Bare trees stand in a foggy landscape, their branches reaching out against a muted background. The thick fog blurs the distance, creating a quiet, mysterious, and tranquil scene.

The fog sidled in slowly, lying in wait in the hollows and dales before leaching out and swallowing the land whole. Darkness wore a misty shroud which light could not penetrate, refracted from the formidable force.

White flowers in bloom with a soft, dreamy background of bokeh light and blurred foliage, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Winter, too, can be a challenging foe, particularly when the gray days seem to bleed one into the other. Lifeless, listless, lethargic.

A garden filled with tall, colorful wildflowers in shades of yellow, purple, blue, and white. Sunlight highlights the dense blooms and green stems, creating a vibrant, lively summer scene.

Breathe life into your spirit and home by starting seeds indoors. Now, is the perfect time, and you needn’t any fancy tools or large spaces.  Starting seeds now allows for bigger, better producing plants. Further still, you get to choose what you want to plant, not just what’s available at local home centers or garden stores. Essentially, you’re getting a jump on the season.

A gray pot of bright pink petunias sits next to a large bush of light pink petunias by a house with beige siding and a ladder leaning against the wall.

Start with containers – any container, but they must have drainage holes to allow excess water to run off. Consider egg cartons or old cell packs from past seasons. You’ll need a tray to set the containers on to collect the excess water. If growing multiple seeds or varieties, you may want to label the plants accordingly.

A white bag labeled Peatlands Pride Organic Potting Soil rests against a brick wall on asphalt. The bag features an American flag and plant graphics.

Next, you’ll need soil. It’s best to start with a potting soil that was made specifically for seed germination, aptly termed “germinating mix”. The key is to keep the soil moist without overwatering. Mist bottles generally work best.

A wooden raised garden bed with several rows of small green seedlings sprouting from soil, placed next to a light-colored building and a small American flag.

Finally, plant the seeds according to the instructions provided on the seed packet. Some may require the seeds be protected with a plastic covering or container to help create a more humid environment. Once the seeds begin to sprout, the covering should be removed.

Three potted plants, including succulents and leafy greens, sit inside a larger planter outdoors near a white house. A care instruction card is visible among the plants.

Plants can then be transferred to the garden after the last frost free date, which is generally considered May 15th for our corner of the world.

Two large planters with purple flowers sit on either side of a paved walkway under a canopy, surrounded by tall grasses and lush green trees in a garden setting.

Reach out to Sweeney’s with any of your seed questions. We’re always here to help you and your garden grow!   We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Close-up of tall, thin, beige grass stems with small seeds, set against a blurred natural background. The sky appears pale, giving the scene a soft, muted look.

Dwarf Prairie Dropseed

Clump forming, ornamental grass with fine textured foliage produces fragrant, golden flowers which bloom above the foliage in late Summer.  In Fall, foliage changes to a golden-orange as tiny seeds drop to the ground.  Foliage fades to a light bronze in Winter.  Prefers sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 8-12″ wide.  Attracts butterflies.  Deer resistant.

“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.”

-Josephine Nuese

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney