Starting Indoors

We have a great growing season here in the south. In some regions, you can grow vegetables year round with the proper planning. Even still, it's a great idea to get a jump start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors where it's nice and warm and then transplant them into the garden after the soil warms up. Another plus, seed is cheaper than plants, so this method is very budget friendly.

Trying to be as economical (and earth friendly) as possible, I created my own pots to start my crop of bell pepper, basil and two varieties of tomato; all plants I know prefer soil that's warmer than what's outside right now. To make the pots, I took empty half gallon milk jugs, washed them thoroughly (in the dishwasher, actually), cut them in half, carefully poked a few holes in the bottom for drainage, filled them with dirt and put them in a sunny window inside a deep baking pan. I used a sharpie to mark the planting date and what kind of seed I used on the outside of the jug. The plastic is a great insulator and holds heat well. So far the only problem has been this:


I didn't sterilize the soil as many of my books and websites recommended so all kinds of little plants that were waiting beneath the soil for warmer days have happily emerged. Solution? Wait until they get big enough for me to be able to tell which is which and then pull the little suckers out.