Starting Seeds Indoors

Seeds

If you need help choosing seeds please read my post Things to Consider When Ordering From Seed Catalogs. Don’t waste your time with seeds older than 2 0r 3 years. If you have extra seeds place them in an airtight container with a packet of silica gel, and place the container in a cool place or your refrigerator.

Containers

Seeds should be started in small containers. The containers can be made of anything you like, there are a TON of ideas on Pinterest. I like to buy the kits from Home Depot or Menards with 50 cells in a tray. I prefer biodegradable cells because they can go straight into the ground if broken up and cause less root shock. Those who don’t like the biodegradable pots usually reason that they don’t break down fast enough, causing plants to die. I don’t have issues with them if I break them or cut them up before putting them in the ground.

Plastic containers can be used year after year, but they have to be sterilized. You can sterilize plastic containers by rinsing them with a bleach solution. Whatever container you decide to use must have drainage holes in the bottom to avoid root rot.

Soil-less

Use a soil-less mixture for starting seeds. At a Home Depot, Menards, or similar store you can purchase seed-starting mix. To fill your containers, fill them with mix, then water to compress the mix down, then fill again with mix.

Planting

Sow your seeds according to the seed packet.

Planting times are specific to each type of plant. When a seed should be started is determined by the last frost date in your area. Seeds packets will say, start seed # weeks before last frost date. It is helpful to make a chart so you know when to start each type of seed. Some are direct sow, which means that they should be placed directly in the ground.

Sow the seed as deep as the packet says. Generally a seed is planted as deep as if three seeds could fit on top of it. If you are using new seeds you can plant 1 in each cell, and at least 2 for older seeds. I always plant extra because of the occasional plant that doesn’t make it.

Light

There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t plant close to a window. The light is not enough and the space next to the window is usually too cool. Seedlings need a lot of sun and warm soil for strong growth. Grow lights are the ideal way to care for your seedlings. The grow light should be kept 2 inches above the plants, which is why its good to have adjustable lights. Plants need 12 to 16 hours of light, make sure they get a dark period each day.

Bottom heat can produce stronger plants but is not necessary. Grow mats can be found at the store and there are several hacks on Pinterest.

Water

Water plants gently with a spray bottle so as not to disturb the seeds. Only water enough to keep the starting mix moist.

Transplanting

Seedling that outgrow the cell packs can be moved to larger containers. Again, the container can be anything, as long as it has drainage holes.

Two weeks before plants are supposed to be planted outdoors, start the hardening off process. Start by leaving them outside for a few hours in the shade, blocked from wind and slowly start adding in other aspects. Increase the time they are outside, and add in wind and sun gradually. Another thing you can do is run a fun on your plants when they are inside or gently run your fingers on your plants.

Transplant plants on a cloudy day or in the late afternoon when the sun has already passed its peak. Don’t worry, your plants may wilt a little but should recover within a few days of transplant.