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Camp Internet's Global Gardening Studies are open to all Camp Expedition Teams. RAIN's Youth Technology Corps members are Expedition Team Leaders for Communities taking part.

Sowing the Seeds

Choose a container with drainage holes that's at least 2 inches deep. A terra cotta or plastic pot works just fine, or a plastic growing flat, or a clear-lidded deli container with holes punched in the bottom. Later, you'll need to transfer the seedlings to small individual pots, multi-cell packs, or peat pots that you can plant directly in the ground outdoors in the spring.

To avoid disease problems, use fresh potting mix. Commercial seed-starting mixes are usually blended from finely milled sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite. Soilless houseplant mixes containing perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss work well, too. Moisten the seed-starting mix; then fill containers and level the mix.
Tiny seeds can be scattered over the surface of the soilless mix; for larger seeds, trace shallow furrows on the surface.

Cover seeds lightly, if necessary. Some seeds need light to germinate and should be left uncovered. Check the seed packet for recommended planting depth.