Peter Krumhardt
Growing vegetables from seed for beginners is a rewarding project.
Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction ofenjoying fresh vegetables that you grew yourselffrom tiny seeds.
Know when to plant.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Read the seed packets.
Sterilize old pots and trays.
Vegetable seeds can be sown in small pots, seed-starting trays, orupcycled items like egg cartons.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Also, never reuse old seed-starting mix, which may contain fungal spores.
Many beginning gardeners attempt to start vegetable seeds in a sunny window, but this isnt a good idea.
Protect seeds from pests.
Covering newly planted seeds with a piece of moistened paper towel candeter birdsfrom gobbling up your seeds.
Sow seeds indoorsin a pre-moistenedseed-starting mixand water them often so the soil stays moist but not soggy.
Turn off the heating mats after the seeds sprout so the seedlings dont dry out too quickly.
Install a small fan.
Thin out seedlings as they grow.
However, seedlings planted too closely together compete for nutrients, light, and water and become stunted.
Rob Cardillo
10.
Harden off transplants slowly.
Dont move seedlings outdoors too early.
Heat-loving plants, like tomatoes, can be damaged by frost and cool temperatures.
