Avoid these common seed starting mistakes to get to grow healthier seedlings this spring.
Matthew Benson
Overall, the process ofstarting seeds indoorsis pretty straightforward; you plant, water, and wait.
While seed germination does not require lots of light, growing strong, healthy seedlings does.
Credit:Matthew Benson
Seeds started indoors often need supplemental lighting.
It doesnt matter if its LED or fluorescent, both are fine forstarting seeds.
But starting seeds too early means more time for trouble to develop from pests and diseases.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Common pests on indoor plants includefungus gnats,thrips, andwhiteflies.
Seedlings can also grow too large while waiting for the right time to go outside.
They eventuallyoutgrow the soil blockor cell pack theyre planted in.
Credit:Jay Wilde
That’s why the general rule of thumb is start seeds 6-8 weeks before they can be planted outdoors.
When properly stored,most seeds last for yearsbut some lose their viability within a couple of years.
Forgetting to Pretreat Seeds
Some seeds need pretreatment.
Fortunately,most vegetable seeds are easythey can be planted right away.
But some annuals and many perennial seeds need to becold-stratifiedto break dormancy and germinate.
Many perennial plant seeds need a cold treatment of 30 or even 60 days.
For example, a seed that is 1/16 inch wide should be planted no more than 1/8 inch deep.
Pay attention to the instructions on the seed packet, or look it up online.
Labels can be as simple as masking tape or a popsicle stick.
Have fun making creativeDIY labels.
Providing Too Much Water
The most commonmistake gardeners make when starting seedsis keeping the growing mix too wet.
Using a sterile, fast-draining seed-starting mix helps minimize overly soggy conditions and disease.
And never let your pots or trays sit in excess water.
A small fan blowing gently over your seedlings also helps keep damping off disease at bay.
Forgetting to Water
Seedlings are fragile, unlike resilient older plants.
As seedlings get larger, they’ll use water more quickly.
If you have trouble remembering, set an alarm on your phone or watch.
Jay Wilde
9.
Not Thinning Seedlings
Failing to thin extra seedlings causes crowding and plant stress.
Thin out extra seedlings as soon as true leaves start to appear.
The plant above the soil is a direct reflection of the roots below.
Crowd and stifle the roots, and the plant will suffer.
To inspect the root system, slip a sample seedling out of its container.
If it’s starting to grow roots around the edge of the container, it’s time to repot.
When you should start fertilizing your seedlings depends on what growing mix you use to start the seeds.
However, since seedlings grow so fast, watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies.
These include pale or yellowing growth, purple tinges to leaves, and slower-than-normal growth.
Taking seedlings straight from indoors and plunking them into the garden is a shock.
They’ll acclimate and be much more ready to begin their garden life that way.
