Seed Starting for Beginners
1. Start with clean containers that allow drainage. Clear plastic dome covers,"mini-greenhouses," are very helpful in the germination process to maintain moist conditions and hold in warmth.
2. Sterile potting soil is use to fill the containers. Moisten the soil so that it is damp (not wet) and fill just shy of the top of the container.


3. Place one to two seeds on top of the soil. Sprinkle lightly with more soil, vermiculite or sand to cover the seeds.


4. Mist to moisten the top layer and cover with plastic dome to keep moist.


5. Place in a warm location, such as the top of the fridge, near the furnace or on top of a special heating unit. Remember to check the seed package for the germination instructions.
6. In two to 14 days seeds will sprout. Remove the plastic cover and water from the bottom.
7. Provide as much sunlight or artificial light as possible. It is recommended that grow light be within two to three inches of the foliage and set for 18 hours on and six hours off. If using natural light on a sill, mirrors and aluminum foil can be used to intensify the gloomy winter sun. An unobstructed southwest exposure is the best.
8. Check the water and mist everyday. Let the soil dry, but never let the sprouts wilt. Fans provide good air circulation and help produce stockier seedlings. A water soluable, balanced fertilizer should be added when the first true leaves begin to appear.
9. Transplant when the soil drys out too quickly or when the roots have reached the drainage holes. Again, use clean pots or six packs depending on the plants.


10. Gradually harden off seedlings, adapting them to the light and temperatures of the outdoors a few hours at a time, before transplanting to the garden.
Hardening Off
Day
Hours
1
 4
2
 4
3
 4.5
4
 4.5
5
 5
6
 5
7
 5.5
8
 5.5
9
 6
10
 6.5
11
 7
12
 7.5
13
 8


To harden-off seedlings grown indoors under lights, take them outside a little longer each day, following this schedule, which starts with four hours of sun and ends two weeks later with a full day.


1605 South Big Bend Blvd
Richmond Heights, Missouri 63117
314-645-SEED • fax-314-645-0121