Seed Starting for Beginners: Extend the Life of Your Garden

Many new gardeners are intimidated by starting plants from seed. It doesn't have to be that difficult. Once you have tried it once or twice, you will be amazed at the benefits you will receive.

First of all, seed starting can save you a lot of money. Once package of seeds can can produce 10's to 100's of plants for only a few dollars, depending on the size of the seed. The cost of buying this many plants for your garden can easily cost hundreds of dollars.

Second, seed starting can get you a head start on the growing season. Some regions have short growing seasons because of their colder climates. As a result, some plants may not have time to come to flower or fruit unless they are started early. Seed starting is a great way to extend the growing season.

Third, you will have more control on the condition of your plants. You will have full control over the environment and organic nutrients, which will determine the overall health of your plants. A good start from a seedling can yield an over-abundant garden.

Fourth, you can have more variety in your garden. Nurseries do not always carry a huge variety of vegetable or flower plants. Seed starting is a great way to introduce new varieties to your landscape.

Planning

The first step to successful seed starting is the planning stage. For this, it is recommended that you keep a journal. This will help you from season to season, year to year, to know what worked for you and what didn't. It is easier to pick up on any mistakes when you have a written record.

Start by finding out when the average last frost date is for your area. Make a note of it in your journal. You can find this date in the Farmer's Almanac, your weather man, or on the Internet. This date will determine when you plant your seeds. Then, check your seed packets. They should have planting guidelines, which recommends when you should plant. Take the average frost dates and count backwards the recommended number of weeks. This is when you should start your seeds.

Now you are ready to get your containers. You can use the commercial flats and cell packs like you find at the nursery, but this isn't necessary. You can use recycled household items like egg cartons, yogurt containers or aluminum pans. What ever you choose to plant in, they should be clean and about 2 1/2 - 3 inches tall. It should also have drainage holes poked in the bottom.

Preparing Your Soil

Seeds need a light soil to thrive. Soil from your yard or garden is generally too heavy to start seeds. After a few waterings, the soil can harden and make it difficult for the roots to push through. For these reasons, a potting mix is recommended. You can use pre-made potting soils. There are some excellent mixes made just for seed starting. Or, you can choose to make your own. This is easily done by mixing one part sphagnum moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite.

After you have your potting mix, wet it down throughout. It should be moist, not dripping wet. Add a little at a time and mix it well. You will know that it is at the proper level when you can squeeze a handful and only a little water comes out.

Now you are ready to fill your containers. Fill them to the top. Tap them on a table to level out the soil and to remove air pockets.

Next, you can plant your seeds. Each seed packet will have instructions on how deeply to plant your seeds. Follow these instructions carefully.

Temperature

Just because the seeds are planted, doesn't mean your job is done. Seeds need to be warm to germinate. This should be between 75 and 90 degrees. Good places would be on top of your fridge, heating vents, or near the stove. If these places are not convenient, you can use heat mats underneath your container. They are inexpensive and found at garden supply shops and catalogs.

While the seeds are germinating, it is important that you do not put them on windowsills. This can cause them to become too hot during the day, and too cold at night. The temperature should be consistent.

After the seeds have germinated (sprouted), they don't need the temperature as warm. 65 to 75 degrees is fine. This will slow down the plant's growth and make it stronger. If you keep it too warm, your seedling will grow too fast and look stringy. These leggy plants do not fare well in the garden.

The Right Moisture Level

After you plant your seeds, it is important that you keep the soil moist. Be careful that you do not water too much, or the seeds may not germinate and become water-logged. A good way to prevent this is to use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine spray and mist the surface regularly.

It is important to note that tap water contains chlorine, as most people know. Because of this, if you water with tap water, you should let it stand at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Chlorine is toxic to plants. Also, room temperature water is best. Water that is too hot or too cold can interrupt the germination process.

Once your seeds have sprouted and are at least 2 to 3 inches tall, they won't need as much water. It is a good idea to let the top layer of the potting mix dry out (about 1/2 inch) between waterings. This will help discourage root rot.

Lighting for Your Seeds

Seeds actually don't need light. Seedlings, on the other hand, do. Seedlings require at least 12-14 hours of direct sunlight. Since it is difficult to get that much sunlight from a window, fluorescent lights are a good substitute. The light is consistent and you control how much light your seedlings will get. The light should be placed directly overhead, about 6 inches above the plants. These lights are inexpensive and can be purchased at home improvement, department and garden supply stores.

Feeding Your Seeds

Seeds don't need food either. Seedlings do.Each seed has a built-in supply of food that it uses to help it germinate. After germination, the seedling has used up all of these nutrients. It is then that you should feed them. Do not use full strength fertilizer, however. Your seedlings are not ready for this yet. Use only about half of a normal dose. This should be done shortly after germination.

Thinning Out the Seedlings

Seedlings should be thinned out after they develop their first set of "true leaves". The true leaves are actually the second set that your seedling develops. Once they reach this stage, they need a little more room to grow. You will need to prepare more containers for your seedlings. Fill them with your potting mix and make holes for your seedlings (at least 2-3 inches apart). Now you are ready to thin them.

Thinning your seedlings is not difficult, but it does take a little time and patience. Handle them gently, since their roots are delicate. Avoid plucking or tugging on them, and do not handle the roots directly if you can. Handle only by the leaves to prevent damage.

To do this, take a small section of seedlings at a time. Gently grab the seedling by the leaves and shake it loose from the others. This takes time. Be patient. You are looking for only the best and strongest plants. Don't worry, you will have more than enough, so do not feel bad if you have to discard several. Look for sturdy roots and stems.

Once you have selected your strongest seedlings, plant them in the new container. The hole should be deep enough to plant the seedling up to it's first set of leaves (not the true leaves). Gently pack the soil around the roots and stem and gently water.

New gardeners tend to panic at this point. The seedling can start to look a little withered and sick after being moved the first time. Don't worry. Your seedlings are going through transplant shock. Every time a plant is moved it will experience this. Wait it out (it may take several hours) and your seedlings will bounce back.

Hardening Off

As the average last frost date approaches, you should be getting your plants ready to move outdoors. This is the transition stage known as hardening off. Your plants have been sheltered since birth, and will be unable to handle the outdoors if you do not prepare them first.

A week to two weeks before planting, start your transition. At the start, for 1-2 hours per day, take them outside. Find a spot that is sheltered from wind and extreme heat. Your plants are still tender at this point. Make note of their progress day by day. If they are tolerating 1-2 hours well, increase gradually until the planting day. When your plants are outdoors, they will dry out faster. Be sure to keep an eye on the moisture levels.

Transplanting to Your Garden

Once the average frost date arrives, you are ready to plant! As long as Mother Nature cooperates, that is. Try to plant in late afternoon or on a cloudy day. This will help minimize transplant shock for your seedlings. Remember, the roots are still tender now, so only handle them by the stem. Dig your hole deep enough to cover the stem up to the first set of true leaves. Pack the soil around it to be sure there is good contact between the soil and the root and stem.

Though it takes a little time, effort and planning, seed starting is a rewarding way to begin your garden. While the snow is still on the ground, you can have the satisfaction of knowing your garden has already begun.