by Holly Boettcher
Starting vegetables from seed is a great way to save money. The best part is you can grow vibrant, flavorful varieties that you won’t find at garden centers. In east-central Wisconsin’s climate, March is the ideal time to kick off this rewarding project. If you’re new to starting plants from seed, simply follow these easy steps to get started:
Supplies Needed
I enjoy trying new varieties each year. After you select seeds, you need a container to mix soil, seed-starting mix (not to be confused with potting soil), seed-starting trays, a plastic dome, pencil, heat mat, fan, watering can, journal, and labels.
Preparation
If reusing seed-starter trays from the previous year, disinfect them with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. If you skip this important step, your tomato seedlings will most likely wither and die from “damping off.” Equally important is to use seed-starting mix and not potting soil. Begin by mixing a small amount of starter mix with warm water until it begins to clump. Gently press starter mix into the cells of the seed starter trays.
Planting Seeds
Refer to seed packets for recommended planting depth. To plant, dip the eraser end of a pencil in water and use the eraser end to gently pick up seeds by pressing the eraser onto each one. Plant three seeds per cell for best results. Label your trays and jot down notes — trust me, you’ll forget what you planted otherwise! Create a “mini greenhouse” by covering the trays with a plastic dome or even a plastic bag. Place the trays in a sunny spot or on a heat mat to provide the ideal conditions for germination. Keep soil moist by watering from the bottom only — pour a small amount of water into the bottom tray and let it soak into the seed-starting mix. Avoid letting water stand in the trays to prevent overwatering.
General Care
When seedlings reach about an inch in height, use scissors to snip off the weaker plants, leaving the strongest seedling to thrive. This is a great time to feed them with a water-soluble plant food specifically labeled for vegetables. Check on them daily to ensure soil trays are moist and don’t dry out.
Hardening Up
To prepare your seedlings for life outdoors, simulate wind by running a fan on them gently for a short time every few days. This helps strengthen their stems.
As the weather warms in spring, gradually introduce seedlings outside for small amounts of time each day. This process is called “hardening up.” Be careful not to place them out in full sun or on a windy day. Wait until at least Memorial Day or until all risk of frost has passed before planting outdoors.
Enjoy!
Growing your own vegetables is an incredibly rewarding experience! I love growing a rainbow of colors and ordering my seeds from Baker Creek, rareseeds.com. What vibrant hues will you be planting this year?
This article was originally published in the March 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
