How to Start Seeds Indoors

Shari@puregrace
by Shari@puregrace
Winter is waning and spring is finally on it’s way. If you haven’t already been thinking about what to plant in your garden, it is time. Hurray! I love getting my hands in the dirt and watching those little shoots spring up from the soil. This is one of my most favorite times of year (actually, I say that about the beginning of every season).
Planting seed directly in the ground works well for many of my seasonal vegetables, but there are some plants that benefit from a little head start to ensure they get off on the right foot. In my area, where the growing season is short, growing a few variety of plants from seed is not an option.For instance, tomatoes and peppers would never mature and produce before my typical growing season is over. Starter plants are the only viable way to go.
You will find growing plants indoors from seed is not all that difficult and it is much more satisfying to see the process from start to finish. I have written an easy tutorial to help get you started. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I love to help.
Purchasing plants at the local nursery is an option, but the cost is high and the variety is limited. Planting seeds indoors saves money and allows me the opportunity to choose different varieties that work better for me.
Great tip: Use an empty insert to lightly compact soilless mix and to form small indentations for the planting of the seeds.
Lightly wet the soil after you have covered your seed being very careful not to dislodge the seeds or cause them to float upwards. A spray bottle works wonderfully for this.
Make sure to mark your plants. It is never a bad idea to mark too many,but is always a bad idea to not mark enough. This observation comes from experience. It is never any fun trying to figure out if I have a broccoli or cabbage plant.
Cover the seed tray with the cover (if you have one) or place your tray into a plastic bag to help retain the moisture in the soilless mix which tends to dry out much faster than potting soil.
See more at http://puregracefarms.com/2014/02/resiliency-and-strength/
Shari@puregrace
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Edith Edith on Feb 25, 2019

    This will be my first year to actually start with some seeds. What is the best soulless mixture to start with and when should I transfer to regular potting soil for the ones staying in pots and into the ground for those going there, (I know I have to wait until the last frost for sure)?

    Thanks.

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  • Pascal Tremblay Pascal Tremblay on Feb 24, 2014
    Interesting the heater for the tray.
  • Robert Muttenthaler Robert Muttenthaler on Feb 24, 2014
    I've tried doing this method before and I've always come out with the same result... nothing. Could it be because of over watering or where I've placed the trays ?
    • Shari@puregrace Shari@puregrace on Feb 24, 2014
      Yes! Overwatering is one of the biggest problems with seedlings who do not like to sit in water. I find the soilless mix helps tremendously with this problem as it does not hold on to the moisture quite as long as potting soil. But only until your seedlings are off and running. They then have to be re-potted for nutrients the soilless mix doesn't contain. Where you place your trays is important too. Once your seedlings are up they need plenty of sunlight. This week I will be writing more on the care of your seedlings. Don't despair or be afraid to try again. I will be here to help if I can.
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