Growing vegetables can be fun! It also can be very frustrating. But in any case, growing vegetables provides a wonderful learning experience for us as we learn from our successes and mistakes. Here, we will discuss how to select varieties appropriate to our short growing season and how to start your own plants from seed.
Variety Selection
We have a short growing season in Lake Tahoe, so selecting the right varieties matters. To increase your chances of success, we recommend selecting seeds that have a shorter days to harvest/maturity, determinate lengths, and are frost tolerant (if possible). Plants outside of these parameters can fail but can succeed - so don't be afraid to try. This information is generally available from the retailer / printed on the seed packet.
Starting From Seeds
Growing Medium
Seeds should be started in a very light mix. Good seed starting mix can be found at many of the local stores and is very inexpensive. You can also make your own!
Trays and Lids
Almost any container can be used to start seeds including milk or egg cartons, plastic berry trays, salad trays or the pre-made grow trays with dome lids. Whatever medium you choose to grow your plants in make sure that it has been cleaned out and has proper drainage. To ensure soil moisture cover your containers with a clear lid or clear plastic wrap helps retain soil moisture and increase humidity during germination.
Heat Mat
For many plant varieties, such as peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, heat can really help the germination process, and a heat mat will heat the soil to help the process along. If you use one, just be sure to keep the plastic dome lid or other type of clear cover on while the seeds are germinating to trap the moisture and heat. Once the seedlings are up and roots have been established, the heat mat should be turned off to prevent the roots from burning. The dome or clear cover should also be removed to all the soil to begin to dry out slightly.
Grow Lights
Using a growing light can significantly speed up the growing process. If you use one, be sure to keep the light very close to the seedlings (approximately 1-3 inches) to prevent them from becoming leggy. As the plants grow, raise the light up slightly to accommodate growth. Keep in mind that different plants will grow at different rates, so it is best to keep plants that will grow at the same rate under one light. (For example, don’t grow green beans that grow tall quickly, with zucchini that will stay shorter for a long period.) The light should be left on about 16 hours a day.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once true leaves are established, that is the time to transplant seedlings into a large pot. When transplanting, be sure to provide a liquid fertilizer. There are many good options available on the market. Feed your plants a light dose of this fertilizer about every 10-14 days through the growing process.
Hardening Off
It is critical that you “harden off” any plants that are started indoors. Begin by placing your plants outside in the shade, gradually moving them into more light. It is also very important that plants have an opportunity to sway in light wind to help strengthen their stems. You can also place the plants in front of a fan indoors to help with this process.
Planting Outside
When weather conditions allow, soil temperatures are high enough for what you're planting, and plants have been hardened off, you can plant them in your garden. The Vegetable Planting Schedule for the Lake Tahoe Basin can help determine when this is for each vegetable you plant. Additionally, consider planting in a raised bed, hugel mound, greenhouse or other elevated / insulated structure for maximum success. Finally, know that as your vegetables grow, birds or other animals can discover your seedlings or plants. Physical barriers such as fences, hardware cloth, and netting are most effective ways of keeping vertebrate-pests. As you find other problems while your plants are growing, implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. As an example, many pests such as aphids can be deterred by a steady stream of water regularly. Our Integrated Pest Management website will provide additional information and resources to help keep your garden growing strong.