For some of us the gardening season should be started already. That's if you are one of those people who prides himself with starting his own plants. If you are content to save money and get your start at a local greenhouse, your winter snooze can continue a bit longer.

If you are starting seeds, probably the most difficult part of getting ready is to know when to plant the seeds. Today I will target two critical issues with many common plants. That's seed size and the length of time from seed until you can hope to have a garden ready plant.

Here is a short list:

Plant	Seed Size	Weeks to Grow
Asters	medium	8
Celosea	small	6
Cosmos	large	6
Dianthus	small	10-12
Impatiens	small	10-12
Marigolds	large	6-8
Petunias	tiny	10
Snapdragons	small	10-12
Zinnia	large	5-6
Sunflower	large	4-6
Tomato	medium	6-8
Pepper	medium	6-8
Cabbage	medium	4-6
Cucumbers	large	3-4
Squash	large	3-4
Herbs	small	6-8

If you don't see a plant you are about to try, the same information is often on the seed pack or in the catalog. Or give me a call and I will let you talk to my wife.

Seed starting requires a fine soil mix kept moist but not wet, bottom heat and light management. A warm window works but lights may be easier to use. Sanitation is the key. Soak your pots in a Clorox solution if necessary. Seed size determines how deeply to plant the seeds. The small ones work when just laid on the top of the soil. Try to avoid clumps. The smaller the seed, the harder to spread evenly. The large ones get covered according to their size.

Some seeds, like cabbage, will be up in a matter of days. Others, like petunias, may take up to two weeks. If you wish, try it. Have fun and good luck. Some greenhouse will still see you in the spring.