How to Start a Garden from Seedlings Using Light

1. Always use good dirt! I do not use regular plain potting soil when starting seedling, it does not hold the water well. I use peat and perlite, first thing is to moisten the peat, usually one part perlite to 4 parts peat. Wet the peat, drain as much as possible and then stir in the perlite, I also add a little compost that is just store bought (usually cow manure for some added fertilization)

2. Plenty of water! I use pots that have small holes in the bottom or just poke a few in plastic container, then place the pots in a try that is filled on bottom with some water, so overwatering from top will drain out and if the plant needs water it will get from the bottom.

3. Use lots of light! Keep in mind you are trying to mimic the sun. You need lots and lots of light. I use 2 or 3 fluorescent lights hung or supported over one tray of seedlings, usually about 8 to 10 small potted plants. I like to leave the light on for a good 16-20 hours a day. I do not leave it on the plants 24 hours a day.

4. Keep them close to the lights! Again, you are mimicking the sun, which even from millions of miles way provides lots of light and heat. I try to keep the light fixtures no more than an inch away from the plants, if you have the light to far away from the plants they will grow taller to reach the light, but become spindly.

5. Plant when time is right! Research and read up on seedling to transplant times for each particular plant you have. Do not forget to make sure the danger of all frost is gone as it will ruin all the hard work you put in during the previous weeks.

This is a great way to really grow organic, you can control the growth of these plants from start to finish. No buying already started plants in the store that could have been sprayed with pesticides already! Also, you can use an automatic timer to work the lights but I prefer not to, for one if you don't pay attention and for some reason the time does not work, your plants get no light! Same with the light bulbs, if one goes out you may never know, and thirdly, it forces me to check on the plants and see if they need water or any other kind of care, with automatic lights I may go on about my business and forget to check on the health of the plants.