Ultimate Guide to Starting Seeds
This ultimate guide on starting seeds indoors and outdoors, the best seeds to grow, how to maintain your seedlings, and how to transplant them into the garden. With the right guidance, you will be able to start your own garden with ease and reap the benefits of homegrown produce.
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Ultimate Guide to Starting Seeds
From selecting the right seeds to properly caring for them, this guide will provide you with all the steps you need to start your own garden the right way.
Starting your own garden from seed is a great way to get the most out of your garden each year. You can save money, have a wider variety of plants to choose from, and ensure that you have all of the healthy, organic produce you desire!
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Selecting the Appropriate Seed Variety
Seeds are less expensive than purchasing starter plants. It is also an easy and rewarding project in which the whole family can be involved.
There are numerous factors to consider such as the environment, season, pest resistance, and yield.
I recently read a comment about if you are buying from a local company your plants are that much more likely to be successful and grow in your climate. It makes sense right?
You want to make sure you are picking seeds that will have enough time to grow and be harvestable. Plants that aren't too finicky about temperature or care are going to give you the best results.
Determining the Optimal Planting Time
Some of our favorite fruits and veggies, including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, melons, squashes, cabbage, kale, and broccoli, require a long growing season.
By starting your seeds indoors in late February through April (depending on your climate), you can get your plants off to a good start before the weather warms.
Talk to others who garden around to make sure you know exactly when you should be planting, especially if you are new to the area.
Understanding the Requirements for Germination
Although some seeds can remain viable for up to 10+ years, germination decreases as seeds age. Saved seeds from last year’s garden are an option if you have stored them in a cool, dry, dark location.
Seeds have different needs. And seeds from different companies can have different germination times as well. This is something you want to be careful of when planting. Know exactly when to expect plants to start popping up rather than think you have done something wrong.
When to Start Seeds Indoors for Spring Planting
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Resist the temptation to use your garden soil for your indoor seeds. Outdoor soil may introduce disease to your seeds, and it often doesn’t drain as well as a seed-starting mix. Choose a fresh sterile potting mix that is designed for seed starting.
Don't forget fertilizer or compost. Both are important through the growing season, but really important for seedlings. You want to have the best soil for healthy roots and stems.
Providing the Correct Amount of Water and Sunlight
This is so important! Without the right amount of sunlight and water, you will not have the garden you could have.
I understand that sometimes you cannot control things, like a drought, but let's think about what you need to start outside of a drought.
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