Now is the time to start cole crop seedlings

If you are a gardener, you already can tell that the days are getting longer. You know spring is just around the corner, so it is time to start your cole crop seeds -- cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli -- inside so the starters can be ready to transplant into your garden at the end of February or early March.

Indoor growing supplies, as seen Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, are available at Sunny Hill Gardens & Florist. (Laura Simon)

First, gather the materials you need. I like to use 1020 trays with dividers and a clear dome to go over the 1020 tray. I use 1020 trays without holes, because I usually start seed inside. I don't want water to spill out and cover the counter or workbench.

You will also need a good grade of seed-starting soil. If you can't find the seed starter soil, use a potting mix that consists of peat moss with some added perlite and vermiculite.

Make sure there is no added moisture control or fertilizer.

You also should have a light fixture to shine grow-light bulbs above the tray. Make sure the system is height adjustable and the bulbs used emit light wavelengths similar to that of the sun.

Indoor growing supplies, as seen Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, are available at Sunny Hill Gardens & Florist. (Laura Simon)

Get started by placing the dividers into the 1020 tray.

Next, fill each divider with the seed starter mix to within 1/2 inch of the top. Now place one or two cole crop seeds onto the top of the soil within each divider.

Then cover the seeds with a very thin layer of seed starter mix.

I like to cover the soil with a paper towel. This keeps seeds from floating when you initially water the soil.

Then sprinkle water over the paper towel until all of the soil is completely saturated with water. Pour off any excess water that may be sitting in the 1020 tray.

Remove the paper towel and place the dome over the 1020 tray.

The dome allows light to shine on the soil surface and also keeps the relative humidity above the soil at 100 percent. This eliminates the possibility of the soil drying out.

Finally place the seeded 1020 tray under the grow light. Keep the light as close to the top of the dome as possible, while making sure that the light does not keep the soil too hot or melt the dome.

Turn on the grow light for 16 hours each day and then turn it off during the night. You want to simulate natural growing conditions.

Once the seeds germinate and begin to produce secondary leaves, remove the dome. Then fertilize the seedlings with a 9-58-8 fertilizer biweekly.

The high phosphorous content will encourage the new seedlings to put all of their energy into producing roots.

Water the soil as needed to keep it somewhat on the dry side.

Give the soil enough moisture to keep the seedlings growing, yet do not keep the soil soggy.

Make sure the soil dries out somewhat before watering again. As the new seedlings grow, remove the dome.

You will have to raise the grow light as needed. Always keep it as close to the plants as possible without getting the plants too hot.

Your cole crop plants should be ready to transplant into your garden by the end of February or the beginning of March.

This is the perfect time to start the garden in the back yard so you can enjoy fresh vegetables during the spring and summer of 2014.