It’s seed starting time! If you’re a beginner at seed starting, the task can seem daunting with all the unknowns, but seed starting is actually quite simple. Read our guide for beginners below with how to start seeds, which veggies are the easiest to start, and for a helpful supply list. Happy seed starting!
1- Gather supplies.
You’ll need:
Seed starting trays and plastic covers
Peat pellets or seed starting soil
Labels
Spray bottle for misting seedlings
Vegetable Seeds
Growing lights to stimulate the roots. Use our Dayspot or Agrobrite bulbs or the T5 lamp.
(optional) Heating Mat
(optional) Jiffy pots
2- Select your seeds.
Some of the easiest seeds to start are: microgreens, catnip, radishes, beans, tomatoes, and peppers. Plants that you don’t need to start by seed include kohlrabi and root vegetables, carrots, cauliflower, and cabbage. These can be started directly in the ground or in a large container.
3- Soak seeds overnight.
Soak your seeds overnight by putting them in a bowl of warm water. Use just enough water to cover the seeds. Only thick-skinned seeds need to be soaked (like peas, beans, pumpkin, corn, etc.). Small seeds like lettuce and carrots are small enough to germinate quickly on their own.
4- Fill trays with soil.
Fill your trays with soil and pack the soil down. Tightly packed soil ensures that the seedling has a stable base for establishing roots. When selecting soil, be sure to use soil specifically for seed starting, as many potting soil mixtures are too hot of a mixture for delicate seedlings. Peat pellets will also work.