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Hello, I live in Zone-5 and planning to start a pernnial garden. What kind of seeds can I plant in flats now?

I do understand that a garden takes time, and some things I plant this year may flower a year or two later, but I want a few plants that will blossom in the summer and late fall, without breaking my budget, which is why I want to start a few from seeds. I don;t have much experience and suggestions are welcome!

Public Comments

1. I too live in Zone 5 and would also like to know!
2. Well,some seeds are a little costly too, but worth it in the long run.It is March 18th and I live in zone 4, I started my seeds on March 6th, Look at the back of the seed packet, it will tell you the germination times and how many weeks to start them in doors. I have planted Bells of Ireland,Zinnias, Mallow,Mini Pinwheel Zinnias, cucumbers, tomamtos,peppers.The Zinnias and some of the other you can just direct sow in to the garden, but I like to start them inside so that they bloom earlier. Some perennials will bloom the first year if you start them indoors. I did this with Echinacia , (purple cone flower).Lobelia,(purple) Annuals will bloom the whole summer up til the first hard frost.When they start to look gangly and look like they need a little pick-me-up, then shear them down a little, this will help to bring back a new flush of flowers.You can also save seed from your plants to plant next year. This year I decided to try the peat pellets, They come as flat discs and you put them into your flats and pour warm water over them ,( you plant the pellet right into the ground) wait til they expand and get 1 to 2 inched high, put 1 to 3 seeds in each and then cover with the clear plastic dome that comes with your flats, put them under florescent lights. When you see them sprouting then take the cover off and leave it off, make sure they don't dry out. Once they get their second set of leaves, the ones that look more like the true leaves, then you can pinch them off and it will make your plants get more stocky and fuller. Once they sre ready for planting outdoors, you have to harden them off, meaning that you have to get them used to the outside climate, you can take the flats outsidein a sheltered spot or put them in the shade ,or dappled shade for a few days. If you just plant them ouside right away they will suffer shock and will die. Some plants will re-seed themselves, Poppies,Phlox,Sweet Williams,etc... there are so many that will do this. If you want to plant Poppies,then you can do so in the Fall, Just scatter them on the ground, they need the freezing temps of winter in order to grow and bloom the same year. I hope this helps. And Happy Gardening.