Learning how to start seeds indoors isn’t hard, follow these simple steps to ensure your seeds get a good start so they can become strong plants. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to save money in your garden and get the varieties you want!
Seedling Pots or Traysdivided trays, not one large area
Seedling Heat Mats
Grow Lights
Instructions
In your seedling pots or divided trays, place about 1 inch of peat moss.
Add your moisture control potting soil to the pots or trays so it is about 1/4 inch from the top.
Without the seeds in the pots, water in the soil until evenly moist.
Gently press 2 seeds of your choice into the soil and cover. Do not bury them deeper than 1/8 inch.
Sprinkle a thin layer of Vermiculite over the top of the top of the soil.
Place seedling pots or trays on the seedling heat mats.
Place seedlings under a grow light if your seed starting area recieves less than 12 hours of sunlight a day.
Keep them watered and moist until you see your seedlings spout.
If possible, water them from the bottom by setting them in a tray filled with 2 inches of water once sprouted. This will help avoid soil rot and mold.
Once seedlings are ready to be moved outside, harden them off by placing them outside for a few hours, then bringing them back in, and repeating that process for about a week, graudally lengthening the time each day until you can extend the time to over 8 hours.
DO NOT be tempted to plant your seedlings without hardening them off or before your last frost date. They will thrive much better when you set them up for success.