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How to Start Plants From Seed
If you have ever considered planting seeds, then this beginner's guide is for you. It will answer your questions about why you should plant seeds and how to get started. It will also show you how to choose the right container, soil mix and how to plant the seeds. Growing seeds is very easy to do. Read more to learn how to get started today!
Why Start From Seed?
Starting seeds yourself takes a little bit more work than buying young plants from a garden center. However, there are many reasons to grow seeds. These reasons include:
- It's less expensive than buying young plants,
- You have a larger selection to choose from, and
- It's very satisfying to see a plant grow knowing that you started it
Starting Seeds For The First Time
If you are planting seeds for the very first time, start simple and with only a few different types of plants. Some seeds are easier to grow then others because they are quick to germinate and will grow with very little care from you. Read the label of the seed packet to check how long the germination period is and if the seedlings will require any kind of special care while they germinate.
Once the plants and your confidence have grown, then you can start planting and growing more difficult seeds.
Choose A Container
Seeds can be started from any kind of container, as long as it meets the following two conditions to ensure the seeds can grow. The first condition is that the container must be at least 2 to 3 inches deep. The second condition is that the container must have drainage holes so that the soil does not become water logged.
Usually seeds are started in smaller containers or flats and transplanted to larger containers or a garden once they start to grow. A "flat" is a type of container that has rows of individual pots all linked together. The flat usually has a clear plastic lid that goes over the bottom tray, which helps to lock in the moisture and humidity that seeds love. If you start seeds in a flat, it is important to separate the seedlings when they are young to individual pots so that they will have enough room to grow big and strong.
Planting The Seedlings
Before planting the seeds, you will need to prepare the soil to put in the containers. You should use a soil mixture of compost, moss and regular garden soil. This mixture will give the plants nutrients, help to retain moisture better, and it will help to avoid disease and insect problems that can arise when only garden soil is used. As well, the soil should be moistened before any seeds are placed in it.
Fill the seedling container or flat with soil to about 1/2 inch from the top. Next, read the seed packet and follow the directions it gives. Some seeds need to be pre-chilled, pre-soaked or kept at a certain temperature. As well, the packet will tell you how deep to plant the seed, if it needs to be covered by soil and what the light and water requirements are to ensure that the seed will germinate.
After the seeds have been planted, use a gentle mist of water to help the seeds get started. Finally, label the rows or containers with the date and the name of the plant. This way you will know which seeds are growing in which containers.
