Garden Dirt: Growing from Seed
by Ray Greenstreet
Starting seeds indoors is not difficult, but seeds have basic needs for good germination and healthy growth. This column runs through those basics to get you started growing. If you’re a first-time seed-starter, begin by learning with just three or four seed varieties. It doesn’t look like much, but each seed packet is capable of producing dozens of little seedlings.
Thoroughly moisten the growing medium with warm water, and fill your containers within 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the top. As for growing containers, seeds aren’t picky. Anything that will hold the growing medium will work. But it’s crucial to clean them and sterilize them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Make sure they have good drainage holes so excess water can drain away. An alternative option is to use pots that break down in the soil. You can plant them right in the garden and avoid disturbing the young plant’s roots.
Scatter the seeds on the soil surface or place individually into each growing cell. Don’t sow seeds too thickly. Read the seed packet for specific planting instructions. Use a mister or just drips of water to gently moisten the growing medium. Label each flat, row, or container so you can identify them later. Save the seed packet for reference.
At this stage seeds don’t need much light, but they do need gentle warmth to germinate. Set the containers on top of a refrigerator or dryer, or purchase special heating mats sold for this purpose.
Check the soil every day. It needs to be moist but not soggy – you don’t want the seeds to rot. Your seedlings will be much happier if you water them with room-temperature water rather than ice-cold tap water. If your water is chlorinated, fill some plastic jugs and leave to settle overnight so the chlorine dissipates. Don’t use water that has been through a water softener. The sodium may kill your seedlings.
Most young plants like a humidity level of 50 to 70 percent. If the air in your house is very dry, you can keep your seedlings happy by setting them in a waterproof tray filled with small stones and a small amount of water.
If you don’t have adequate natural light, you can purchase fluorescent “grow” lights at garden and home centers. If you are growing your seedlings on a windowsill, you may need to supplement with a few hours of artificial light, especially during the winter months.
Before you know it, you’ve got pots of baby plants. Now what?
Once your new plants develop a second set of leaves, they’ll need fertilization. Use a liquid fertilizer at half strength doses until they are three or four weeks old. After that, fertilize weekly according to the directions on the fertilizer package.
As the weather gets warmer, start “hardening off” your seedlings. At least one week before you plan to transplant your newly grown greens into the garden, take them outdoors for an hour or so each day, ideally on a protected porch. Gradually increase the amount of time outdoors. Be sure to protect them from too much wind and hot sun.
Gardeners are always eager, but if we’re have a cold spring, be patient. After weeks of nurturing your seedlings, you don’t want to lose them to a late frost! Happy and successful growing! And stay tuned for tips on growing your outdoor garden.