Tips for Starting Seeds Step 1 {Planting}

Starting Seeds for the first time can be a little intimidating with all the choices available.  My Tips for Starting Seeds Step 1 will hopefully make the procedure simple, and enjoyable.  I will be providing more steps in the next few weeks helping you through the process from seedling to plant.

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Even though the snow is flying here it is definitely time to start my vegetable seeds.

I am going to break down the how to’s on seed starting into 3 different posts. This post gives you the basics to get started.

Seed catalogs are one of the best sources for vegetables, but you definitely have a great selection at your garden centers. Once you narrow your choices to types of vegetables, pick two or three varieties that seem promising. That way if one variety doesn’t perform well, you’ll have other plants to make up for it.

Certain seeds should and can be started indoors and certain seeds are best planted outside directly in your garden. The back of your seed packets will have all the information you need for each seed so that you have the highest success. Information such as soil depth, and time to germination, and if you should start indoors or outdoors.

Tips for Starting Seeds Step 1 {Getting Started}

• Choose seed starting mix {not potting soil}. You can buy a seed starting mix at your local garden center.
• Choose your containers. You can buy plastic cell packs at your local garden center.
• Moisten your seed starting mix before you plant your seeds. Simply pour mix into a bucket and add warm water and stir. Once the mix absorbs the water fill your container cell packs with mix.
• Plant at least 2-3 sees in each cell. That way you almost guarantee that you will have a seedling growing in each cell.
• Plant your seeds according to the directions on seed packet. Good rule of thumb is 3 times as deep as the seeds diameter.
• Keep a record of what seeds you plant in what cells.  You can use plant tags which come with most growing containers, or popsicle sticks or clothesline pins work well.
• After you plant seeds you want to cover the plastic cell packs to create a humid environment. If you purchase cell packs at garden center, these come with their own cover.  You can use plastic wrap, but keep an eye on your seedlings as soon as the sprout remove plastic.
• As soon as your seedlings sprout remove the plastic covers. Set your seedlings as close to light as possible {you may need grow lights if you do not have proper lighting}

I provided these tips in this handy graphic.  Please pin it and share it.

Now that you are off to get your supplies, what seeds will you be starting inside?  I always start Roma Tomatoes, Eggplant, Leeks, and Peas indoor, with some Zinnia, Marigold and Nastirum.

Don’t forget to step back in the next weeks for Tips on Seed Starting Step 2 {Growing}, and Tips on Seed Starting Step 3 {Planting}

You might also like:

Starting Seeds Step 2 {Growing}

Starting Seeds Step 3 {Transplanting}

When to Start Seeds Indoors