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Raise Your Garden

Musings on the Seedier Side

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April 7, 2020 in Seeds

Spring is here with indoor seed planting tips!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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What pops into your brain when you think spring? For me it’s seeds. Seeds = spring.
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It all starts with a seed. Food fuel and flourishing flowers for the garden. 

 

It’s time to think about which plants you’ll start from seed indoors and which seeds you’ll sow directly in the garden.

The advantage of starting seeds indoors is that you get a head start on the season.

I love seeds. One pack of seeds can produce hundreds of plants costing me much less than a four-pack from the local nursery.

You also have more choice and greater variety when using seeds since you’re not limited to what can be found at the local garden center.

It’s wonderful to control your food supply from start to finish, the only way you can be 100% sure your produce is safe and organic. 

Starting seed indoors extends my gardening season.

Seed also lets me experiment with varieties that require longer growing times than what a Western New York growing season allows. 

And if they don’t germinate, seeds are inexpensive. 

Want to save some  serious cash by planting a few seeds with me this year? The hottest trend imaginable. 

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Homemade seed tape fast fact!

You’ll never guess what this homemade seed tape is made out of. Doesn’t get much more organic and natural than this! 

How-to buy seeds

Once you get past the gorgeous pictures on the seed packet, be sure to check for the following.
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  • Species and/or variety name
  • Mature height
  • Packing date (Never buy seeds packed more than a year ago.) 
  • Make sure the seeds haven’t expired, plenty have on store selves so inspect.)
  • Special planting instructions. Consider if you’ll have room for the full-sized plant. 
  • Germination rate (should be over 65% at least.)
  • Look for open pollination and hand-picked
  • Untreated seed
  • Organic and Non-GMO verified
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When to plant

There are tons of seed starting charts which are great as a rough guide. But there are so many factors to consider when planting indoors.

 

You typically start seeds 4-8 weeks before the last frost. Your average last frost date is considered the first day of the year when there is less than a 50% chance a frost will occur.

If you don’t know your last frost date, I’d call the local garden center or the local county Cooperative Extension Service Office and ask. You could also find various websites online to consult.

But start seeds too early and you’ll get weak, tall and spindly seedlings; some of which are less likely to survive transplant.

Start too late and and your little plants may not be big enough to transplant when the time comes. 

So keep track of when you started each type of seed indoors, and write down how each of them did. It’s not a perfect science.

You have to experiment with the seed starting process and it may take a few years to come up with a working schedule.

Even so, if I’m a bit too early or a bit late, many of the small plants grow fine.

With vegetables, you have to be extra careful because you want to make sure you give the plants enough time to grow before harvest.

Nothing worse than a massive frost killing your plants just before harvest resulting in zero produce.

With flowers, I’m willing to take more of a risk and plant later hoping for the best!

It’s also helpful to know your average first fall frost date so you can determine the number of days in your growing season. This date will also help you plan your summer and fall sowings for crop succession. 

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Fast fact…

*Did you know? Seeds greatly benefit from pre-soaking them overnight in lukewarm water prior to planting.

 

​The soaking process gives the seeds a big boost that affect their ability to germinate, grow and produce over the long haul.

Optimal seed conditions

  • Light. Your seedlings like 12-15 hours of light a day. Grow lights are really nice to have, but pricey. You could also use a shop light with cool white or a mix of cool and warm white fluorescent bulbs placed 1-2 inches above the seedlings. I find that my house is very sunny, especially in March/April and I’ll make do with a sunny window.
  • If it’s warm enough where you live, expose your seeds to a bit of outdoor light. But short intervals at first in a shady spot under a tree. Dappled sunlight only, never direct sun. Direct sun will fry the plants! 

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  • Gradually increase the seeds outdoor exposure to light and sun over the course of a week or several weeks.​
  • Water. Seedlings require consistently moist soil. Moisture triggers the germination process and softens the hard outer covering of the seed so the sprout can emerge.
  • ​If you plan on using a seed starter kit they tend to dry out quickly. Waterlogged soil is just as bad as dry soil. It causes the plants to rot while encouraging pests. So check moisture levels regularly. 
  • To avoid overwatering, mist using a spray bottle. 

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  • It’s always better to water from the bottom up and this rule applies to your full-size plants as well. Make sure the container has drainage holes even if you have to poke them in. Drainage trays are a fantastic way to keep the growing medium moist without disturbing the young seedlings. ​
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Temperatures should be maintained at a constant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage solid germination.
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  • Heat. Providing bottom heat to your seedlings promotes germination. You can buy a heating mat or:

 

  • 1.) Prop up your plants against a heat vent if you have forced air or even a radiator.

 

  • 2.) You can use a space heater to keep those seedlings warm. But keep a sharp eye on the moisture level of your little plants. Any heat you use will quickly dry the seedlings out. ​

 

  • Ventilation. Once you’ve noticed that most of your seeds have popped up in the flat it’s time to begin ventilating them. Air circulation around seedlings can help prevent disease problems while strengthening seedlings. 

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  • Prop the lid off the tray just a hair so that the seedlings can acclimate to the room.

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  • Continue to prop open the lid an inch each day until you’re ready to take the lid off completely. You can even use an oscillating fan on low to spur on ventilation. Just don’t aim the fan directly at the soil which will cause rapid dryness. Point the fan toward the wall or place the fan above the soil.
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Fast fact…

What types of plants should be started indoors?
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​Plants that require a long growing season to reach maturity.
Easiest Edible Seeds To Grow Indoors

 

  • Basil
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower 
  • Cucumber
  • Edamame
  • Eggplant
  • Kale
  • Parsley
  • Peppers
  • Okra
  • Radish
  • Tomatoes
Easiest Flower Seeds To Grow Indoors (Transplant well)

 

  • Bells of Ireland
  • Calendula
  • Celosia
  • Coleus
  • Cosmos
  • Marigold
  • Morning Glory
  • Nicotiana
  • Snapdragon
  • Statice
  • Strawflower
  • Sunflower
  • Sweet alyssum 
  • Zinnia

Why start veggies & flowers indoors?

For crops like tomatoes and peppers that take a long time to start creating fruit, starting indoors is usually preferred. Also, flowers started indoors will flower earlier in the season, and perennial flowers may flower in their first year!

 

Many varieties need warm soil temperature to germinate so if you don’t start them inside, you may have to wait to sow outdoors until 2 to 4 weeks after your last average frost.

Who wants to wait that long? Not me. Not you!

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Free mini greenhouse options

  • Rotisserie chicken cases ~ Love that “greenhouse” dome-top.
  • Take out salad containers from McDonald’s ~ it comes with that clear lid. 
  • Olive Garden takeout containers make perfect little seed starter greenhouses ~ clear lid and all. 

I planted in my rotisserie “greenhouse” and plan to break up the tiny plants when the time comes using a butter knife and my fingers to gently pull apart the roots. ​I may have to thin the seeds, too!

Clear domes help me see progress without disturbing the seeds and increases humidity to aid germination. You can also use plastic wrap for this exact same purpose.

It’s also essential to poke holes in the bottom of your makeshift “greenhouses” for drainage purposes. You don’t want your seeds to get waterlogged or to mold, either!

​In fact, any container with drainage holes poked in the bottom can be used including yogurt cups, egg cartons, empty jello and pudding containers. Just use that plastic wrap.

And keep in mind that any time you reuse a container, it needs to be cleaned and sanitized prior to adding your soil and seed. 

Hardening off isn’t all that hard!

Hardening-off is the final step before planting your seedlings into the garden.

 

It is a 7 to 14 day transition period that helps the tender seedlings adjust to outdoor conditions, including exposure to direct sunlight, wind, and changes in temperature.

Take it slow on day 1 leaving your tiny plants outdoors for only 1 – 2 hours then bring them back indoors.

Each day, leave them outdoors longer, and gradually move them into more exposed areas. Make sure to frequently check the soil moisture, they dry out quick!

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How long do seeds last?

Most garden seed will germinate very well if stored for a year, provided storage is relatively cool and dry.

 

Keep your seeds away from heaters, vents and sunny windows. Also, don’t store in a damp basement, bathroom closet, etc.

Many seeds that don’t store great after the second year come from the onion family, including leeks, chives and shallot seeds, parsnips, possibly peppers and lettuce.

​Sow plenty of extra seed to compensate for relatively low germination. (Only if seeds are old). So plop a few extra seeds into your planting hole and cross your fingers!

But be aware that if more seed germinate than you had expected, you may have to thin the seeds. Seed thinning sob story here! 

In my experience, most garden seed will keep longer than just one year. In particular if stored in a mylar bag!

Many types are worth planting even after 2-3 years of storage.

Squash, beans and tomatoes can give surprisingly good results even at 5 years.

Just remember, germination drops off gradually with most types, so as seed ages, plant more seed to account for reduced germination rates.   

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Quick labeling tip:

My kids eat a lot of popsicles. And I like saving those wooden sticks to label my seeds. Else….I’ll forget what I planted and get frustrated. 

 

You can also buy wooden craft sticks for the exact same purpose. Sometimes, writing directly on the container is a quick and easy labelling technique! 

A quick note on soil

Soil quality makes all the difference as to whether or not your seeds will survive and thrive or just die.
​
​Bacteria and fungi in the soil, water and even air can deter even the best seeds from germinating property.

 

This is why it’s so important to use fresh seed-starting mix from the get-go.

A quality seed-starting mix fresh from the bag is formulated to discourage common pathogens that cause seedlings to rot and mold.

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Loose and lightweight, seed-starting mix holds moisture and air while being free of sticks and bark.  

 

Even adding a bit of vermicompost (worm poop!) can be beneficial in your seed-starting mix. But don’t use more than 10 percent by volume.

I like adding perlite to the bottom of the pots to increase drainage.

​What you never want to do is head to the backyard with a shovel and use soil from your yard in your flower pots or seed pots. This soil will introduce weeds, diseases and insects to your new seeds. Big no-no!

In fact, I wouldn’t even use the same seed starting mix that I grew my seedlings in the year prior, even if the pots were still in tack. Toss it all in the compost bin and start afresh, please!

Even using potting mix is a bad idea as it’s just too heavy for the tiny seeds.

Remember: the fewer obstacles your seeds face, the better they can grow!  

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Last thoughts…Should I start my seeds indoors or outdoors?

It’s certainly true that many plants sown directly outdoors are more vigorous and healthier than transplants.

 

Large-seeded crops such as beans, corn, and squash germinate quickly when sown directly into warm soil, often within days of planting.

Root crops such as carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes should always be sown where they are going to grow so their roots develop undisturbed!

Secret code: dog

What do you plant from seed?

98 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Margaret Craig says

    February 26, 2021 at 12:56 am

    I start all my tomatoes, peppers, collards, cabbage, celery, bazel, and many more for my garden each year!

    Reply
    • Chrissy Kwiat says

      February 27, 2021 at 2:43 am

      Tomatoes, green beans, and pepers. I will be growing more items next year but hope to travel this summer and can only grow during certain months in New England. CT.

      Reply
  2. Chad Boyd says

    February 26, 2021 at 1:39 am

    We have just started planting our spring seed. I am always looking for more great tips! Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Dana says

    February 26, 2021 at 2:26 am

    I live in a condo and am restricted with what I can grow outside 🙁

    Reply
  4. Laurie Nykaza says

    February 26, 2021 at 2:52 am

    I’m glad you wrote this I need the information so I can order my seeds and get everything ready for planting this season too.I have a list of plants I want to grow this year with some herbs too.

    Reply
  5. Barbara Calder says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:15 am

    Great information! Thanks

    Reply
  6. Liz Kilcher says

    February 26, 2021 at 9:46 am

    great info, can’t wait for spring!!

    Reply
  7. Audrey says

    February 26, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    We’ve had our seeds going for quite a while now

    Reply
  8. Belinda Rowden says

    February 26, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    I miss having a garden.

    Reply
  9. Marilyn Chatterton says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    Hi, I am Marilyn and I just want to say that there is so much wonderful information on this process. We recently moved into a home and I am thinking we may start a garden here. Thank you for all the great information! 🌿🍓🍅

    Reply
  10. monique s says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    I cannot wait for it to get warmer so I can start planting

    Reply
  11. cynthia says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    We love our veggies garden.

    Reply
  12. john cressy says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:40 pm

    My youngest daughter loves planting , gardening , growing her own veggies , love to hear new ideas

    Reply
  13. Ruthann Dulaney says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    I used to have a garden and would can and freeze all kinds of things. Now I live in the city and I miss the fresh vegetables.

    Reply
  14. Ken Ohl says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    My little niece loves to try and grow things

    Reply
  15. Gayle C Stafford says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:55 pm

    Have my seed. Just waiting on the right time to plant.

    Reply
  16. Rose Reeder says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:59 pm

    Can’t wait for fresh veggies

    Reply
  17. kathleen kaliszewski says

    February 26, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    great

    Reply
  18. Ronald says

    February 26, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Nice tray.

    Reply
  19. Catherine Bradford says

    February 26, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    Cannot wait to plant ours, wish I had a greenhouse to get started early!

    Reply
  20. itzy310 says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:10 pm

    Nothing yet, trying it out for the first time.

    Reply
  21. Amber Lee Kolb says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try planting by seed in the house. I usually get plants that are already started and put them in the ground, but this looks pretty easy!

    Reply
  22. paula burnham says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    I love your blog

    Reply
  23. Monica McConnell says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you so much for this! I am not great at growing things but I have really been trying to get better so this really helps thank you.

    Reply
  24. KH says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:39 pm

    Super helpful and informative! Thanks!

    Reply
  25. Patricia Lucey says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    This is my first time at this site and I found the information and products
    amazing. I can’t wait until my first order arrives.

    Reply
  26. Dave Taube says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    I plant lettuce, arugula, corn, beans and onions from seed.

    Reply
  27. Donna Rhodes says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:27 pm

    Hoping to figure out how to plant seeds without the backyard squirrels digging them up before they can really take root.

    Reply
  28. Brittany Gilley says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    thanks for these great tips

    Reply
  29. Pat S Martin says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:57 pm

    Very helpful information to a novice planter. Thanks

    Reply
  30. Joe Metzler says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:57 pm

    I’ve been thinking about having a garden this year. This gives me all the info I need to get started!

    Reply