Sow a Fresh Start

January is the ideal time to plant seeds for veggies like beets, carrots, lettuce, and turnips outdoors. Or you can start seeds inside for broccoli, cabbage, collards, and kale—an easy task if you follow these instructions from garden editor Joan McDonald.

1. Select quality seeds for the Southern climate (zones 8a, 8b, 9a)—local garden centers are the ideal place to find them.

2. Chose a container with good drainage that can hold at least three to four inches in depth of soil.

3. Use a soilless growing mix to fill the seed container, leaving at least 1/2-inch of room at the top. Water.

4. Carefully follow seed packet instructions to plant.

5. Water again for good seed-to-soil contact. Place container in a South-facing window with bright light or under grow lamps. Seedlings prefer temps around 75˚F.

6. Keep seeds moist until germination. It’s time to transplant when seedlings have their second set of leaves. Gently transfer sprouts into small pots (with good drainage) filled with lightweight, nutrient-rich potting soil. When the roots fill the pot, transplant into the garden.

For more advice on Lowcountry gardening, click here.