Starting Seeds in Early Spring
Purchasing a simple seed starter tray to germinate seeds for your garden early in the year can be a great way to boost your vegetation growth to ensure a bountiful harvest later in the season. A few of the durable starter tray kits that I have used are listed below:
- Park Seed BioDome Seed Starter Tray - This grow kit provides a water reserve below the seed tray that allows the roots of your seeds to grow down through the seed pods to aid the transplanting process. Although it is sold with a 60-cell, 40-cell and 18-cell seed planting blocks, my preference is the 40-cell because that size accommodates both small and large seeds.
- Growfriend Seed Starter Tray - Great option for an all-in-one grow kit with a heat mat, lights and grow tray
- Verdenu Seed Starter Trays - 10 pack of small, simple seed starter trays, perfect size to organize a variety of seedling starts.
- Best Seed Starter Trays with Lights - Amazon's best selling seed starter kits
The following step-by-step guide will help you successfully start your seeds indoors:
- Select Your Seeds: Choose the vegetables, herbs, or flowers you want to grow in your garden. Consider your climate, the amount of sunlight your garden receives, and the space you have available when selecting your seeds.
- Gather Supplies: You'll need containers for planting, seed-starting mix, seeds, labels, a watering can or spray bottle, and starter trays to hold the containers. To prevent the spread of disease, make sure all your supplies are clean and sterile. A good way to organize your garden tools and supplies is with a compact foldable garden bench or foldable garden tool kit bag.
- Prepare Your Containers: Fill your containers with a high-quality seed-starting mix. This mix is specifically formulated to provide the nutrients and aeration necessary for seeds to germinate and grow. Moisten the mix slightly before planting seeds.
- Plant Your Seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for proper planting depth and spacing. A handy garden tool set can be helpful in preparing your soil. Then you can use your finger or a pencil to create small holes in the soil, place the seeds in the holes, and cover them lightly with soil. Plant one or two seeds per container to ensure germination success.
- Label Your Containers: It's crucial to label each container with the type of seed you planted and the date it was planted. This will help you keep track of your plants' progress and identify them once they start growing.
- Provide Optimal Conditions: Place your seed trays in a warm, sunny location, such as a windowsill or under grow lights or you can also use a heat mat with a thermostat controller with grow lights to improve your soil temperatures. Most seeds require temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by watering gently whenever the surface feels dry.
- Monitor Growth: Humidity domes can be a great way to maintain heat and soil moisture while your seeds are sprouting. Check your seeds daily for signs of germination. Once they sprout, remove any coverings you used to maintain humidity and ensure proper air circulation around the seedlings.
- Transplant Seedlings: Once your seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they're ready to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting to minimize transplant shock.
By following these steps, you can successfully start seeds indoors in early spring and enjoy a productive and thriving garden throughout the growing season. Remember to be patient and attentive to your seedlings' needs, and you'll be rewarded with healthy, vibrant plants ready for the garden.