If you're like me and spent early January shopping seed catalogs, it's time to decide when and how you will start those seeds. I've been sowing seeds for over 15 years, and through trial and a lot of error, I've come up with some helpful tips for growing strong starts.
1. Evaluate your light source. Find a south-facing window with 6-8 hours of sun daily, or invest in a grow light. I have received many seed-starting questions, often accompanied by pictures. I can almost guarantee the picture will contain leggy or yellow-leafed seedlings. "Leggy" is a term used to describe seedlings reaching with all their might to find an adequate light source, while yellow leaves indicate poor photosynthesis. It's critical to determine the light source first and not waste time sowing starts that you'll eventually throw on the compost pile.
2. Consider the container. If you see yourself sowing seeds more than once, it's worth buying plug trays. You can get a five-pack of trays, complete with plastic domes to hold in moisture, for around $20 on Amazon. Each tray holds 40 seedlings, and as the seedlings grow, you can easily pop them out and place them in larger recycled cups. An alternative to plug trays and for small batches is cardboard egg cartons.
3. Start in quality soil. To create a light and airy mix that holds moisture, I mix equal parts coco coir (now sold on Amazon), vermiculite, and perlite. Buying a bag of seed starter mix or only a brick of coco coir will be more cost-effective if you're seeding only a flat or two. For potting up, my go-to is Black Gold organic potting soil. It's less expensive than other brands but has nutrients and a lighter texture.
4. Timing is everything. You don't want to be babying seedlings for months because you planted them too early, and the weather isn't cooperating to plant them outdoors. Each seed packet will have information on start times, and you can visit www.igrowsonoma.org to see growing charts for our climate.
5. Always acclimatize. About 7-10 days before transplanting your starts, begin to acclimate them to the outdoors. Start by placing them in a shady, protected area for 1-2 hours. Slowly increase their time outdoors and sun exposure, allowing plants to handle 6-8 hours in direct sunlight.
6. Transplant time. Remember that cooler temperatures slow growth rates, so don't rush to plant. Monitor the weather and pick a week with an agreeable forecast. When your seedlings are ready to be planted in the ground, I recommend putting a tablespoon of balanced organic fertilizer at the bottom of each hole to ensure a strong start.
It's so rewarding to plant a seed, wait for it to sprout, and watch it grow into a thriving plant. Seed starting is a passion of mine, so much so that I invested in a greenhouse. I love the freedom to grow any variety I want of not just veggies but also flowers. I could easily write pages on each step outlined above, so if you're looking for more detailed advice or have questions, I'm easily reached via email.
Happy Gardening!