This June 5, 2013, image provided by the California Department of Water Resources shows a drip irrigation system in place in a home garden in Moreno Valley, Calif. The system is preferable to traditional sprinklers as it applies water directly to plant roots, where it is needed. Photo: Florence Low/California Department of Water Resources
SALT LAKE CITY — There are many new gardeners as a result of the pandemic. Many have expressed an interest in growing their own food and utilizing it as a hobby for mental health benefits.
The KSL Greenhouse show shared beginner gardening tips and some of the best practices for starting a garden.
Taun Beddes explained that seed sales are up about 300% in the wake of the pandemic. The first thing you need to think of when starting a garden is what you want to plant. It is recommended to make that decision and look for seeds now so they don’t sell out.
Find a bright location that sits around 70 degrees.
Purchase potting soil.
These will germinate within 7-14 days and you will only need about 2 – 3 weeks before you can put this into your garden, according to Taun Beddes.
Peppers and tomatoes take about 6 weeks to germinate before you can move them outside.
Beddes recommended to pre-wet the soil, place seeds on top of soil and press down very gently, cover with a small layer of soil and wet with a spray bottle
Seed kits are available online that include plastic covers. It is recommended to keep them covered and wet during the germination process.
“Water these very carefully so you don’t blow the seeds out,” Beddes explained.
“That soil needs to be wet when the seeds haven’t been germinated, but when the seeds germinate back off on the water.” Taun Beddes explained.
After germination watering once a day may be too much as you need to let them dry out, Beddes explains it is best to monitor it day by day by check the soil for dryness.
If you do not have a window or a greenhouse area, you will need fluorescent lights to help your seeds grow. These can be found at affordable prices online.
Keep the lights within 6 inches of the foliage and the location the seeds will be in needs to sit around 70 degrees.
The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.