There are many benefits to gardeners starting their own plants from seed, but none as important as the huge diversity of crops and varieties available to those who do so. What better way to welcome the returning daylight than with little green seedlings sprouting? Interested in trying some new and delicious varieties of kale, culinary herbs, or maybe even a tomato or two? Not sure about the steps or even when to start them from seed? Not to worry, we have a number of very helpful University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service publications addressing just such concerns, as well as a list of some of our other favorite seed starting resources to help you grow happy, healthy plants for your garden this year.

Find “Starting Seeds and Transplants” and “Fluorescent Lights for Plant Growth” at http://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai/.

We also have hard copies in our office located at 43961 K-Beach Rd., Suite A, Soldotna, AK 99669. Call us at 262-5824. We are “Learning for Life”.

Submitted by Janice Chumley, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Agriculture and Horticulture technician, Kenai Peninsula District.