Spring Color

Planting seeds indoors assures a colorful garden.

Using a variety of gardening strategies you can "be prepared" for a spring spectacular.

Although some annual flowers are too tender to withstand the cool nights of late March and early April, you can get a head start with some of these.

The way you do this is by planting the seeds in flats or pots or half-gallon cartons or some other kind of container and putting them in a warm, sunny place until there's no more danger of frost. When the weather warms up enough, you'll be able to go with sizeable plants instead of seed.

Caladiums are popular.

One popular summer bulb that you can plant indoors during March is the caladium. By March, most nurseries and garden centers should have these bulbs. You should plant one bulb in a four-inch pot containing humus soil and then put the containers in a warm sunny area. Keep the soil moist and growth will begin immediately.

Gladiolas can extend color

Gladiolus corms should be planted during March, too. But, instead of planting all you have at one time, try spreading the plantings over several weeks. Color in your garden will be extended according to the way gladiolus corms were planted.

During March, you can expect some cool days and nights. But, spring is close at hand and a few indoor plantings made during March will assure you of early color in your garden.

For more information on spring color contact your local county Extension office.