If you've got big plans for your springtime gardening, why not get a head-start by putting some of those ideas into action, right now?

 Spring weather in the Denver area can fluctuate wildly from warm and sunny to cold and windy, and these quick-changing and sometimes harsh conditions can be tough on new plants. Give your plants a chance to grow sturdy and strong before the spring by starting seeds indoors now. By the time the ground warms up, your little seedlings will be ready and able to handle the unpredictable Denver weather.

Starting seeds indoors is not difficult, and you really don't need any special equipment. You can make a starter tray with an empty egg carton—just fill the egg cups with soil, place a seed in each cup, and keep the soil moist until seeds germinate.

Some gardeners prefer to germinate seeds using no soil at all. Seeds can be sandwiched between wet paper towels, placed in a plastic bag, and kept in a dark place until they sprout. The hardiest-looking specimens are then chosen and transferred into pots with soil.

When it's time to transfer your plants to the garden, be gentle. Take care to not damage the tender roots of your young plants when you take them out of their pots to transplant them into the garden. Likewise, make sure that the soil you are putting the plants into is well-tilled and free of debris.

Starting seeds indoors can give your spring garden a better chance of success. Best of all, it gives us gardening enthusiasts something to do before the big thaw!