Now’s the time to plant seeds that can be started indoors

The end of February is the start of the seed planting season in Western Washington. This is a good time to gather potting soil, clean pots and various seeds that need to be started indoors for setting outside later.

Also, continue to prune roses including shortening the branches of shrub roses and David Austin Roses. And get ready for slug patrol as the weather warms.

Q. I now have a greenhouse and need to know when to start new seeds. I want to grow vegetables, some flowers and also peppers and onions.

A. Your best source of information on when to plant will be on the back of a seed pack. Some seeds such as carrots and radishes should be sown directly into the soil rather than in pots in a greenhouse as they do not transplant well. A greenhouse works great for starting the seeds of warm season crops such as tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Q. What is the planting date when a seed package says to plant in early spring “as soon as the soil can be worked?”

A. That depends on how wet or well drained your soil is. In raised beds with well-drained soil, that could be late February or early March. Wait until April if your soil is heavy with clay.

One tip is to grab a handful of soil and squeeze a bit. If it makes a clump in your palm that does not fall apart, it is too wet.

Q. My grandma says putting newly seeded flats of soil on top of the refrigerator makes them sprout sooner. Is this true?

A. If your frig gets warm on top, then yes. Any source of bottom heat will encourage seeds to sprout. You can even purchase heating cables to place under flats to warm the soil.

Note: Most appliances are now well insulated and do not give off heat as they once did.

Q. Why would my seedlings sprout then wilt and die?

A. Most likely damping-off disease has struck. Using sterile potting soil or special seeding soil that drains well, and having good air circulation and clean pots will help to prevent this fungus among us.

Marianne Binetti has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University and is the author of several books. Reach her at binettigarden.com.