Potting Mix - Use a
soilless potting mix as opposed to regular outdoor soil because it does not compact easy, or contain weed seeds or disease spores. Loosen and break apart the potting mix before placing into your containers; doing this will give you a constant level of moisture. Dampen the mixture so it is wet but not dripping and it has no lumps. Fill your containers two-thirds full and tap the container on the counter to settle the mix but do not pack it down.
Seeds and Markers - Now that your containers are ready you can start planting seeds. Always read the seed packet planting instructions first, because some seeds may need soaking or pre-chilling. If you are seedstarting with smaller seeds you can sprinkle them top of the potting mixture and the larger ones can be planted about 3 seeds to a container. All the seeds will not germinate and some that do may not survive; thinning out can be done later. All seeds, small and large, need to be in firm contact with the soil to germinate. Now you can cover the seeds with more potting mix but do it according to the seed packet label; smaller seeds do not need as much soil as the larger ones. Each one of your newly planted seed containers is going to need a marker so you know what has been planted. Make sure to water the newly planted seed containers.
Plastic Covers - Once planted and watered the containers are ready to be covered loosely with plastic. This creates the greenhouse effect of holding in moisture and heat. You can place a sheet of plastic over the top of the container or place the container itself into a plastic bag. Air circulation is also needed under the plastic so make sure the plastic is placed loosely on the container; if there is no air circulation you may end up with mold. Most seeds will germinate when the temperature is about 65 - 70 degrees F; it is best to move the containers to a draft free area that is warm and check them for moisture on a daily basis. Heating mats can also be used under the containers to heat the soil.
Water - While your seeds are still under plastic you are still going to need to check them daily for moisture. If any of the containers need to be rehydrated place them in a sink or basin with about 2 1/2 inches of warm water and let the soil soak up moisture from the bottom. If the surface is the only area that is dry just lift the plastic and lightly spray the surface with water. When you use heating mats your seedlings will need watering more often. You can remove the plastic covering once you see seedlings poke through the soil. Make sure the potting soil always stays moist but never wet.
Light Source - Once the seedlings come through the soil and the plastic has been removed is the time to move them to a light source. They are going to need anywhere from 12 to 18 hours of light every day. The rays from the winter sun and artificial light are not going to be as strong as the summer sun so the best way to give them long doses of light is by using
garden grow lights with the use of an automatic timer. You can still place the seedlings in a south facing window for part of the time and under the grow lights for the remainder. As long as you follow a few simple tips you will have success at
seedstarting a garden indoors.
