Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: General seed starting
We cold climate gardeners are an optimistic bunch! I often call us Extreme Gardeners. Some have already started seeds indoors. Be aware of HOW early you start some seeds. Right now (early March) you’ll plant seeds that take a long time to germinate. Check the info below!
What you need:
- a place to put your seedlings! Sunny window? Basement with artificial light?
- sterile containers or peat pots or those peat pellets
- soil-less seed starting mix (this is important – get the good stuff such as Dr. Earth, Black Gold, Espoma)
- light (I used an old shop light on a pulley system)
- heating mat
- fan
- seeds! Germination rates of seed companies is important. Good ones include Renees Garden, Lake Valley, Sandia and Livingstone.
- Check out this comprehensive article about Seed Starting by the University of Minnesota Extension including timing. Adjust timing for your climate!
- Check out Gertens for a look at the best supplies
Bottom heat will help your seeds germinate and will also help prevent Damping Off.
Once your seeds sprout, they’ll need light. Always check out your seed packet for information on germination, soil and light conditions. Generally speaking, your seedlings will need anything from 12 to 16 hours a day. Tomatoes and peppers are a good example of 16 hour a day lighting. Keep the light about 6 inches from the top of the seedlings (thus the pulley system).
Letting a fan gently blow across your seedlings will help strengthen their stems. Leave the fan on for about an hour a day.
Because my current home isn’t set up well for indoor seed starting, I’ll be starting things outdoors in a month…
