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How to Start Seeds Indoors in 4 Easy Steps Fill a large bowl with seed-starting mix and mix in a little water to evenly moisten the soil. Place your seed tray inside the drip tray and fill each cell to just below the top with soil. Sow your seeds. Cover the tray and place it under your lights on the heat mat.
Do you need a grow light to start seeds indoors?
Seed starting happens in two stages: germination and growing. Germination is the sprouting stage, when the root and leaves emerge from the seed. You won’t need light at this stage because it occurs under the soil, but you will need gentle warmth (not harsh heat). You can provide heat by using special heat mats.
When should I start my vegetable seeds?
As a general rule, seeds need to be started four to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Seed starting times are calculated by taking the date of the last frost and subtracting the days until transplant.
Can all vegetable seeds be started indoors?
Almost every seed can be started indoors, but people typically start long season crops, like eggplants, okra, tomatoes, broccoli and kale, indoors. Consider how much space you have indoors to house your started seeds and how you will nurture the seeds as they grow indoors. Keep your outdoor space in mind, too.
How long does it take for vegetable seeds to sprout indoors?
The best average temperature to grow your plants is 18 to 24’C (64 to 75’F). Usually it takes 1 to 2 weeks to germinate.
Should you water seeds right after planting?
Many seed starters cover the container to keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Once seeds sprout, do not miss a watering. Unlike established plants, seedlings do not have an extensive root system they can rely on for vital moisture. At the same time, it is important not to overwater and let seedlings sit in water.
How often should I water seedlings?
In most cases, seeds will germinate within three weeks (after that, try starting a new round of seeds). spot in your house (preferably a south-facing window). Continue to keep the mix moist, but not overly wet. Seedlings should be watered once a day or every other day, depending on how much sun and heat they get.
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.
What month should you start a garden?
For most crops, you should start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last spring frost date. In the Midwest, plant your seeds indoors in the middle to end of April. In the South, the last frost can occur as early as the beginning of February, so plant your indoor seedlines then.
How do you harden off seedlings?
To harden off your seedlings, gradually introduce them to the outdoors. It helps to store your seedlings in trays, at this point, to make transporting the plants easier. While inside, seedling stems haven’t been exposed to winds.
What vegetables should not be started indoors?
6 Plants You Should NEVER Start Indoors Root Crops. Root crops simply don’t transplant well. Squashes. Squashes (squash, zucchini, pumpkins) and cucumbers grow extremely fast and large. Corn. Corn typically doesn’t transplant well. Beans. Beans grow quickly as well. Peas. Peas are similar to beans. Cucumbers. Lettuce.
Should cucumbers be started indoors?
Cucumbers are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start cucumbers indoors 6 to 3 weeks before you plan to transplant them into the garden or direct sow seed in the garden 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed. Cucumbers mature 55 to 65 days after sowing.
Do seeds need light to germinate?
Most seeds germinate best under dark conditions and might even be inhibited by light (e.g., Phacelia and Allium spp.). However, some species (e.g., Begonia, Primula, Coleus) need light to germinate (Miles and Brown 2007).
Can you put seeds straight into soil?
Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results. Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.
Should seed trays have drainage holes?
Recycled Containers for Seed Sowing Old yoghurt pots are the ideal size for sowing small clusters of seeds or larger seeds individually. Before using them you will need to punch some drainage holes into the bottom.
How long can seedlings stay in trays?
Seedlings otherwise can become root-bound if not given adequate space for the roots. Typically, after sowing the seeds, the cell trays are used for around 3-4 weeks before transplanting occurs – whether it be to an outdoor plot or into a larger container.
Should I cover seeds with plastic wrap?
To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.
How deep should you plant a seed?
The rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth equal to two or three times their width. It is better to plant seeds too shallow than too deep. Some seeds, such as certain Lettuces or Snapdragon, need light to germinate and should not be covered at all.
How many hours of light do seeds need to germinate?
The most important thing to consider and deliver is adequate plant light. Seedlings need more light than full grown plants, ideally as much as 16-18 hours a day. Additional light may be required for seeds started during the winter months.
