Tips for Seed Starting Success
Start seeds 4 to 6 weeks before you plant in the garden. Cool season crops like broccoli or lettuce can go into the garden before the last frost. Warm season crops like tomatoes & peppers should not be planted until all danger of frost is past. Almost anyone can succeed by following the guidelines below.
◾Fresh is best. Always start with fresh, high-quality seeds.
◾Non GMO seeds, certified organic and open-pollinated varieties from Botanical Interest, Seed Savers and Renee’s Garden are available
◾It’s all in the mix, try Espoma Organic Seed Starter
◾A good mix ensures that you have a lightweight, clean and sterile medium without insects, fungus or weed. Moisten the mix with a little water…damp, not soggy.
◾Packets know best. Plant your seeds according to the depth & spacing directions.
◾Cover the seeds with soil mix and tamp down to ensure that seeds are in firm contact with the soil.
◾Bottom’s up. It can be challenging to apply the right amount of water using normal methods, so water from the bottom!
◾Place the planting container into a larger pan of shallow water for a short time (few seconds to a couple of minutes).
◾Take cover. Loosely cover with plastic wrap after watering to retain moisture
◾Check the moisture daily and watch for germination. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap.
◾Stay warm. For most seeds, sprouting requires a minimum temperature of about 65° to 75°F.
◾If the ambient temperature is less than that, you can position a space heater nearby. Just make sure that the soil doesn’t dry out.
◾Let the sun shine in. Most seeds need about 12 to 16 hours of sunlight each day.
◾Place your seed containers in a sunny location such as a window with southern exposure. Once the seeds sprout, turn the container a little each day. This will prevent seedlings from overreaching in one direction toward the light.
◾The need to feed. Don’t use fertilizer on seedlings until they have sprouted!
◾In the very early growth stage, the seed provides its own nourishment, but once leaves develop, it’s time for a little fertilizer like Espoma Plant-tone.
◾Harden them off. Your sheltered seedlings need to get ready for the outdoors!
◾ For 7 to 10 days, put your plants outside for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure to sunlight & wind. Cut back on watering a bit, too. Your plants will become heartier and better prepared for transplanting.
◾No stripping. Gently remove plants from their containers without stripping or tearing the roots.
◾Plant them in the ground and mix in a really good starter plant food like Bio-tone Starter Plus in with the soil.
Thanks to Homestead Gardens for their tips!
Start seeds 4 to 6 weeks before you plant in the garden. Cool season crops like broccoli or lettuce can go into the garden before the last frost. Warm season crops like tomatoes & peppers should not be planted until all danger of frost is past. Almost anyone can succeed by following the guidelines below.
◾Fresh is best. Always start with fresh, high-quality seeds.
◾Non GMO seeds, certified organic and open-pollinated varieties from Botanical Interest, Seed Savers and Renee’s Garden are available
◾It’s all in the mix, try Espoma Organic Seed Starter
◾A good mix ensures that you have a lightweight, clean and sterile medium without insects, fungus or weed. Moisten the mix with a little water…damp, not soggy.
◾Packets know best. Plant your seeds according to the depth & spacing directions.
◾Cover the seeds with soil mix and tamp down to ensure that seeds are in firm contact with the soil.
◾Bottom’s up. It can be challenging to apply the right amount of water using normal methods, so water from the bottom!
◾Place the planting container into a larger pan of shallow water for a short time (few seconds to a couple of minutes).
◾Take cover. Loosely cover with plastic wrap after watering to retain moisture
◾Check the moisture daily and watch for germination. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap.
◾Stay warm. For most seeds, sprouting requires a minimum temperature of about 65° to 75°F.
◾If the ambient temperature is less than that, you can position a space heater nearby. Just make sure that the soil doesn’t dry out.
◾Let the sun shine in. Most seeds need about 12 to 16 hours of sunlight each day.
◾Place your seed containers in a sunny location such as a window with southern exposure. Once the seeds sprout, turn the container a little each day. This will prevent seedlings from overreaching in one direction toward the light.
◾The need to feed. Don’t use fertilizer on seedlings until they have sprouted!
◾In the very early growth stage, the seed provides its own nourishment, but once leaves develop, it’s time for a little fertilizer like Espoma Plant-tone.
◾Harden them off. Your sheltered seedlings need to get ready for the outdoors!
◾ For 7 to 10 days, put your plants outside for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure to sunlight & wind. Cut back on watering a bit, too. Your plants will become heartier and better prepared for transplanting.
◾No stripping. Gently remove plants from their containers without stripping or tearing the roots.
◾Plant them in the ground and mix in a really good starter plant food like Bio-tone Starter Plus in with the soil.
Thanks to Homestead Gardens for their tips!
