I’ve taken over the kitchen with seedling soil and the basement with pink lights, heat pads, and freshly sown seeds of hardy annuals. I bargain with my family for the soil blocker and trays to stay on the countertop, so that they are there to set a tray of seeds if I have a few minutes. 

Starting hardy annual flowers from seed is a great way to get the variety of plants I need (want?) for a good price -and- they grow outside in-ground through the winter!  Hardy annuals are annual plants that can withstand cold temperatures and frost, making them ideal for overwintering or setting out before their last frost date early in the spring.  Here are some tips for starting hardy annuals from seed:

1. Choose the right seeds: Look for hardy annuals that can be planted in “early spring,” often noted on the seed packet just like that, such as calendula, pansy, and sweet alyssum.
2. Prepare the soil: Work the soil in your garden bed before winter.  Don’t wait till spring when the ground is cold and muddy.  It won’t dry out enough to be prepped before your last average frost. Just get it done in the fall. Maybe this should have been #1….
3. Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds according to the packet instructions.  Some seeds can be sown directly in the ground, while others need to be started indoors and then transplanted.  Some need darkness and some need light.  I use a heat mat for germination and then remove once 85% are sprouted. 
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Transplant: Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them to the garden.  They need to be under row cover or in a plastic tunnel.  I’m in zone 4b and use a mix of protection that includes low tunnels, agri-bon 70, and a high caterpillar tunnel.

I’m hoping my family forgives me for displacing their kitchen, or they may hold a grudge, but at least I’ll have super awesome flowers!  Happy gardening!