Want a quick cheatsheet for seed starting success? This is it. Grouping seed success tips together in easy viewing format. Followed by links to in-depth articles, if you want to know more.
Containers
- Keep them clean and sterile.
- Choose the type best for your needs: pots, cell packs, trays, jiffy pellets, soil blocks.
- Ensure good drainage
Soil Medium
- Use sterile potting soil mix for indoor seed starting.
- Special mix for seed starting is best
- Hoe and rake outdoor soil to a fine tilth for planting in situ.
Planting Instructions
- Research and make notes about plant needs
- Follow information on the seed packet; save for future use.
- Give plants what they need: germination needs (exposure to light or period of darkness)
- Soak and/or nick hard-coated seeds like sweet pea and morning glory.
- Be sure the temperatures are ideal for type of seeds. Some require a cold period, others need warm soil temperature. Note this for your seeds.
List of vegetable seeds which need warm soil
- tomatoes
- peppers
- beans
- melons
- squash
- eggplant
- okra
- pumpkins
Minimum Temperatures for cool crops
- 35° F: lettuce, onion, parsnip, spinach.
- 40°F:beet, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, collards, Asian greens, Chinese cabbage, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, arugula, radish, Swiss chard, turnip, pea, radish, rutabaga.
- 50°F:asparagus, celery, celeriac, corn, tomato.
- 60°F:bean, cucumber, eggplant, muskmelon, pepper, pumpkin, squash, watermelon.
Top Tips For Seedlings
- Don't plant seeds too deeply or in soil that's too damp or too cold
- Transplant using a dibble, never grab by the leaves or break the tender stem.
- Give enough light to prevent legginess.
