How to Plant Seeds
Different seeds have slightly different requirements when getting them to sprout, but for the most part, seeds all follow similar patterns of growth. Seedlings are very susceptible to temperature-extremes, disease and fungi, therefore starting seeds in the ground outdoors is often not feasible. The best option is transplantation, which means planting them in containers indoors and then transferring them to outdoor soil after germination.
To plant seeds for your garden you will need:
- Seeds of your choice
- Seed-starting potting soil
- Containers for seedlings
- Light, either from a lamp or a window
- Water
- Sterilize the containers that will be used for starting the seeds. This can be done with a bleach and water mixture or, depending on the shape of the container, by boiling them. Poke holes in the bottoms of each container so that excess water can be drained off.
- Moisten the potting soil. The soil should not be saturated, but it should be damp.
- Place the potting soil into the containers. These can be premade seed trays bought at a gardening store or containers that you have adapted for the purpose of germinating seedlings. Old egg cartons can be used for this as can old pudding cups.
- Read the package to determine how long your seeds take to germinate and also if any additional measures like soaking need to be taken.
- Sow the seeds by placing them on top of the potting soil and poking them down to about a quarter of an inch below the surface of the soil. Gently cover them. You will want to plant at least two seeds in each hole just in case one does not germinate. If both germinate you can separate them later.
- Place the seed containers under the source of light and ensure that the temperature where they are being kept is consistently high.
- Water the seedlings daily, just enough to keep the soil moist and no more.
- When the seedlings have sprouted sufficiently, transfer them to larger containers or the ground outside per the seed package directions.