by Christine Cameron

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 27, 2008

Starting bedding plants is quite rewarding if you take the time to install a few protective measures. Once you have chosen the seeds, set them up in peat pots so that once the little seedlings are ready to go into the ground all you have to do is bury them, pot and all.

Rabbits and bugs were my biggest enemy, in that order. The best thing that I came up with to keep my seedlings safe was a sort of mini screened in sun room.

Here is what you will need for a mini screened in sun room for starting bedding plants:

Line up the bedding plants to be covered and measure the sides surrounding the area.

* 4 cheap boards 2"x6" (have them cut at the store to whatever size box you measured)
* 1 roll of tight mesh screen
* heavy-duty staple gun
* rust proof heavy-duty staples
* wood glue

Lay the 4 boards out on the ground in the shape of a square or whatever you like. Glue all four corners, use plenty of glue and spread it with an old paintbrush if you need to. No need to be fancy and miter corners, you can always paint it later to cove flaws.

Let the glue set momentarily, then unroll the screen over the top of the frame. Roll the screen far enough past the edges to wrap around the sides of the boards for more security. Make sure to get a heavy enough gage screen to withstand bunny claws, you could even use tight weave chicken wire.

Now staple the screen to the outside of the boards, pulling taut as you go (careful not to pull too tight and tear the screen). You can be as liberal with the staples as you want.

Take the bedding plants to the garden and line up the peat pots, cover with the screen. Place a couple of heavy rocks on the edges and you are done!

Starting bedding plants is a challenge for gardeners of all ages and experience levels. Garden plants are relatively easy to care for once they are established, so consider yourself extremely successful if you can grow your vegetables from seed to table.

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