Seed Starting – Grow your first garden!
Seed starting is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to begin growing plants from seeds indoors before transplanting them outside. This method gives you a head start on the growing season, ensuring healthy and robust plants ready to thrive in your garden. Here’s how you can get started!
What is Seed Starting?
Seed starting involves planting seeds in a controlled indoor environment where you can monitor and manage conditions like temperature, light, and moisture. This practice is helpful if you desire to extend the growing season, it ensures better germination rates, and helps provide your plants with a strong foundation.
4 Benefits of Seed Starting indoors:
- Early Start: Helps you get a jump on the growing season by starting seeds indoors
- Controlled Environment: You’re able to better manage temperature, light, and moisture for optimal growth
- Cost-Effective: Growing plants from seeds is often cheaper than buying seedlings
- Variety: Access to a wider variety of plants that may not be available as seedlings
How to start:
Gather your supplies:
- Seed trays or small pots (looking for a suggestion? try these)
- Seed starting mix (looking for a suggestion? try this)
- Seeds of your choice (looking for a suggestion? try this)
- Labels and markers (looking for a suggestion? try this)
- Watering can or spray bottle (looking for a suggestion? try this)
Prepare the Seed Trays:
- Fill the seed trays or pots with a seed starting mix, which is lighter and drains better than regular potting soil.
- Gently tamp down the soil to remove air pockets but avoid compacting it too much.
Plant the Seeds:
- Follow the seed packet instructions for planting depth and spacing.
- Make small holes in the soil with your finger or a pencil, place the seeds in the holes, and cover them lightly with soil.
Water the Seeds:
- Moisten the soil gently using a watering can or spray bottle. Ensure the soil is damp but not waterlogged.
- Cover the seed trays with a clear plastic cover or plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth. (looking for a suggestion? try these)
Provide Light and Heat:
- Place the trays in a warm location, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). You can use a heat mat too! (looking for a suggestion? try this)
- Once seeds germinate, remove the cover and place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny window where they can receive 12-16 hours of light daily.
Hardening and Transplanting:
- When the seedlings are large enough to handle and the outdoor conditions are suitable, harden them off by gradually exposing them to the outdoors over a week. TIP: You can use a toddler fan or a small fan to help them get stronger indoors.
- Move the seedlings into your garden or larger pots, ensuring they have enough space to grow.
Happy Gardening!
Like what you’re reading? Are you ready to take it to the next level?! You can do so with our free, downloadable guide! Click here to get your copy now and start your garden today.
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