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The first day of spring has arrived. As such, it’s time to start thinking about your garden. Gardening can be a great project to get your kids involved in, especially after the snow has cleared and they’re clamoring to get outside. Whether you have a few pots on the balcony or back porch, or a big backyard garden plot, you can start planning – and planting – now.

Starting plants from seed is an inexpensive way to get a lot of plants, and also teaches kids about horticulture. Planting a seed and observing it grow over time is rewarding and brings a sense of accomplishment. When to start seeds indoors depends on two factors: what type of seed you are trying to grow and the last expected frost date for your zone. A handy way to help determine how early you can start certain seeds based on your region’s last frost date is the Weekend Gardener’s Grow Guide. This tool will tell you what you can plant now so you can jump start your spring vegetable garden. Or, if you’re lucky, you might live in a region where it’s already warm enough to plant directly into the ground.

You can find a variety of seed packets in most grocery, big box and home improvement stores. I suggest using organic and non-hybrid (aka, “heirloom”) seeds, as they are a more sustainable way to grow fresh produce and taste better. In addition, the ripening process for heirlooms is staggered, which means you will get produce that ripens on an ongoing basis. Many hybrids were bred to ripen at the same time, which optimized mechanical harvesting. Seed starting kits are readily available as well. Or, you can start seeds yourself by planting them in small containers, such as empty yogurt or pudding cups. Follow instructions on the back of the seed packet for planting and watering, and before you know it you’ll have plants ready to place in your garden!

Tags: garden, getting kids invloved, outdoor activity, planting, produce, seeds