Indoor Seed Starting at Home

Follow these simple step by step directions to start your seeds for growing transplants at home. To start seeds indoors you will need some basic equipment and supplies.

• Seeds
• Seed pan (or cell packs) with drain holes in the bottom
• A large mixing container
• Seed starter mix or peat moss based (soil-less) potting mix
• Vermiculite
• Spray bottle
• Plastic wrap
• Water

Dampen Soil or Seed Starter Mix First

All of your materials should be clean. Use fresh soil mix. Pre-moisten the soil mix with a small amount of tepid water. Use the larger container to mix the soil and water, stirring so the water is evenly distributed throughout. Dampen only enough soil for today’s planting.

How Much Soil to Use for Seed Starting

Fill the seed pan or cell packs with soil. Fill them to within a quarter to half inch of the rim, rapping the container on the table and pressing lightly to settle the soil. It should be firmly in place but do not pack it down hard.

How Deep to Plant Seeds

Plant your seeds. Plant shallow, do not shove them down deep. Tiny seeds can be sprinkled on the surface. Now spread a very thin layer of vermiculite over the soil surface, just enough to cover it completely.

How Far Apart to Plant Seed Spacing

Space the seeds about a half inch apart in the seed pan so you have space to handle them later when they are ready for transplanting to individual containers. If you use cell packs, plant just a few seeds per cell and space them out a little bit. Later, you will snip off all but one seedling per cell.

Water Newly Planted Seeds Once

Use the spray bottle to spritz the soil surface with water. Dampen it enough to settle the soil firmly over the seeds, but do not saturate it. The soil should be damp like a wrung out sponge, not sopping wet.

Plastic Wrap Keeps Soil Moist

Cover your pan or cell pack with plastic wrap. Fold it loosely down all around or secure it over the top with a rubber band. This will keep the soil evenly moist while the seeds germinate. Once the seeds begin to sprout, immediately remove the plastic wrap. Do not water the seeds unless the soil begins to dry out.

Temperature for Starting Seeds

Place the plastic covered seeds in a bright location but out of direct sun. A 70 to 75 degree room is a good temperature for starting most seeds. If your room is cooler, place the seeds up high near the ceiling where warm air rises – on top of the refrigerator or on a high shelf. Do not place your seeds above a fireplace or radiator as that will be too hot.

When the Seeds Come Up

Check every day for germination. When they start to come up or sprout, remove the plastic, move into very bright direct light and water as needed to keep the soil slightly damp. Congratulations, you’ve done it!

Happy Gardening!

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