From Seed to Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Selecting Containers

Choose containers that are at least 2-3 inches deep with drainage holes. You can use various items like yogurt cups, milk cartons, or paper cups if you enjoy DIY projects.

2. Choosing Potting Soil

Use potting soil specifically designed for growing seedlings. Avoid using garden soil or reusing potting soil from houseplants. Fresh, sterile soil ensures healthy, disease-free seedlings.

3. Planting Seeds

Small seeds can be sprinkled on the soil surface, while larger seeds should be buried. After planting, gently moisten the seeds. To speed up germination, cover the containers with damp paper or a plastic dome to keep the seeds moist. Remove the cover once the first green shoots appear.

4. Watering and Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as the seedlings grow. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regularly feed the seedlings with liquid fertilizer.

5. Light Requirements

Seeds require ample light. Use timers to provide 15 hours of light per day. If growing near a window, choose a south-facing exposure. Rotate the containers regularly to prevent plants from leaning towards the light source. If using artificial lights, adjust them to be a few inches above the seedlings’ tops. Remember, seedlings also need periods of darkness to rest. As they grow taller, raise the lights accordingly.

6. Transitioning Outdoors

Avoid directly moving seedlings from the protected indoor environment to the garden. Gradually acclimate them over a week or 10 days. About a week before planting outdoors, place them in a partly shaded, wind-protected spot outdoors for a few hours daily, bringing them in at night. Increase their exposure to sunlight and wind gradually until they are ready for full outdoor conditions. Consider using a cold frame for this hardening-off process.