How to Start Seeds Indoors
Research the approximate date of the last frost in your growing region., Plan to start most seeds 8 weeks before that frost date, with the expectation to plant them 2 weeks later. , Buy your seeds., Create a seed starting agenda., Buy seed trays, if...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Research the approximate date of the last frost in your growing region.
Visit the National Climate Data Center website to find the frost data in your area. -
Step 2: Plan to start most seeds 8 weeks before that frost date
, Read the packets carefully.
Seed starting times and germination rates vary greatly. , Plan to plant seeds with similar growing schedules near each other.
For example, corn and beans can be planted earlier than flowers.
Squash do not take transplantation well, so they can be started later and planted before root systems begin to develop. , These small plastic trays hold a few inches of dirt.
They are easy to care for, but dry out quickly. , Cut holes in the bottom of each container for drainage. , Seeds do not do very well in heavy soil or potting mix, so make sure your soil is specially chosen for this task. , Moisten it with warm water.
Fill each container with 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to
10.2 cm) of soil. , You will be able to use this to soak water into the soil from below. , You can increase germination with a light soaking.
Do not do this if it is not recommended by the seed packet. , Not all your seeds will germinate, and you can remove plants later in case of crowding. , The depth will depend upon the plant, so read the seed packages.
Plants that are placed inside soil are usually planted at a depth of 3 times the diameter of the seed.
Other plants need full sunlight immediately, and they should be placed on top of the soil. , Keep seed packets nearby. ,, You are creating a greenhouse environment. ,,, You will need to move it up as they grow. , Keep them on for 12 to 16 hours a day. , To add warmth, place a wet/dry heating pad under the baking sheet and keep it at a low heat. , The soil will suck up the moisture without displacing the seeds.
Keep water in the baking sheet at all times. ,, Never allow the soil to get dry.
Seeds need to remain moist at all times or they will not germinate. ,, You may need to pull up several starts, if they are crowding each other. , Your starts can grow bigger and more hardy until they are ready to plant in the garden. -
Step 3: with the expectation to plant them 2 weeks later.
-
Step 4: Buy your seeds.
-
Step 5: Create a seed starting agenda.
-
Step 6: Buy seed trays
-
Step 7: if you want to plant a lot of seeds at once.
-
Step 8: Choose to recycle containers
-
Step 9: such as milk cartons
-
Step 10: yogurt containers and other small plastic items into pots.
-
Step 11: Buy seed starting mix.
-
Step 12: Place your soil in a bucket.
-
Step 13: Place the seed tray or containers on a baking sheet.
-
Step 14: Place seeds in a warm
-
Step 15: moist paper towel overnight.
-
Step 16: Plant 2 to 3 seeds in each section or container.
-
Step 17: Place them in the soil.
-
Step 18: Label your containers immediately after planting.
-
Step 19: Place plastic forks on the edges of the seed tray and in the middle.
-
Step 20: Wrap plastic wrap over the top of the fork tips.
-
Step 21: Choose a place in your house that is hit with sunlight every day.
-
Step 22: Place the seed tray near that window.
-
Step 23: Hook up artificial lights so that they are about 6 inches (15.2 cm) above the plants.
-
Step 24: Use the fluorescent light to supplement dark days.
-
Step 25: Aim to keep your seeds at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
-
Step 26: Pour lukewarm water into the bottom of your baking sheet.
-
Step 27: Water from the top of the soil once seeds begin to germinate.
-
Step 28: Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to water plants.
-
Step 29: Remove the plastic wrap when the seeds start to sprout.
-
Step 30: Continue to water and place in warmth and sunlight until they are ready to plant.
-
Step 31: Replant into larger pots
-
Step 32: if you plan to keep them inside for several weeks longer.
Detailed Guide
Visit the National Climate Data Center website to find the frost data in your area.
, Read the packets carefully.
Seed starting times and germination rates vary greatly. , Plan to plant seeds with similar growing schedules near each other.
For example, corn and beans can be planted earlier than flowers.
Squash do not take transplantation well, so they can be started later and planted before root systems begin to develop. , These small plastic trays hold a few inches of dirt.
They are easy to care for, but dry out quickly. , Cut holes in the bottom of each container for drainage. , Seeds do not do very well in heavy soil or potting mix, so make sure your soil is specially chosen for this task. , Moisten it with warm water.
Fill each container with 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to
10.2 cm) of soil. , You will be able to use this to soak water into the soil from below. , You can increase germination with a light soaking.
Do not do this if it is not recommended by the seed packet. , Not all your seeds will germinate, and you can remove plants later in case of crowding. , The depth will depend upon the plant, so read the seed packages.
Plants that are placed inside soil are usually planted at a depth of 3 times the diameter of the seed.
Other plants need full sunlight immediately, and they should be placed on top of the soil. , Keep seed packets nearby. ,, You are creating a greenhouse environment. ,,, You will need to move it up as they grow. , Keep them on for 12 to 16 hours a day. , To add warmth, place a wet/dry heating pad under the baking sheet and keep it at a low heat. , The soil will suck up the moisture without displacing the seeds.
Keep water in the baking sheet at all times. ,, Never allow the soil to get dry.
Seeds need to remain moist at all times or they will not germinate. ,, You may need to pull up several starts, if they are crowding each other. , Your starts can grow bigger and more hardy until they are ready to plant in the garden.
About the Author
Shirley Howard
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow crafts tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: