Wether you are making plans for your fall garden or for next season, these are a few important points for starting seeds indoors. For information about when you should actually plant your seeds indoors consult your seed packets for the days to maturity. Using this value you will want to count backwards from when you want to harvest your crops. To see an example of how to keep track of your seeds timetable check out our “When Should You Start Your Seeds Indoors?” article.
Most seeds benefit from a good long soak before planting. This increases germination rate and decreases germination time. Check your seed planting instructions to see if your seeds will benefit from this step.
Seeds can be started in very small containers and later moved to larger ones, or transplanted outside. You can use one of our seed starter kits, cardboard egg cartons, tray inserts, or reused (clean) soft plastic nursery pots.
Use a good sterile seed starting mix that is retains moisture and is lightweight. Our Jiffy-7 Peat Pellets, coconut coir netted pellets, or Minute Soil+ are great options. Make sure to get the soil damp before planting your seeds.
Seeds need a lot of light to grow, as much as 16-18 hours per day for some plants. If the light from your window isn’t going to provide what your seeds need, consider artificial lights to supplement. Put the lights about 12-30 inches above your container and move them up as the seedlings grow.
Most plant starts do best when the soil temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees F. Consider using heating mats or simply keep the plants in a warm part of your house. After germination you will usually want to keep the temperatures about 10 degrees cooler.
The seedlings need consistent watering to thrive. Avoid watering on the leaves, but rather directly on the surface of the soil. The soil should be the consistency of a damp sponge. If the plant isn’t getting enough water, it will start to wilt.
When the weather starts getting warmer outside (above 45 degrees) you may be tempted to put your baby plants in the ground or simply leave them on the porch. It is important to gradually introduce your plants to the outdoors. This process is called hardening off. Start by bringing the plants outdoors for 1 hour on the first day, then bring them back indoors. Increase the time outdoors slowly until they are spending most or even all of the day outside before you transplant. Plan ahead so you are not rushing this important step. Otherwise, your plant starts may die, be stunted, or otherwise suffer.
When your plants are strong enough and have been sufficiently hardened off and it is safe to plant your plants outdoors (according to your seeds’ planting instructions), you are ready to transplant. Make sure your garden soil is well prepared and you have amended your soil if needed. Make the hole in your garden space and carefully remove your plant with its soil from the transplant container. Gently break up any roots balls that may have formed and put it in the hole. Water thoroughly.
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