Let’s just jump right in. You’re a rebel, a risktaker, a badass if you will and you want to start plants from seeds. You’ve got guts and I like that! Starting plants from seeds gives you more bang for your buck! When going to the nursery it can cost you between $2-$4 bucks for a ready to go plant. Seed packets can run you the same but you get anywhere from 15-50 seeds. That way more plants for the same price.
But, what if you don’t know jack about starting seeds? Don’t freak, it’s not that bad and plus your gal pal Hilary is here to give you some tips.
Supplies
Here are a few things you’re going to need;
- Seed starting mix
- Seeds of choice
- Container- should have good drainage, seedlings don’t love to be soaking wet. (egg carton, yogurt cup, cardboard toilet paper roll, etc.)
- Water
- Sunny/warm window sill.
*tip if you use a plastic container with no drainage heat up a fork and poke some holes*
Preparing for Seeds
Next, you’re going to fill up your container with your seed mix, add water to premoisten, mix, and let it soak up. About 20 or so minutes. Be sure to leave space from the top of the soil to the top of the container. You don’t want the soil to overflow.
Sowing Seeds
Once you’ve made your holes drop 2-3 seeds in each hole. That’s just enough to make sure you get sprouts. But not enough to cause overcrowding in the container. Trust me I have a window sill with seedlings I can’t bring myself to thin out! In one pod, there are up to 4 basil seedlings! I put too many seeds in, and they all germinated.
Cover the babies with some soil and lightly water the top, to let the dirt settle around the seeds.
Placement
Now your seeds are all potted up, let’s find them a nice sunny spot! The best spot for germinating your seedlings is usually a south-facing window, that gets 6-10 hours of sun a day. I have a large south-west facing window that my plants love. So don’t freak if it’s not exactly south facing. Any window with a lot of sun is great.
You’ll want to make sure that the area isn’t too drafty. Cold soil can result in slower germination of seeds, sometimes no germination at all. Seeds prefer their soil to be at least 70 degrees, for better germination.
Ways to keep seeds warm
- Seed warming mat
- Wrapping tray in plastic *I used zip lock bags cut to make a tent, also keeps soil nice and moist*
- On top of the Fridge or microwave if by a window
- By a vent with heat or heater
Sprouting
Once they’ve begun sprouting, you can move them to an area with direct sun. Where they will grow their true leaves. Which will start to be more identifiable to the plant’s real appearance.
Thinning Seedlings
Once their true leaves come in it’s time to thin and transplant them to their own pots. Thinning your plants give them more room to grow, improve air circulation and reduce the possibility of fungal disease.
To thin seeds make sure the soil is nice a wet. Softer soil means your less likely to harm the other seedlings’ roots. Pick out the healthiest seedling per plant pod. Either gently pluck other seedlings out of the soil, or cut the plant down to the soil. Remember to disinfect scissors with rubbing alcohol. Rewater the seedling you kept to settle it.
It’s best to do this in the evening or a cloudy day to let the plant recover from any shock. Don’t wait until the have more than 4 true leave sets to thin them out. When they’re 2″-3″ you’re in the clear to start.
Transplanting Seedlings
If you want to transplant your seedling to an outside home, you should do it little by little. Introduce your seedlings to the outside world 7- 10 days before you plan on putting them in the ground. This should be after the last frost date in your area
For a few hours at a time let the seedlings stay out at first in a shaded area. Then progress them into the sun and wind a little day by day. Make sure you keep the plant watered, and warm. It will help when you put them into the ground!
After your introduction period transplant the plants into the garden early in the morning on an overcast day. This lets them settle in without getting jacked up by the afternoon sun. Once you’ve placed them in the ground, water around the seedling nice and deep.
That’s it! Okay yes, it seems like a lot, but all of this won’t be happening at once. Come back to this article throughout your process of growing plants.
What plants are you looking forward to planting? Let me know in the comments!
