So, you have packets of vegetable seeds.Now what?In this lesson, we’ll walk through the steps to planting and sprouting yourveggie patch.
The first thing you will need is a container to use as a seed tray. You can purchase seed trayslike these…
… or you canrepurpose household items. A few optionsincludeyogurt containers, K-Cups, or clamshell plastic containers that many berries come in. Just be sure you remove the seedling from the container before transplanting!
With the yogurt and K-Cups, make sure you make holes in the bottoms for drainage.
You could also use items that would besimilar toa peat pot,such as cardboard egg cartons and paper towel or toilet paper rolls.
The important thing is to have a container that is food safe, has good drainage, and is around 2 inches in depth to give the seedling room to grow.
The next thing you will need is some soil. Now,you can getaspecific seed starting mix, butapotting mix will work as well. The important thing isthat the soil is well-draining and sterile.The soil from your garden or backyard may not be ideal for this, even if it is well-draining.You do not want anything in the soil, like diseases, that could hinder seed germination.
Once you’ve added your soil to your container, moisten it. Don’toverwater it to the point where it is muddy. You just want it to be wet throughout. Now, you can plantyour seeds.Consult the back of the seed packet to get some helpfulinformation, such as when you can plant it in your area. You can also follow a planting guide suchasthis one.Also,on the back of the packet you will find the planting depth. If you havedon’t have the packet,a good rule of thumb is to plant the seeds at a depth equal to twice their width or diameter (depending on seed shape).
A pencil is a handy tool to make a hole and determine the correct depth.You can measure the point of the pencil ahead of time to denote a quarter or half inch.
Place your seeds in the hole and bury them. Usually,you want to plant two or three seeds per hole because not every seed will germinate. The packet your seeds came in will also let you know approximately how long it will take for them to germinate.
Makesure you label the container with thedate and thename of what you planted. This will allow youeasily track your seedlings. Finally, place your seed tray in asunnylocation.The lightisn’timportant until the seeds germinate. Oncethey do,if the sun is out of reach, they will grow toward it, creating stretched out, leggy seedlings that will be weaker thanthey would be if grown in full light.Remember tokeep the planting medium dampwhile youwait for yourseeds to sprout.Whenthe plants emerge, they’ll have their first leaves, called cotyledons, that appear after germination.You will want to wait for true leaves to start growing before you transplant your seedlings to the ground or a larger container.
FAQs
It's much easier in the warm, brighter days of late spring and early summer. Even mid-summer or early autumn is not too late to start. There is, of course, nothing wrong with starting seeds in early spring; just bear in mind that it does get easier later in the year.
What is the first thing to grow out of the seed? ›
In botany, the radicle is the first part of a seedling (a growing plant embryo) to emerge from the seed during the process of germination. The radicle is the embryonic root of the plant and grows downward in the soil.
Should I wet potting soil before planting seeds? ›
Tip #1: Preparing your soil.
Before you put your potting mix in the container where you will be germinating seeds, put the mix in a large bowl and add hot water.
Is it better to start seeds in potting soil or garden soil? ›
Seed starting mix is ideal for germinating seeds and nurturing delicate seedlings, while potting soil is better suited for established plants that require more nutrients for growth and development. Sometimes, you may need to modify your soil mix to better suit your plants' needs.
Can you put seeds straight into potting mix? ›
Potting mix can be used to start seeds but the larger particle size, for example chunks of pine bark, can make sowing small seeds difficult. Large particles can also prevent roots and shoots developing straight and true.
What is the best container for starting seeds? ›
Almost any clean container may be used for seed starting provided it allows for good drainage and is at least 2” deep. Save money by reusing cottage cheese and yogurt containers, milk cartons, aluminum pans, and clear clamshells from the produce department or deli.
How many seeds to plant per container? ›
Usually, you want to plant two or three seeds per hole because not every seed will germinate. The packet your seeds came in will also let you know approximately how long it will take for them to germinate. Make sure you label the container with the date and the name of what you planted.
Should you water seeds right after planting? ›
Moisture Matters – After planting, water seeds with a gentle mist or shower. Avoid using a strong splash or spray, which can dislodge seeds. It is vital to keep soil consistently moist. In a sunny spot, this may mean watering twice a day.
How to speed seed germination? ›
Pre-Soaking.
This method could be the fastest way to germinate seeds. Place seeds in a shallow container in warm water and leave them for 16 to 24 hours (smaller for 16, bigger for 24).
Can you start seeds in 5 gallon buckets? ›
You want a high yield, so 2 seed potatoes per 5 gallon bucket is perfect. Once you have them in the bucket, add about 2 more inches of soil to completely cover the potatoes. Two weeks later, you will see the magic happen.
Recycled Food Containers
Clear plastic fruit trays in which strawberries and other fruits are packaged at the grocery store can be used for germinating seeds.
What month should I start planting my seeds? ›
The best time to start seeds indoors is typically late March through late May. If you live in a warmer growing zone, though, when to plant seeds may be earlier for you.
Do you have to start seeds in small containers? ›
Use wide, flat containers to avoid overcrowding
Plastic pots or containers are preferable to clay pots when starting seeds, as they retain moisture more consistently. Wide, shallow containers prevent both overcrowding of seedlings and excessive moisture around fragile, young roots.
What size container do I need to start seeds? ›
For standard sized plants like lettuce, I find that 2.25" square pots offer a nice balance of rooting size in a compact space. For larger plants like tomatoes, you can easily upgrade to 1 quart pots, allowing the plants to stretch out nicely. You can also select pots that have a more depth for better root systems.
