1. Keep records to allow for better planning

Seedstarting often has an overlooked aspect of plant propagation is the art of record keeping. Whether you are producing a few plants for your home flower and vegetable gardens or working at a larger-scale nursery, developing a propagation journal will prove indispensable. It is also a good idea to keep track of where you purchase your seeds, as their quality and reliability may vary by source.

2. Store seed properly to maintain viability

Seeds are a fragile commodity and their viability will sharply decline. While some seeds may survive for thousands of years under the proper conditions, others will not, even when properly stored. To maintain dormancy, keep seeds in a cool, dark location with low humidity, like a refrigerator. It is recommended that you label them (seed name, source, and year) and store them in a small reclosable bag or used film canister that is, in turn, kept in a larger plastic container. Once you are ready to sow, you can test the viability of many of the seeds, but not all of them, by soaking them in water for a few hours. The seeds that sink to the bottom are generally still alive, while the dead ones will float on top. This test generally works better for larger seeds.

3. Use wide, flat containers to avoid overcrowding

Plastic pots or containers are preferable to clay pots when starting seeds, as they retain moisture evenly. Wide, shallow containers prevent both overcrowding and excessive moisture around the young roots. Recycled plastic containers, such as yogurt or margarine tubs, work well, too, provided you've poked holes in the bottom for drainage. No matter what type of container you use, it must be clean. To sanitize a container, soak it in a 10 percent bleach solution for 15 minutes and let it air dry.

4. Tamp seeds down to make direct contact with the soil

Very small seeds and those that require light to germinate should lie directly on the surface. Whether covered with planting medium or not, each seed must be in firm contact with the moist surface to begin germinating. You can use the bottom of a glass to gently tamp down the surface.

5. Prevent disease by providing air flow and drainage

The fungal infection is usually caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation. However, there are a few cultural techniques that will help to keep fungal agents at bay. After covering the seeds with planting mix and tamping them down, spread a thin layer of 50 percent milled sphagnum and 50 percent starter chicken grit over the surface to keep the soil around the emerging shoots dry and provide an inhospitable environment for pathogens. To promote good air circulation, place a small fan near your seedlings. Keep the fan on low and direct it to blow across the containers at the soil level where air may become trapped and stagnant.

6. Cover trays with plastic wrap to keep the moisture level constant

Securing plastic wrap over the surface of a freshly sown seed pot can help to keep the moisture level constant. However, the pot must still be checked daily for moisture and germination. If you find that you need to rehydrate your seed container, place the entire pot in a basin with 2 to 3 inches of warm water and allow the planting medium to wick moisture from the bottom. If the surface is the only part dry, lift the plastic covering and spritz the surface with water from a spray bottle. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap.

7. Keep seeds warm to encourage germination

Most seeds require temperatures of 65° to 75°F to germinate. Placing seed containers near an existing heater or using a space heater with the proper precautions can raise the ambient temperature as needed. When using any additional heat source, be sure to check for moisture often, since the seed containers may dry out more quickly.

8. Turn seedlings daily to keep stems strong

Most seeds will not germinate without sunlight and will perform best with 12 to 16 hours each day. While indoors, place seed containers in a sunny, south-facing window and give the container a quarter turn each day to prevent the seedlings from overreaching toward the light and developing weak, elongated stems. Also, gently brush the palm of your hand against the tops of the seedlings to encourage strong stem growth.

9. Feed them well

Proper nutrition at a consistent rate will keep your seedlings growing strong. As the shoot emerges from the soil and the true leaves develop, the initial nutrients supplied by the endosperm will be depleted and supplemental fertilization is then required. Most seed-starting mixes contain a small nutrient charge to help make this transition while not burning the developing roots. However, once the true leaves emerge; it is time to begin a half-strength liquid fertilizer regimen on a weekly basis.

10. Acclimate seedlings to direct sunlight

Before seedlings can be planted outdoors, they need to be hardened off, or acclimated to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. It is best to do this over a three-day period by placing them in direct sunlight during the morning only of the first day, then increasing their time outside by a few hours each day until they are vigorous enough to be transplanted.