After a brutal Chicago winter I’m aching for spring. So today I planted vegetable, herb and flower seeds for our back deck garden. Now I’ve tried planting seeds many times before with mixed results …I’ve learned that using professional seed-starting germinating mix rather than regular soil makes a big difference. Give it a try.

Supplies:

• Seeds (see below for fun ideas)
• Seed-starting germinating mix
• Tiny cups for soaking seeds
• Self-watering seedstarting trays (you can buy the self-watering seedstarting kit with germinating mix or buy individual trays including the APS 12 cells self-watering seedstarting tray, set of 2, APS 24 cells self-watering seedstarting tray, or APS 40 40 cell self-watering seedstarting tray)
• Large bowl
• Spoon
• Water

First decide what you’d like to plant. I chose peppers, lettuce, herbs and various flowers. Remember to look at the back of the seed packet to check sunlight requirements to make sure it will thrive in your garden, deck planters or windowboxes. I pretty much always plant basil …it’s hard to mess up and so nice to have it fresh on hand throughout the summer.

Here are some super fun seed kits to try or to give as gifts:

• Culinary Herb Garden (seed kit). Cute packaging contains Greek Oregano, Thai Basil, English Thyme, Cilantro, Sweet Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Garlic Chives, Dill, Mint, Sweet Marjoram and Lavender.
• Herbal Pocket Tea Garden (seed kit). This is fun! You can grow herbal tea flavors including Lavender, Mint, Red Clover and Chamomile.
• Bird, Bee And Butterfly Garden (seed kit). Cute packaging includes flowers attractive to birds, bees and butterflies.

I like to soak my seeds overnight in small dishes to give them a jump start. Soaking helps seeds germinate more quickly by tricking them into thinking they’ve been planted longer. See the layer that forms around basil seeds? They’re ready to go.

Pour your seed starting germinating mix into a large bowl or bucket. It’ll be fine and dusty. Moisten it with water until it feels slightly damp. You’ll notice that even when damp the seed mix is light and airy. If you’re re-using seed trays be sure they’re thoroughly washed with warm water, no soap. Use your fingers or a spoon to press into seed tray cells, avoiding compacting it down too much. If you’re using self-watering trays follow the package directions to make sure the soil makes contact with the self-watering mats.

Group seeds that sprout around the same time, say, 5-10 days, in the same covered tray. If you don’t then your seedlings might mold while waiting for their covered neighbors to sprout, and if you take the cover off to save the seedlings you’ll dry out the non-sprouted cells. I like to write the seed names and planting times on wooden planting markers to keep organized.

Plant your seeds in the cells at the soil depth recommended on your seed packet. I tend to go overboard by putting 2-4 seeds in each cell which is a bit wasteful but ensures something sprouts. Just be sure to cut back any extras once your seedlings get their second set of leaves.

Keep your trays in a good light source, moist at all times but not wet. It’s best to keep them around 65-75 degrees and it’s a good idea to use a diluted solution of liquid fertilizer.

Take the cover off once the seedlings sprout. Remember once the cover is off you’ll need to water more often. When you’re getting ready to plant, about 1-2 weeks prior, ‘harden’ them off slowly by putting them outside for a few hours a day.

I visited my parents in Indiana this Easter weekend and it felt like Spring outside! The crocuses are even coming up which is a sure sign of hope.

I made this garden mosaic stepping stone for my Dad’s birthday. My dad’s a huge gardener and hummingbird fan but you could use the glass pieces to create your own design.

Supplies:

• Mosaic Stepping Stone Kit (includes mold, 7 lbs. of mix, and stained glass mosaic pieces)
• Spatula and bucket
• Newspaper or craft paper
• Water

You can follow the easy kit directions but here’s a summary so you know what you’re getting into: Trace the outline of the stepping stone mold onto newspaper or kraft paper. Lay out your mosaic design. Here’s a tip: put the pieces on their side to create outlines.

For easier clean up, I kept the stepping stone mix in the bag and placed in inside the bucket. Stir in water according to the kit directions. The mix should look like brownie batter. Empty mixture into the mold and use a spatula to smooth. Grasp two corners and gently jiggle it back and forth until the surface levels out.

Transfer your glass design from the planning paper one stone at a time. Push each glass piece into the mix until the until the top of the glass is level with the surface of the stone mixture. Leave a bit of space between each piece.

Let your stone cure out of direct sunlight, waiting at least 2 days to remove it from the mold. Scrape the edges to smooth them and wash it well with dish soap and water to shine the glass. Wait a week before stepping on the stone.