Indoor seed starting basics
From Tiny Farm Wiki
Seed Packets
Starting seeds indoors in containers for later transplanting into the field is usually done to give plants a longer growing season. Seeds are started several weeks before outdoor conditions are suitable for planting. During the growing season, it may be easier to start some seed in containers instead of direct seeding into the field.
Whether you're starting a few seeds for a home garden, or thousands of seeds for a small farm, the basic steps are the same.
[edit] What you need
- Seed!
- Potting mix
- Containers
- Water
- Light source
- Warm area (65-75F is best)
[edit] Basic steps
- Fill containers nearly full with moist potting mix.
- Lightly press seed into mix.
- Cover with soil and tamp soil down (rule of thumb: cover to twice the seed width)
- Gently water in (a spray bottle is good)
- Place under lights (a sunny window is OK, an artificial light source is better)
- Make sure soil remains moist until germination.
[edit] Tips
- Cover container with clear plastic (plastic wrap is good) to maintain moisture and increase heat. Watering should not be necessary until germination. Remove when seedlings appear.
- A temperature of 70-75F ensures fastest germination for most seed. Too cool and germination is slowed down, too hot (over 80-85F) and some seed will not germinate.
- Placing container on a warm surface will heat up the potting mix and speed germination.
- As soon as seedlings have emerged, allow surface to dry out. The helps prevent soil-borne disease. If possible, water from underneath by placing container in a tray of water.
