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Seed Library Growing Companion: Seed Starting

Lists of books and resources on starting, growing and harvesting vegetables and flowers in your own back yard! Created in conjunction with the Davenport Library Seed Library.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Seed Saving and Starting by Sheri Ann Richerson

Includes seed directories for herb, spice, grain, fruit, vegetable, and flower seeds. Harvest your own seeds and grow stronger, healthier plants.

The Vegetable Grower's Handbook by Huw Richards

Winter Sowing

Get a head start on spring planting with winter sowing. Follow the link below to the Davenport Library's YouTube video of this simple and cost effective method!

Resources for Seed Starting at Home

Resources for Seed Starting Indoors

By Aaron Steil, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Mid-March is the best time to start many vegetables and annual flowers indoors for transplanting outside once the threat of frost has past.  Below are resources available to help with the process. 

Regardless of what type of seed you're growing, to have the best success follow these basic tips:

  • Start with fresh seed and clean materials. 
  • Consult the package to determine how early to start the seed indoors - do not start seed too early. 
  • Provide abundant light. 
  • Do not over or under water.
  • Raise the humidity during germination.
  • If possible warm the germination mix/soil. 

More details about starting seeds indoors can be found here.