Beginner's Guide to Seed Planting

What You Will Need:

• Growing Medium

• Trays or Growing Containers

• Clear Plastic Lid or Cover

• Grow Light

• Oscillating Fan

Things to Remember

• Hardiness Zones

• Last Frost

• Seed Types

• Always consult the back of your seed packs if ever unsure

Planting:

Use a seedling medium mix not garden soil. Garden soil can carry pests and disease; you will want your seedlings to be established before moving them outside.

Moisten your potting mix and fill your tray to the top. Pack the soil into your trays gently, using your fingers. It should pack down significantly, repeat this process again until the soil is just under the edge of the tray.

Poke holes in the center of each cell pack/ container, you can use a pencil. Plant the seeds about 2-3 times deeper than the seeds diameter. Cover with potting mix. Try not to overload the tray, aim for 1-2 seeds per cell. It is never a guarantee that one seed will germinate.

REMEMBER to label your trays and each seed you have planted

Watering:

Bottom water your trays to avoid disrupting the seedling. Fill an outer tray with room temperature water and set seed cell packs inside. The potting mix will absorb the water, as soon as the top of the soil appears darker and saturated, remove the cell packs from the trays and let the remaining water drain. Try not to leave the cell packs sitting in the water for extended periods of time. Cover your seeds with a clear plastic lid to help with the germination process.

Germination:

This process can look different depending on the type of seeds and its growing conditions. Remember to check the backs of seed packs for specific instruction information. Generally, seed will germinate at room temperature.

There are a few tools you can use to increase the chances of your seeds germinating. Use a heat mat; set optimal temperatures especially if you are in a cooler environment.

As soon as seedlings emerge from the soil, remove any heat mats you are using and place them directly under grow lights. Keep your grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings and leave the lights in for approximately 16hrs a day, turning off at night. Keep an oscillating fan nearby to avoid issues like damping off. The air flow will help keep humidity and excess moisture down.

Transplanting:

Check on your plants roots occasionally. Once you can see roots on all sides of the cell you know you plant is established well! This process can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Leafy greens like lettuce and kale, only take 3-4 weeks. Taproot vegetables like carrots and parsnips are best direct sown into the soil. Keep plants indoors until the threat of frost has passed then transplant into your outdoor garden.