Seed starting is an essential skill for budding gardeners to learn. Not only does it provide a direct line of control from soil to table, starting your own seeds is much cheaper than buying seedlings, and allows you to try cultivars the big box stores won’t have. However, for those seeds to sprout and thrive, you need more than just optimism – you need knowledge and care. This quick and easy guide is designed to provide simple seed starting tricks to help you grow whatever you like from seed in a step by step process.
Pre-germinating Seeds
Before your seeds even touch the soil, consider pre-germination. It’s a simple process of initiating the sprouting of seeds before planting them. To do this, you’ll need a sterile paper towel or cotton wool, a sealable plastic bag, and water.
The How of Pre-germination
Take a small piece of paper towel or cotton wool, moisten it but wring out as much water as possible. Lay the seeds down, allowing space between each seed, then fold the sheet over to cover them. Place this in a plastic bag and seal it (you want to create a greenhouse effect, not a swamp). Store the bag in a warm, dark spot and check daily for germination – be prepared to move them to soil as soon as the first root tip appears.
Why Pre-germinate?
Pre-germinating seeds can speed up the initial stages of growth, helping you to notice and discard any non-viable seeds early on. It can also provide a head start on the growing season where time is of the essence.
Pre-treating Seeds for Success
Some seeds have hard coats that germinate slowly or need stratification, which involves mimicking the conditions that seeds experience in nature.
Faster Germination with Heat
Seeds that benefit from warmth include peppers, aubergine, and tomatoes. Placing these seeds on a heat mat set to the appropriate temperature can help to break seed dormancy and stimulate germination.
Cold Stratification for Hardy Seeds
Plants that are native to colder climates often need a period of cold stratification to germinate. Store these seeds in a moist, chilled environment for the recommended amount of time for your species.
Pre-soaking Seeds
Pre-soaking seeds can help to soften hard outer coats and speed up the germination process. However, be careful not to soak them for too long as they can become waterlogged and drown before they have a chance to sprout. It’s best to follow the specific instructions for each type of seed you are planting.
Scarification of Seeds
Scarification is the process of breaking or scratching the hard outer coat of a seed to help it germinate. This method can be useful for seeds with extremely hard coatings. You can use sandpaper, a file, or even boiling water to scarify seeds before planting.
Use of Suitable Medium
Selecting the right growing medium is vital for seed starting. Whether it’s soil or a soilless mix, it needs to be light, sterile, retain moisture, and be fine enough for tender roots to easily grow through.
Homemade vs. Commercial Mixes
Homemade mixes can consist of combinations of sterilized garden soil, peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. Commercial mixes often contain a blend of these as well but ensure that they are labeled for seed starting, as regular potting soil can be too heavy.
Optimal Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity is crucial for seed germination and early growth.
Creating the Right Atmosphere
Use clear plastic domes to create a mini greenhouse effect, keeping humidity levels high. You can also employ the ‘baggy method’ – simply place your pots or trays inside clear plastic bags and mist it gently every day. Using domes or plastic bags also helps to regulate temperature.
Investing in a Seed Starting Kit
For more controlled conditions, consider investing in a seed starting kit that comes with adjustable vents and heating mats to ensure optimal temperature and humidity levels for your seeds.
Light Requirements
Seeds don’t require light until they start producing leaves during germination. Once the true leaves have formed, they require around 14-16 hours of light per day.
Natural Light
A south-facing window with plenty of sunshine is ideal for seed starting. You may need to rotate your trays regularly to ensure even growth.
Artificial Lights
If natural light isn’t an option, you can use artificial lights like fluorescent or LED grow lights. These should be placed close to
The Art of Heat and Light
Warmth is equally important, especially for tropical plants. If your home lacks a sunny windowsill, invest in grow lights. Ensure the light is kept close enough to be effective but far enough away to prevent overheating.
Heating mats are an essential tool for seed starting, particularly for plants that require a warm soil temperature to germinate effectively. These mats gently warm the soil, helping to ensure a consistent soil temperature that can be crucial for the germination of more temperature-sensitive seeds. When using heating mats, it’s important to monitor the soil temperature regularly to avoid overheating the seeds, which can inhibit germination or harm the seedlings.
Watering Wisdom
Too much water can cause seeds to rot, whereas too little can stop germination. Strive for consistency and moderation.
Moist But Not Drenched
Check the moisture level by gently pressing a finger into the medium. If it’s moist, it’s good. If it feels cool or the soil is clinging to your finger, hold off on watering. Aim for consistent, light moisture, using a mister if necessary.
Bottoms Up
Bottom watering can be an excellent way to keep surface seedlings from getting too wet. Simply pour water into a tray below the seed trays, and the medium will soak it up from the bottom.
Symptoms of overwatering or under-watering in your seedlings include things such as wilting leaves or yellowing of the plant. Adjust watering accordingly to ensure healthy growth.
To Fertilize or Not
When it comes to fertilization, young seedlings are like newborns; they require delicate care and the right nutrients at the right time. Initially, your seedlings will thrive on the energy stored in the seed itself. Once true leaves appear, a light application of a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer can promote healthy growth.
However, be cautious — over-fertilization can overwhelm your seedlings with nutrients, potentially causing more harm than good. It’s a balance of providing enough to support growth while not inundating the plants with unnecessary extras.
Labeling and Organization
With seedlings of different types and speeds of growth, organization is vital.
Stay On Track
Mark each tray or pot with the date and the type of seeds, or you might find yourself stumped later on with mystery plants. Create a system of organization that works for you, whether you use spreadsheets or a trusty notebook.
Hardening Off Seedlings
Hardening off is the process of acclimatizing indoor-grown seedlings to the rigors of the outdoors.
Gently Does It
Begin by placing seedlings outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and wind over a period of a week or two. This allows the plants to grow tougher tissues to handle the elements.
Troubleshooting 101
Like any gardener, you’ll encounter challenges along the way.
The Damping Off Dilemma
This fungal disease affects seedlings and can cause them to keel over at the stem. Keep your seedlings in a bright, airy space, not too close together, and water from the bottom to avoid creating excessively damp conditions.
Pests & Invaders
Another common issue that can hinder the growth of your seedlings is the invasion of pests. These unwelcome visitors, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, can quickly become a problem if not addressed early. Regular inspection of your seedlings for any signs of pest infestation is crucial.
Mending Mistakes
If you do run into an issue, don’t panic. Try to diagnose the problem by observing symptoms. Adjusting the watering schedule, lighting placement, or heat conditions can often revive struggling seedlings.
Conclusion
By employing the pre-germination techniques, using the right medium and environmental controls, and properly managing watering and lighting, your seed starting endeavors will yield strong, healthy plants ready to conquer the garden. Remember, every seasoned gardener was once a novice, and every garden grows from a single seed – so have patience, stay vigilant, and enjoy the process of fostering new life.