Description

Alaska Spring Seed Starting Class In Person Seeds Included

Wednesday, March 3, 2027 at 6:30 PM
The Valley Annex | 247 S Alaska Street, Palmer, Alaska
In-Person Class | Seeds Included

If you want to start your own garden from seed but aren’t quite sure when to start, what needs to be started indoors, what can be planted directly outside, or why your seedlings haven’t always turned out the way you hoped, this class is for you.

Our Spring Seed Starting Class is designed to give Alaska gardeners a practical start to the growing season without complicated systems, expensive equipment, or information that was written for completely different growing conditions.

We’ll be working with the vegetables most Alaska gardeners actually want to grow, and all of your seeds are included with the class.

For nearly 10 years, we have been growing, testing, and saving seed in Alaska. We’ve learned which varieties perform well here, when they need to be started, and just as importantly which crops shouldn’t be started too early.

This class brings all of that experience together so you can head into spring knowing exactly what to do.

What We’ll Learn

We’ll walk through seed starting and garden planning from beginning to end, with an emphasis on simple methods that work in real Alaska gardens.

You’ll learn how to determine planting dates for your own garden, which seeds should be started indoors and which are better direct sown, how temperature affects germination, and how to properly care for seedlings after they emerge.

We’ll also cover lighting, watering, feeding, potting up, transplanting, hardening off, and the common problems that can cause seedlings to struggle.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about the individual crops included with your class and what they need to successfully grow in our short northern season.

No advanced gardening experience is necessary. Whether this is your first year starting seeds or you’ve been gardening for years and want more consistent results, you’re welcome.

Over $70 Worth of Seeds Are Included

Your registration includes a collection of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds selected specifically for this class and for northern growing conditions.

You’ll receive:

• Lettuce
• Beets
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Zucchini
• Peas
• Beans
• Carrots
• Cherry Tomato

We aren’t just going to hand you a collection of seeds and send you home. We’ll talk about how to grow them.

Some will be started indoors. Some should wait. Some can handle cold soil and chilly spring temperatures, while others absolutely cannot. Understanding those differences is one of the easiest ways to become a better gardener.

Learn When to Start and When to Wait

One of the biggest mistakes northern gardeners make is assuming everything needs to be started early.

It doesn’t.

Starting a plant too early can create just as many problems as starting it too late. By the end of class, you’ll understand how to work backward from your planting dates, how long different seedlings actually need indoors, and how to build a seed-starting schedule that works for your garden.

We’ll also talk about direct sowing and why crops like peas, beans, carrots, and beets often need a completely different approach than tomatoes, broccoli, or cucumbers.

Garden Planning

Your class also includes a sample garden design based on permaculture principles of interplanting and polyculture.

We’ll talk about how plants can work together in the garden, how to use your growing space efficiently, and how thoughtful garden design can support healthier soil, greater biodiversity, and a more productive garden.

You don’t need acres of land or an elaborate setup. These principles can be used in raised beds, traditional garden rows, small spaces, and larger gardens.

Celebrating 10 Years of Seeds & Soil

This year marks 10 years of Seeds & Soil, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by giving our students even more tools to grow successfully in Alaska.

Every in-person class registration this year includes our Permaculture Design Course recording FREE.

If you don’t have a greenhouse, I especially encourage you to watch it. We’ll explore ways to work with your property’s microclimates, sun, wind, heat, and natural features to create better growing conditions without relying solely on a traditional greenhouse.

It’s our thank-you for an incredible 10 years of growing alongside Alaska gardeners.

Class Details

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Valley Annex
247 S Alaska Street, Palmer, Alaska

Class size is limited to maintain an intimate learning environment and meet the requirements of our rental agreement. Advance registration is required.

Please do not bring additional guests. We have a set number of attendees permitted under our rental agreement.

Alaska Seed Starting FAQs

When should I start seeds indoors in Alaska?

It depends entirely on the crop. Some plants benefit from six to eight weeks indoors, while others grow so quickly that starting them too early can actually make them harder to manage. We’ll teach you how to calculate your own planting schedule rather than relying on one generic date.

Do I need expensive seed-starting equipment?

No. One of the goals of this class is to show you where spending money makes a difference and where it doesn’t. You can grow excellent seedlings without an elaborate setup.

What growing medium should I use?

Seedlings need a light, well-draining growing medium that holds moisture without staying waterlogged. We’ll discuss different options and what works well for starting seeds at home.

How much light do seedlings need?

Young seedlings need strong, consistent light to develop sturdy stems and compact growth. We’ll cover light placement, duration, and some of the most common reasons seedlings become tall and leggy.

Do seedlings need to be hardened off before planting outside?

Yes. Plants grown indoors need to gradually adjust to outdoor sunlight, wind, and temperature changes. We’ll teach you how to harden seedlings properly before they go into the garden.

Is this class appropriate for beginners?

Absolutely. This is the perfect class for a new gardener, but there is plenty here for experienced gardeners who want to improve their seed starting and better understand growing in Alaska.

Start Your Garden With Confidence

You don’t need to know everything to grow a great garden.

You need good seed, good timing, and an understanding of what your plants are telling you.

We’ve spent decades figuring out what works in Alaska so you don’t have to learn everything through trial and error.

Come spend an evening with us, take home your seeds, and let’s get your garden started.

Life happens! If you are unable to make it to the live event, you will be registered for the self paced online seed starting class and your seeds will be mailed to you. This is the class you will be registered for if you are unable to make the live event: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product/spring-seed-starting-online/