How to start seeds

How to start your own seeds

I really enjoy starting my vegetables and herbs from seed. Every time I see that first sprout coming up I feel like I am seeing a miracle. In a way it is. In just a couple of months that little sprout is a huge plant with tomatoes, squash etc... that we eat! It also is a good way to ensure I start with strong all organic plants. Not to say I don't sometimes end up with a problem here or there. I do start with organic seeds and I save all my own seeds that I can. Some things are harder to start from seed than others, in that case I buy plants from somewhere I trust. There are many online seed companies and stores to buy from. Seed catalogs and the packets usually have a lot of useful information on them. I have come across some that doesn't though and I find I refer to the pack or catalog too much to not have it there.

The reason we start the seeds inside or in a greenhouse is germination temperatures. By using heating pads and controlled room temperature we can accommodate the different temperatures needed.

What you need:

Seed starting kit, or peat pots, peat rounds or small sterile containers.

Seed starting mix for peat pots or containers.

Tray with lid. Heating pad. Fluorescent light.

First wet down the seed starting mix, I find it easier to get the mix wet then put it into the pots or rounds. If using peat rounds add water till expanded. Put rounds or pots into tray. Add seeds usually 2 or 3 in each. Barely cover with starting mix.

Place lid on tray. If seeds require a warmer temperature to germinate place tray on heating pad. I lay a thermometer on the heating pad to check for proper temperature and adjust if needed.

At first sight of growth crack lid to prevent mold and disease. Place tray under fluorescent light 2 inches above tray this will ensure string roots and prevent the plants getting to leggy. You want condensation on the lid. Always water into the bottom of the tray the water is drawn up so as not to disturb the seeds.

Once the seedlings touch the cover remove and keep adjusting the light to 2 inches above plants.

You can thin the seedlings now if needed or separate them carefully if called for that type.

When large enough transplant to larger containers, (just plant the peat pots and rounds, they are biodegradable.) or according to plant type right into the garden.

Here is more seed starting photos.

Here is a seed starting planner I find very helpful.

Fill in "Frost Free date" (date of last frost) Add or subtract "Safe to Set out date" write in "Setting out date" column. Then subtract "Weeks from Sowing" from that date and that is your "When to Start date"

Comments or Questions Email: desiree@growincrazyacres.com

All Photos are taken by us of our actual gardens etc. unless stated otherwise.