Starting Seeds
You will need:
cell packs or peat pots
trays
seed starting mix
labels
- Use a commercial seed starting mix. It is lightweight which allows delicate roots
to grow.
- Dampen the seed starter and fill your pots or cell packs with the dampened mix.
- If you are sowing seeds for different plants, label each peat pot or cell
pack with the name of the plant.
- Sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot/cell.
- Place the pots or packs into trays.
- Cover trays with a plastic dome and place the tray(s)in a warm, brightly lit location.
Keep seed starter damp but not wet or soggy.
- When the seeds germinate, prop the plastic cover slightly open. Each day,
increase the opening until the dome is removed from the tray.
- Relocate the tray(s) to a sunny window. Turn the pots or packs every few days
to keep the stems straight.
- Water directly into the tray, not over the seeds. This way the seedlings will
receive water from the bottom.
- After the appearance of the first true leaves, begin fertilizing at
one quarter strength.
- After seedlings reach the second set of true leaves, thin to one seedling per
pot or individual cell.
- Harden off the seedlings for 10 - 14 days before permanently planting outdoors.
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