March It is the month par excellence to undertake the cultivation of indoor seeds, for both beginners and experienced gardeners. As temperatures warm and the days lengthen, a perfect window opens for indoor planting, offering a wide variety of vegetables and flowers that can get you ahead of the spring season. Growing indoors allows for a greater control over humidity and temperature, which translates into better germination rates and healthier plants, ready to transplant when the time is right.
Hansel Eggplant: A Delicious and Easy Option
La Hansel eggplant It is a miniature variety, very tender and sweet tasting, standing out because its skin is not bitterThe plant grows up to 90 cm tall and is renowned for its vigor and productivity. It is best to sow it directly into a pot in mid-March, as does not tolerate transplantation. It should be sown at a depth of 6 mm, placing two or three seeds per container of about 10 cm in diameter.
- The ideal substrate temperature for germination is between 27 and 29 ° C.
- It germinates approximately in seven days under optimal conditions.
- When the seedlings sprout, it is recommended to leave only the strongest, carefully cutting the rest so as not to damage the roots.
- Watering should be regular but not flooding, always allowing for good drainage.
- Once the plant reaches a certain size, it can be trained to ensure a straight and healthy growth.
Impatiens or “Impatients”: colorful indoor flowers
The impatient, also known as walleriana blossom, owe their name to the ease with which they disperse their seeds. They are an excellent choice for fill the interior with color of the home. Before planting, it's a good idea to learn about the different varieties, as they vary in height and shape.
- The seeds are spread superficially and covered with a very light layer of vermiculite.
- The optimum substrate temperature is 20 to 25 ºC and the seedbed should receive plenty of natural light (but not direct sunlight).
- The humidity of the compost must be kept constant, avoiding excess water.
- The seeds usually germinate between 10 and 21 days.
Other ideal seeds to sow indoors in March
The range of seeds suitable for indoor sowing In March, the season is very broad, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These crops can be started in seedbeds or pots, taking advantage of the protection they offer. closed spaces against the last frosts.
- Spring vegetables: tomato, pepper, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, onion, cucumber, melon, watermelon, leek, celery, cabbage, chard, beetroot, spinach, carrot, radish, lettuce, endive, fennel.
- Legumes and bulbs: peas, broad beans, chickpeas, chives, garlic, asparagus.
- Herbs and aromatic plants: basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, oregano, thyme, sage, chives, dill, arugula.
- Flowers for interiors: pansies, petunias, zinnia, snapdragon (antirrhinum), calendula, poppies, cosmos, clarkia, lobelia, coreopsis, echinacea, dahlias, borage.
Key tips for successful indoor planting
To achieve good germination and development of plants, it is essential to control temperature, humidity and light:
- Constant temperatures between 20 and 25 ºC for most vegetables and flowers.
- Ensures enough light, preferably natural or, failing that, with LED grow lights.
- Moderate watering: Humidity must be uniform, avoiding both waterlogging and extreme dryness.
- Substrate preparation: Use aerated soil rich in organic matter, adding humus or compost if possible.
Aftercare: Transplanting and Pest Prevention
Once the seedlings have developed a good root system and several true leaves, they'll be ready to be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. It's essential to harden them off gradually, exposing them to fresh air during the day and sheltering them at night.
- Prepare the land: Remove and aerate the substrate of the garden or pot, incorporating organic fertilizer.
- Pruning and cleaning of damaged or weak leaves, especially in ornamental plants and potted vegetables.
- Pest surveillanceAphids, thrips, and whiteflies may appear in March. Use potassium soap, sticky traps, or organic preparations to prevent and treat pests.
Select the seeds suitable for sowing indoors in March guarantees healthy harvests of vegetables, herbs and flowers throughout the season. Pay attention to the substrate preparation, humidity control and light exposure It's essential for success. Sowing at this time not only speeds up production, but also allows you to enjoy growing at home from the first day of spring.
Image - There the cigogne
Source - Jardins
More information - Basic care of seeds in summer, Greenhouse cultivation.