In today’s article, we will help you start seedlings indoors – so you can have them ready to move to your garden or fields as soon as the weather gets warm enough!
Seeds, soil, pots and lighting
First things first – make sure your seeds are fresh and your soil is sterile. The first will ensure best germination properties, while the second will ensure you don’t face issues like mold or diseases. You can sterilize your soil in the oven (1-inch layer of soil, 25 minutes, 200 degrees). Another thing to consider is soil nutrients – most seedlings need a lot of them to grow healthy!
Next pick your pots/trays – or opt for compressed soil blocks to save space and make transplanting easier. If you don’t have enough space to accommodate all the seedlings you’d like to germinate indoors, consider making a layered construction (you’ll need to make sure you have a good light source and rotate pots/trays regularly if it’s natural).
Another essential part of your setup is temperature – make sure it’s optimal for the plant you’re trying to start and make sure it’s consistent. Temperature changes may affect germination.
Put the seeds in
Now it’s time to put the seeds in! This process is similar to the one you would typically stick to outdoors. Don’t pack the soil so that the seedlings can breathe. Use sprayer cans to keep moisture levels good (but don’t overwater the soil to avoid mold!). Allow plenty of light to reach each pot or tray.
Some gardeners choose to snip the thin seedlings and retain only the best and biggest ones – this ensures you get healthy plants full of life.
Start seedlings in a napkin!
An exciting alternative is to germinate your seeds using paper napkins. Dampen the napkin (make sure it’s not soaking wet), spread the seeds on top and fold it over. If your seeds need light to germinate, don’t fold it. Put the napkin in a resealable pouch and wait until the seeds germinate. You can then move them to pots or directly in your garden. If the seedlings are stuck to the napkin, gently tear it in pieces (with one seedling per piece) and put it in the soil as it is.
When it’s time to transplant the seedlings be careful not to break them. Also, make sure you expose seedlings to their new environment gently to avoid transplant shock.
This method saves you space and time if you don’t want to sterilize your soil!
What are the best practices you stick to when you start seedlings indoors? Share your tips on our social media channels!
