Starting Seeds Indoors
Sep 4th 2024
Seed Starting Guide
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Seed Starting Soil: Use Fox Farm ‘Light Warrior’ or a straight peat moss
- Containers with Drainage or Peat Pots
- Water
- Light
- Heat
2. Timing:
- Tomatoes & Peppers: Start indoors in January, 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Other Vegetables: Beans, squash, etc., should be started outdoors when the time is right.
3. Preparing the Soil:
- Moistening: Before filling your containers, moisten the soil so it's saturated but not dripping wet.
- Filling: Fill containers with soil and press it down to remove gaps. You want to be sure that each seed stays covered and well saturated.
4. Planting Seeds:
- Seed Depth: Check the seed packet for planting depth. Smaller seeds can be sprinkled on the surface. Larger seeds need to be planted deeper. A good rule of thumb is to plant the seed at a depth that is twice the diameter of the seed.
- Quantity: Plant 2 seeds per cell/container to ensure good germination and you can thin out your sprouts at a later date.
5. Watering:
- Initial Watering: Moisten seeds with a spray bottle once planted in their cell or pot. Then cover them with a well saturated medium.
- Cover: Use a plastic dome or plastic wrap to keep seeds moist until they germinate. Remove the cover when you see the first signs of germination. Mist regularly to keep them moist or bottom water them to ensure full saturation and promote root growth.
6. Light:
- Sunlight: If growing in a window, choose a south-facing spot. Rotate pots regularly to prevent seedlings from leaning towards the light.
- Grow Lights: Keep lights a few inches above seedlings and adjust as they grow. Provide 12-15 hours of light daily.
7. Care:
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once they start to develop true leaves.
- Air Movement: Use a fan to ensure good air circulation and prevent disease.
- Thinning: If both seeds germinate, snip or thin the weaker one once you start to see the true leaves
8. Hardening Off:
- Gradual Exposure: About a week before planting outdoors, move seedlings to a protected outdoor spot for a few hours a day. Gradually increase their time outside and bring them in at night.
This gradual exposure helps your seedlings adapt to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden.