Starting seeds indoors can be a late winter joy. It can also save money and give you more options for your upcoming spring garden season. With careful planning, you can start and have healthy vegetable seedlings indoors.
By starting seeds indoors, you will be able to have more variety and try new things without breaking the family budget. Just compare the cost of a single tomato plant to the cost of a pack to tomato seeds.
Or course you need seeds to start indoors. Look at this wonderful list of 24 free seed catalogs from companies that sell organic, heirloom, hybrids, and non-GMO seeds.
12 Steps To Starting Seeds Indoors
In general the 12 steps are:
- Set up grow area – shelves with lights
- Gather containers
- Make seed starting mix
- Fill containers
- Sow seeds
- Add heat to encourage germination
- Keep soil moist
- Begin fertilizing
- Thin seedlings
- Repot to larger containers
- Harden off
- Transplant into garden
Do You Need Grow Lights To Start Seed Indoors?
#1 For seeds to grow properly, they need 12-16 hours a day of light. Setting them in front of a south facing window is not enough light.
Take a look at how I made my own grow light system and saved a lot of money.
What Kind Of Containers Do You Need For Starting Seeds Indoors?
#2 Next you’ll need containers for growing seeds. This can be pretty much anything you want to use as long as it has adequate drainage. You will need to make sure what you use has several small holes in the bottom.
Examples: Toilet paper rolls, solo cups, styrofoam cups – (I’m not a fan of styrofoam – but they are easy), peat pellets, seed starting kits, small reusable containers. Once you’ve made your holes, you will need to place containers into trays without holes to “catch” the water as it drains. Otherwise, a mess will end up on the floor.
The first year I started seeds, I used a variety of containers, cups, bowls, etc, but found that since they didn’t “fit” well in a tray, I wasn’t able to start enough seed.
So my second year, I used seed starting flats and must say they worked great! They are small, so you can start several seeds. They come with well fitting trays to catch water and they are just easier to work with.
Of course, it was an investment, but by being careful with them and storing them properly, they can be re-used. Just a note, for whatever you choose to use, be sure to wash them well in a hot soapy water and drain well before using.
I store my seed flats in large plastic totes and keep them on a shelf in the garage.
What Kind Of Soil Should You Use To Start Seeds Indoors?
#3 Next you will need soil for your containers. A word of caution, DO NOT use regular potting soil. You will need to use a potting mix that is made specifically for starting seeds.
You can of course make this yourself, but using peat moss and equal parts of vermiculite and perlite. This mixture will hold in moisture and allow for good drainage.
Regular potting soil will not allow for enough drainage. (Note: No fertilizer is needed at this time)
You can also purchase a pre-made seed starting mix that has been sterilized. If you make your own mixture, and it has not been sterilized, you can heat it in the oven at 200 degrees for about 30 minutes.
This will kill off any bacteria that may be in it. Fresh sterile soil will give your seeds their best chance.
NOTE: There is no need to block the holes in the bottom of the container. Adequate drainage is needed.
What Is The Difference Between Potting Soil And Seed Starting Mix?
Potting soil is just that – soil. It is just a soil that is free of weed seeds and bacteria, but has no fertile factors to it.
Potting mix is a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and other finely chopped amendments, such as compost, that is designed specifically to give your potted plants nutritional value.
How Do You Fill Containers For Starting Seeds Indoors?
#4 Before filling containers, pour seed starting mix into a clean bucket get it good and moist with “warm” water. You will want it to be moist, not totally wet. It takes a bit for it to “soak up” water to moisten.
A word of caution, it is almost impossible to moisten after seed starter mix is placed in containers, so be sure to do it before in a bucket.
Once starter mix is moist, fill containers up to right below the rim.
Press soil down gently to remove any air bubbles. This will help to prevent not having enough soil when you water.
How Do You Start Vegetable Seeds Or Flower Seeds Indoors?
#5 Next, after you have filled your containers, it is now time to plant your seeds. This is not as difficult as you may think it to be.
This post on How to Read a Seed Packet will help. Place a hole in the center of container using a stick or your fingers the depth the seed packet says.
Place 2-3 seeds into each hole and gently cover making sure seeds have contact with the seed starting mixture. And then, use a spray bottle to spray to make sure the seeds are nice and moist.
Place a clear plastic covering such as a plastic wrap or lid over the tray to hold in moisture.
Do You Need A Heat Mat To Start Seeds?
#6 I’ve heard different discussions on the heat mat. Many say they start seeds indoors just fine without them. It is true that seeds need a consistent temperature to germinate properly.
However, I’ve not had much luck starting seeds without using a heat mat. So I use them.
Not only do heat mats keep the soil at a consistent temperature, they also help to “speed up the germination process” just a bit.
After my first attempt of starting seeds was not very successful, I purchased this heat mat to use. They work great and inexpensive!
Keep Soil Moist During Germination And Growth
#7 Watering seeds when starting them indoors can be a bit tricky. I don’t advise using a water picture, jug or anything of this nature. It allows too much water to flow out at one time. Seeds can drown.
I would tell you to get a quality spray bottle and fill it with warm water each time you water.
Once the seeds sprout, you can start watering from the bottom by pouring water into the trays. The soil will soak this water up and feed the seedlings.
This also strengthens seedling roots and makes them grow deep into the seed containers. At this time, I begin using room temperature water. Just keep a jug sitting in the room, it will work wonders.
Soil only needs to be kept moist – not wet. Mold will appear if soil is too wet.
When Should You Fertilize Seeds?
#8 When seeds germinate, they produce a little bitty leaf, called a cotyledons. These are NOT true leave. They all look pretty much the same.
Continue to keep soil moist and once your seedling produce a second set of leaves, called True Leaves, it is time to begin fertilizing.
Seedlings are able to take care of themselves up to this point. Now you will need to start providing them with a light fertilizer. I use a diluted organic liquid fish and seaweed emulsion. It does stink, but works really well.
Mix about a 1/2 ounce to a gallon of water. Remember, the room temperature water? Just add the fish emulsion to this and mix well. I would advise that you keep a lid on the jug.
When And How Should You Start Thinning Seedlings?
#9 Since planting 2-4 seeds in each container, it is necessary to thin-out seedlings once they get their true leaves. I normally wait until they have at least 2 sets of true leaves before thinning.
When you are ready to thin, very carefully, with a pair of garden snips, clip off at ground level, the “smallest/weakest” plants.
Don’t pull these out of the soil! This can very easily damage the roots of the plant you are leaving in your container. The snipped plant will die and not harm your largest healthiest plant.
When Should You Transplant Seedlings?
#10 As your seedlings grow, they will need to be transplanted into larger containers. Of course, there are larger seedling containers you can buy, or even a 16 oz solo cup will do. Whatever you use, it will need drainage holes.
Solo cups do fit nicely into the leak-proof trays. I got lucky, a nursery in our area was going out of business. I was the lucky receiver of their seed starting supplies. So I have various sizes of seed containers.
Whatever you choose to use, it needs to be washed well with hot soapy water and drained.
Begin by watering your seedlings well so their soil is nice and moist.
As before, fill large containers with moist new soil to about 1/2 full. Leave enough space for the root ball to be planted about 1/2 inch below the rim.
Removing Seedling From Container
Now, gently squeeze the small container and remove seedling from it. Being careful not to cause the soil to break apart. Don’t pull by the seedling plant itself, handle it by the ball of soil.
When squeezing on the container, hold the container on its side, and use your fingers to catch it as it slowly slides out. Careful, not to injure the plant itself or the root ball.
Gently place root ball in the center of the large container and fill moist potting mix in around it to hold root ball in place. Gently tap mix to pack it in place.
Water well to make soil moist, if soil settles, fill in more. Container needs to be filled up to 1/2 inch from the top without air pockets in the soil. The 1/2 inch will allow for watering as the plant grows.
Place back on shelf under lights.
Note: It’s also at this time, that I put a fan in the room to gently blow on the seedlings. This helps to strengthen stems.
Just place it across the room, a few feet away, and allow it to very gently blow toward them. Use the lowest setting on your fan. I use just a basic desk fan, but of course, you can buy special plant fans if you prefer.
Why Is Hardening Off Important?
#11 Since the seedlings have been spoiled by lights, heating pads and regular waterings. They will need to be “hardened off” before being transplanted in the garden.
Hardening off means to gradually move plants outdoors to help them become accustomed to harsh sunlight, winds, cold nights and less frequent watering. This process will take about 10-14 days.
Ideally, expose them gradually outdoors. You can easily carry them outside in the trays and sit in a safe place a way from animals or damage.
Start with a couple of hours and increase over the duration of 10-14 days, watering less and less. By the end of 14 days, your seedlings should have spent about 48 hours outside without being brought back inside.
They are hardened off and ready to transplant into the garden.
How To Prep Backyard Garden For Seedlings
#12 Prepare garden soil ahead of time by adding organic amendments. Learn more about how to make an Organic Calcium Powder amendment. And also How to Create an Organic Healthy Soil. This will help to encourage growth of organisms to make seedlings grow strong and healthy.
Before transplanting seedlings water well. Dig a deep hole and add amendments. Make it deep enough for root ball to be level with the surface of the surrounding garden soil.
There is an exception for tomatoes. Take a look at How to Grow Healthy Tomatoes to learn more.
Gently remove root ball and seedling from container and place in the hole. Add in some good healthy organic compost and fish emulsion to the hole.
Fill hole back in with soil. Gently press down to make sure soil has good contact with root ball. This will help it to grow straight and tall. Water generously to make sure water is soaked into the bottom of the hole through all the soil.
Spread mulch around the newly transplanted seedling to hold in moisture. Keep area free of weeds.
Additional Tips To Give Seedlings A Best Chance:
Timing is important. Seedlings need to be transplanted after threat of frost has past. You can learn frost dates for your zip code, by looking at the USDA Plant Hardiness Map .
Also, learn more about When to Plant Early Spring Vegetables and checkout this Spring Garden Checklist, with free printable.
Transplant your seedlings on a cloudy day to help protect them from sun scorch. New seedlings need to be protected from harsh sun rays for several days.
Protect plants from winds. Since they have just been planted, the roots are not bound securely in the soil.
See how simple starting seeds indoors can be? What about you, will you be starting seeds indoors this year? If so, what do grow?
This article adapted from this site
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