ZOOM- Sprout Your Success: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Starting

Get ready to take the first step towards a successful gardening journey with our Seed Starting Success class. Our expert instructor, Mark, will guide you through the basics of starting your own seeds, including:

• The pros and cons of different seeds to start, with a focus on early/cold weather crops.
• The best time to sow seeds indoors and the conditions needed to have them ready to plant outdoors.
• The life cycle of a seed, from dormant to harvest.
• Tips for storing and testing seed viability.
• The structure of seeds and the diverse conditions they need for success.
• DIY methods for creating your own potting soils and understanding store-bought options.
• The best types of pots and trays to use. How to make soil blocks and why they are superior to plastic pots.
• Setting up an indoor grow light system.
• Potting up plants and when to give up and start over.
• Using cold frames, row covers, frost blankets, and cloches to harden off plants and protect them from the elements.

After the class, Mark will email you additional resources and information to continue your learning, including links to economical but high-quality products. You'll also receive any handouts or presentations from the class and have the opportunity to ask Mark follow-up questions. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to start your own seeds and bring your garden to life!

Mark Gostkiewicz is the owner of Tri Gable Lea Farm. Mark's passion for sustainable farming began with his first job at the certified organic Highland Thistle Farm in Canterbury, CT, where he learned about holistic management and sustainable practices. He later worked at Hart's Greenhouses, where he was inspired by the successful farm business run by Dave and Joyce Hart.

Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this event is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. For more information about this program, please email Rebecca at rrandall@biblio.org or call the reference desk at 203-262-0626 ext 2.