You and your seeds can hit the ground running in the spring with these growing tips.
10 Tips for Growing Plants From Seed Successfully
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Order Seeds Early
One of the most important tips for growing plants from seed has to do with timing. Seed companies get busy in winter and early spring as they fill orders on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if you want the best selection, order seeds early. Or, collect and store seeds from your garden.
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Warm and Draft-Free
If you’re starting seeds indoors, grow them in an area that’s out of the way of household traffic so the seeds are not disturbed. Try to set them in a spot that’s warm and free of cold drafts that can hinder the growing process.
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Place Your Seed Containers on Top of a Radiator
You can place your seed containers on top of a radiator so they stay warm, so long as it’s not too hot and the heat is consistent. Another option is the top of the refrigerator, which usually generates the right amount of warmth to sprout seeds.
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Artificial, Fluorescent Light
Seedlings started indoors require between 12 and 16 hours of light per day. Artificial, fluorescent light is best, and a timer will help you regulate the amount of light your seedlings receive. You can also opt for smart grow lights with built-in timers.
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Don’t Sow Too Many Seeds
Another one of the most important tips for growing plants from seed is practicing restraint. Sowing too many seeds can lead to a forest of seedlings that grow too thickly for you to thin without damaging them. Make little furrows if you’re using flats, spacing seeds up to an inch apart, closer if they are tiny seeds.
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Don’t Let Soil Dry Out
The best way to keep seedlings consistently moist is to cover the flat loosely with plastic. Some gardeners prefer bottom watering. Set the container in a few inches of water (in the sink or a tray) and let it wick up the water it needs. Another option is to build this DIY self-watering system for your garden.
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Snip Snip
When the first true leaves appear, use sharp scissors to snip some of the weaker seedlings at soil level. The seedlings you leave gain better air circulation, and their roots won’t have to compete for precious nutritional resources.
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Fertilize
Fertilize developing seedlings with a diluted, half-strength flowering houseplant fertilizer every week or so until you begin “hardening off” outdoors. Proper care means more robust plants.
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Gradually Increase Light
When seedlings are well rooted, harden off transplants two weeks before moving them into their permanent location outdoors. Set pots and flats in a sheltered spot, like under a tree or on the porch, and gradually increase light received for a week or so—bring them in at night or cover them if frost is predicted.
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Check the Soil First
When planting seeds (or seedlings) outdoors, it’s important to check the soil first. Just scoop up a handful and squeeze it. If it’s wet and soggy, wait a bit longer for it to dry out a bit. If it crumbles in your hand, it’s time.
FAQs
What are the best plants to grow from seed?
“The best plants to grow from seed are those that transplant poorly or are fast growers, such as root vegetables like carrots and radishes, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, herbs like basil and cilantro, and many annual flowers such as zinnias and sunflowers,” says Rubens.
When should I plant seeds?
“When to plant seeds depends on your local climate and the specific plant’s needs,” says Rubens. “In general, cool-season crops like peas, kale, and broccoli should be started in late winter to early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash do best when started after the last frost.”
About the Expert
- Sara Rubens is the founder of Seed to Sanctuary, a garden company based in North Carolina that specializes in creating year-round food sanctuaries. Seed to Sanctuary offers custom garden designs and helps clients grow their own food with confidence.
