Getting Started
1 - Identify Your Plants
Many young seedlings look alike. Take time to identify your plants to ensure proper care.
2 - Understand Your Plant's Lifecycle
Find out what to expect as you grow your plant from seedling to mature plant, including when to harvest.
3 - Where and How to Grow?
Whether you're planting in containers, garden beds, or in the ground, it's important to understand your plant's unique needs. Be mindful of plant spacing and sunlight needs to ensure your plants will thrive.
4 - Consider Indoor Growing for Herbs
Many herbs can flourish indoors, making growing accessible to everyone.1 - Identify Your Plant
Arugula
Arugala seedlings have pointed edges around the leaves. Leaves have a fresh, yet bold and semi-spicy flavor.
Basil
Basil seedlings are bright green with smooth, shiny, and aromatic leaves. If you rub the leaves and smell your fingers, you will be able to smell fresh basil.
Chard
Chard seedlings have smooth and shiny leaves with white, red, or yellow stems depending on the type of Chard.
Collards
Collard green seedlings have leaves rounded leaves that look similar to the full collard leaves you see at the market.
Curly Kale
Curly Kale seedlings have long leaves with wavy edges. They look like miniature versions of the kale you find at the market.
Lettuce
There are a variety of lettuce plants.- Romaine: Long, thin, and light green leaves
- Butterhead: Long yellowish-green leaves
- Green Leaf Oak: Bright Green, curly leaves
- Red Baby Butterhead: Curly, purple leaves
Mint
Mint leaves are aromatic and have a strong flavor. First, smell the leaves, and then taste one to identify mint.
Mustards
There are a variety of mustard plants.- Green Slick: Thin leaves with smooth edges
- Green Spicy: Bright green with curly edges
- Purple Slick: Narrow leaves with pointy ridged edges
- Purple Spicy: Oval leaves with smooth edges
Sunflowers
Sunflower seedlings are distinguishable by their "hairy" stems, which are sometimes purplish in color. Their leaves grow in twos, appearing side-by-side and close together on new seedlings.
Spinach
Spinach leaves start off as long, pointy ovals at first. Then, leaves that are a rounder oval shape start to grow. Spinach tends to be dark green.
Turnips
Turnip leaves are prickly to the touch.
Peppers
There are a variety of pepper plants. At Sweet Water, we grow ...- Bell Peppers: Usually green, red, yellow, or orange bulbous fruit.
- Thai Chilli Peppers: Usually green or red fruit about one inch in length.
- Jalapenos: Usually green or red fruit about one inch wide and 1 - 3 inches long.
2 - Understand Your Plant's Lifecycle
Every plant has a different lifecycle from the initial seeding, to harvest, and finally to full maturity. In the Midwest, the growing season spans from spring - fall (April - November). Cold weather crops (like lettuce, arugula, and spinach) grow best during the spring and fall, while warm weather crops (like basil, peppers, and tomatoes) flourish during the hot summer months. Some plants (like collards, kale, turnips, and chard) will grow throughout the entire growing season.
3 - Where and How to Grow?
Growing your plants is easy as long as you are mindful of spacing, sunlight, and watering. You can grow plants inside a garden bed, directly in a row, or in containers if you have limited space. While each seedling is small at first, most plants will more than triple in size, so they will need some room to grow! Some quick tips:- Sunlight: Find a nice, sunny spot for your seedlings to grow! Most plants need partial to full sunlight.
- Water: Water your plants at least once a day (twice if the soil feels dry). Make sure there is a way for the water to escape the container or garden bed.
- Spacing: Each plant needs room to grow! Many need at least 12 inches of space. Take a look at the seedling specific care pages for specific spacing recommendations.
Growing in Containers
If you have limited space, growing in pots or similar containers is a great option. At SWF, we fill old milk crates with a plastic bag (with holes at the bottom) and soil to grow in the Community Garden area. When you plant in containers, be mindful of spacing as many plants will need at least 12 inches of space.
Growing in Garden Beds
Garden beds come in various sizes. They are a great option if you have an outdoor space that receives plenty of sunlight. Garden beds are helpful because they keep your plants off of the ground which is especially important if you do not know if there are any contaminates in the ground. Be mindful of the amount of space your plants need.
Grow Indoors Without Soil
If you don't have any outdoor space to grow plants, you can still grow inside! Herbs like basil, mint, and oregano can be grown in a window. Be resourceful! If you don't have soil, you can use a water bottle to grow your herbs. Place your herbs in a sunny, warm spot.
4 - How to Transplant Your Seedling
When your plant's true leaves are present and the plant is a few inches tall, it is ready to be transplanted. You can transplant the seedling outside if the temperature in your area is consistently in the temperature range for your plant. You can also transplant your seedling into a larger pot where the plant can reach full maturity indoors.Some plants grow larger than others. Before you get started, determine how much space your mature plant will need in order to know how far apart plants should be transplanted.
Uproot the seedling you are transplanting
Gently scoop up the seedlings you want to transplant by tucking your hand under the plant and its roots.
Alternatively, you can also pinch the bottom of the stem gently and lift the plant up from it's original space.
Make a hole deep enough for the plants' roots and stem
In damp or moistened (not flooded) soil, poke a hole that is deep enough to cover the roots and the stem of the plant, up to the first leaf.
Place the roots and stem in the hole and tuck
With a gentle, but firm hand, place the roots and stem of the plant into the hole. Make sure it is deep enough to support the entire stem, up to the first leaf. Tuck soil around its base to support it upright.
Gently water your newly planted seedlings
Use a watering can or poke holes into a water bottle to water your seedlings. Avoid applying too much water pressure.
Your newly planted seedling might look wilted, but should bounce back in 1 - 2 days.
5 - Consider Indoor Growing for Herbs
If you don't have outdoor space to grow, consider what indoor space you have. Fresh herbs are a delicious addition to your meals and can flourish indoors. Some herbs that grow well are basil and green onions. Basil can be placed in a cup of water or be planted directly in a pot of soil. Harvest basil regularly for cooking. If you still have the roots of green onions, they can be placed in a cup of water and will grow 1 - 2 inches per week. Harvest regularly for a fresh addition to your cooking.