I started some lettuce and other greens this evening. I am trying to keep things as simple as possible. I made a note last year to not start lettuce inside, because it took up time and space inside and by the time it got over transplant shock, the seeds that I had planted outside directly had caught up. However, this year I am planning to put these plants outside in covered frames as soon as possible. I may find that seeds that are planted directly do just as well or better than these, but it is worth another try.
Here is my simple setup:
Seed starting mix (90% spaghnum moss, perlite, fertilizer, wetting agent)
Clear plastic container with lid
Spray bottle with water
Mesclun salad mix (lettuces: black-seeded simpson, red salad bowl, lolla rossa, and royal oak leaf; arugula, radicchio)
1) fill container with seed starting mix to about 1" depth
2) mix with enough water to lightly dampen (2 cups)
3) spray with water until water pools, allow to absorb
4) sprinkle seeds across entire surface
5) sprinkle with a layer of starting mix to barely cover
6) spray with water again
7) put on lid and place in relatively cool dark place
8) spray and check daily for sprouts
9) when seeds begin to sprout, remove cover, put under grow lights and keep soil moist until ready to plant out
The cardinals were out in force this morning after being very quiet most of the winter.
