Seed starting is an exciting and rewarding way to begin your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing your plants from seed is an affordable and satisfying way to ensure that you have the exact plants you want in your garden. In this blog post, we will explore the steps to take when starting seeds, and some tips and tricks to ensure success.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start seeds, you will need some basic supplies, including:
- Seeds
- Wonder Soil Organic Seed Starting Wafers with Coco Coir Soil Mix
- Containers
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Labels or markers
Step 2: Choose Your Seeds
When choosing your seeds, consider what you would like to grow and the conditions in which those plants will thrive. Make sure to choose seeds that are appropriate for your climate and soil type.
Step 3: Prepare Your Containers
You can start seeds in almost any container as long as it has drainage holes. You can use seed-starting trays, cell packs, egg cartons, or even recycled containers like yogurt cups. Make sure to clean and sterilize your containers before use. Try out the Wonder Soil Sprout House which includes a container, transplantable cups for the seedlings and Organic Seed Starting Wafers.
Step 4: Fill Containers with Soil
Fill your containers with Organic Seed Starting Wafers/seed-starting soil mix, leaving a little space at the top. The soil should be moist but not soaking wet.
Step 5: Plant Your Seeds
Plant your seeds according to the package directions. The general rule of thumb is to plant the seeds twice as deep as their width. For larger seeds, you may need to make a small indentation in the soil to accommodate them.
Step 6: Water Your Seeds
After planting, water your seeds gently with a watering can or spray bottle. Make sure the soil is moist but not saturated. You can cover your containers with plastic wrap or a clear lid to keep the moisture in.
Step 7: Provide Light and Heat
Seeds need warmth and light to germinate. Place your containers in a warm location, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). You can also use a heat mat to provide warmth. Once the seeds have germinated, move them to a brightly lit location, such as a windowsill or under grow lights.
Step 8: Transplanting
Once your seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or into the ground. Make sure to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting them in the ground.
In conclusion, seed starting is an easy and affordable way to get a head start on your garden. By following these steps and providing the right conditions for your seeds to germinate, you will soon have healthy seedlings ready to be transplanted into your garden. Happy gardening!