approach it. After last frost, move the tray to a shady spot outdoors for a week before transplanting into the garden.    back