Gardening in Alaska Tips: Get a jump start on spring

It’s April and we’re all more than ready to see some color outside. The best way to get a jumpstart on spring when gardening in Alaska is to start inside – with seeds. In Alaska, when we start seeing signs of spring after the long winter, it can be tempting to start putting plants in the ground. But the danger of frost is still there, and it’s really not safe for a few more weeks at the very least, so what to do? Well, here in Alaska, that means it’s time to plant something indoors. It’s easy, fun and much less expensive to indulge your green thumb by starting a few garden favorites from seed. Not to mention a great way to give bored kids something to do while sneaking in a bit of useful education.

First things first, if you’re going to start something from seed, you need to gather up the right supplies. Grow lights are essential, especially if you start early in the season. Even though the days are starting to get a little longer, there’s still not enough natural light to help seeds grow. Starting mix and suitable containers are also needed. Your mix needs to be fortified with compost or nutrients to nurture seeds’ growth. Containers don’t need to cost much, if anything, as old eggshell cartons or recycled clamshell containers work great. Finally, you need seeds, of course. Shop early before they run out as everyone seems to be dreaming of gardening and getting an early start.

 If you’re starting in March or April, here’s a few ideas to grow from seed:

• Vegetables: Artichokes, onions, celery, leeks, peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, peas, lettuces, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower
• Flowers: pansy, lobelia, fibrous begonia, foxglove, hollyhock, lupine, violas, verbena, carnations, cosmos, dahlias, marigolds
• Herbs: sage, lavender, thyme, oregano, sorrel, parsley

And for advice, inspiration or education about all things to do with gardening in Alaska, you can also check out the following resources in our area.

Alaska Master Gardeners of Anchorage: Their colorful and information-packed website is for all level of gardeners from master gardeners to people who are just starting out and want to learn more. Includes details about how to become a master gardener, public gardens to visit, articles and a newsletter about gardening in Alaska, links to other master gardener sites within the state of Alaska, and lots of photos for inspiration. Meetings are free and open to the public. https://www.alaskamastergardeners.org/

Alaska Botanical Garden: Information and beautiful photos on everything from summer camps and classes to special events, tours, education and more. Check it out at https://www.alaskabg.org

ABG Annual Plant Sale: Save the date for the Alaska Botanical Garden’s annual Plant Sale on May 18, more info at: https://www.alaskabg.org/workshops.html

Alaska Peony Growers Association: https://www.alaskapeonies.org/

Anchorage Garden Club: https://alaskagardenclubs.webs.com/anchorageclub.htm

Alaska Native Plant Society: https://aknps.org/