Equipment

• A seedling heat mat — Gregoire’s number one recommendation, though he said you can also germinate seeds on top of a fridge
• A tray without holes
• Small pots or a cell pack
• A humidity dome
• A light and a high quality seed-starting medium

Planting

• Fill your pots with pre-moistened seed-starting potting mix, then lightly tamp the soil to eliminate air pockets.
• Follow the instructions on the seed packet when sowing each seed because different varieties need to be planted at different depths.
• Cover the tray with a humidity dome and place the whole thing on the heat mat.
• After most of your seeds have germinated, remove the humidity dome, take the tray off the heat mat, and place it under a light. You may need to “pot up” seedlings if they outgrow their space before it’s safe to plant them outside.
• Harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outside.

• Fertile Ground Festival of New Works | Monday, April 15-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Locations vary | $35-$75 | See new, locally-created works spanning a wide range of genres “illustrating that Portland is truly fertile ground for creativity, innovation and daring acts of performance.”

• “Drum Tao: 30th Anniversary THE TAO Phantom Sound” | Tuesday, April 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $25-$65 | This world-renowned Japanese percussion group creates powerful performances blending synchronized drumming, martial arts, and acrobatic displays.

• Hillsboro Hops Wine & Nine Night | Wednesday, April 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hillsboro Ballpark, 4460 NE Century Blvd., Hillsboro | $8-$55 | Root, root, root for the home team as they take on the Tri-City Dust Devils; local wineries will offer tastings before the game.
• Picnic in the Park | Wednesday, April 17 | 12-2 p.m. | Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave., Portland | Free | Step outside on your lunch break for a hearty helping of music, yard games, and a side of fresh air.

• 2023/24 Portland Arts & Lectures: Aimee Nezhukumatathil | Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $40 | See Aimee Nezhukumatathil, bestselling poet and author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments speak at Portland Arts & Lectures.*

• Today is the deadline for artists to submit vendor applications for the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival. The free festival returns for a second year Aug. 2-4 to Esther Short Park and downtown Vancouver, giving artists the chance to sell their work and connect with community members of all ages.

• SOLVE’s biggest event of the year, the Oregon Spring Cleanup, is underway. Dozens of volunteer projects — from litter patrol to invasive weed pulling — are taking place across the state (and Southwest Washington) through Monday, April 22. Help preserve our region’s natural beauty by joining an event near you.

• Eclectic Parisian life. Heartwarming holiday cheer. Criminal justice system shortcomings. These are some of the themes showcased in Portland Playhouse’s upcoming 17th season. In October, the King neighborhood theater kicks things off with “Amélie,” followed by “A Christmas Carol,” “Notes from the Field,” and finally “Come and Gone.”

• Migration Brewing will represent Oregon at the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Week award ceremony in Washington, DC later this month. Migration Brewing, the state’s 19th-largest craft brewer, said it’s the first brewery to receive the award. One business from each state is honored every year. (Portland Business Journal)

• Moshu has severe heart disease. The Oregon Zoo revealed the diagnosis on social media, saying the laid-back red panda is being closely monitored, taking medication, and undergoing cold laser therapy. At 12 years old, the zoo said Moshu is “like a grandpa” but still loves mushy biscuits and apple treats.

• If you don’t want to miss a thing, then plan to be at the Moda Center on Thursday, Nov. 21. That’s when legendary rock band Aerosmith will perform some of their greatest hits spanning the last five decades. Get tickets for “PEACE OUT The Farewell Tour” with The Black Crowes.

• The Trail Blazers’ at-home loss to the Warriors could have favorable implications for the NBA Draft. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Trail Blazers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

• Head to Seabrook, WA on Saturday, June 8 for an exceptional night of food and drinks from award-winning chefs Eric Donnelly + Zoi Antonitsas. Tickets for Harvest by the Sea, which benefits Coastal Harvest, are going fast. Use code CHEF10 to book a vacation home and receive 10% off + two complimentary tickets.*