There are a few essential items you will need if you wish to start your seeds indoors. First, you will need containers for your seeds. You can purchase pots from a home improvement or gardening store. Or, you can save the flats and containers from plants that you have already purchased and use them to start your seeds. Other options include yogurt cups and egg cartons. If you do use a previously used pot, however, be sure to clean it and disinfect it by soaking it in a solution made of one part bleach to ten parts water.
This way, any disease or insects that may be in the pot from the previous plant will not be transferred to your seed and the soil. You will also need potting soil. Seeds tend to perform best when planted in a soilless mix because they have less inherent problems than garden soil when it comes to providing nutrients, maintaining moisture, and encouraging disease.
Of course, you will also need the seeds that you wish to plant. It is also best to labels such as those previously discussed in the guide.
This will help you keep track of which seeds are what when the label is stick inside the pot. To help keep your seeds moist and warm, you will also need plastic covers or bags to place over them as they germinate. You are also going to need plenty of water and a light source for your seeds. Your light source can be a bright window. Or, it ca be a high density plant or florescent light.
Getting the Potting Mix Ready
To get started with planting your seeds, you will need to loosen and dampen your potting mix. Do this before you place it in the containers you will be using to grow the seeds because it is easier to get the potting mix uniformly moist.
When you dampen the potting mix, it should be wet by not soaking to the point where it is dripping. There also should be no dry lumps.
Your goal is to get it to the consistency of a sponge that has been rung out. You will use this pre-dampened potting mix to fill your containers, but do not pack it in tightly. Rather, you should fill the containers about 2/3 full and then tap the container on your tabletop to help it settle. Then, use your hand or a small board to gently firm it into place.
Planting Your Seed
Now that your containers have been properly prepared, it is time to plant your seeds. Be sure to read the instructions on the seed package in order to follow any special instructions. Some seeds, for example, need to be soaked or pre-chilled for a period of time before being planted in the pots.
If your seeds are small, you should simply sprinkle them on top of the potting mix. Larger seeds, however, should be counted and planted individually within the container. It is best to plant at least three seeds per container. This is because some seeds are basically duds and, therefore, do not germinate. In addition, some of those that do germinate will not survive.
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