Starting With Seeds

Starting with Seeds

First Question is does the plant prefer to germinate outside? The envelope will give this guidance.   Examples: Cucumbers and Sunflowers want to be outside. 

Second Question is do you have a good space inside with enough light to

germinate plants inside, or a spouse that will put up with it?

So let’s say you want to try it…..

You will need:

Seeds

Boxes or trays for starting

Peat pots

Seed starting soil

Maybe grow lights

Now you are ready

Read the seed package carefully

Moisten the soil

Partly fill the seed starter container

Add seeds

Lightly cover with soil

Place the cover on and snap the lid 

Store this anywhere it is 70 degrees because seeds need to be warm to germinate.

They do not need light until you see leaves.                                                                                                                                                   

Add light when they germinate

Use liquid fertilizer at half strength when they have at least 4 leaves

When you get the second set of leaves, gently transplant up to peat pots

and water from the bottom to promote root growth.

Later transplant to 4 inch pot to give the roots more space.

Harden the seedlings off by setting them out in the sun/wind on suitable days for an increasing amount of time.

Set out when danger of frost is past.

Advantages:                                                                        Disadvantages

Getting plants that you cannot find locally             Daily care- seeds can’t dry out

Getting a lot of plants for under $5                         Germination times can be long  

Fun of watching them grow                                      Space