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Seed Starting Essentials | Basics of Germination
Seed starting season is one of my favorite times of the year. It allows me to start gardening indoors several weeks before my garden beds wake up for the year, and it holds the promise of the growing season to come. In this week’s podcast, I am sharing the seed starting essentials for successfully germinating seeds and caring for seedlings.
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Seed starting is the perfect cure for cabin fever. Granted, those of you who live farther north than I do probably experience cabin fever more severely than we in Georgia do, but things are dormant outside, and by this time of year, I am craving something green.
My favorite months of the year are April and October, as the seasons are changing, but since I’ve become a seed starter, February has become my third favorite month. I’m not a fan of snow or cold weather, but here in the Atlanta, Georgia, area, February is when I am in the thick of starting edibles, ornamentals and native perennials from seed.
I actually get started even sooner each year, in January. Peppers always take a bit longer to germinate, so those are the first I sow. Already, I have 20 seed flats of peppers up and growing.
Seed starting indoors allows you to enjoy gardening months ahead of when things naturally start occurring outside. In my case, I have an indoor seed starting room that gets completely filled up with seed trays and greenery from February until the seedlings are ready to be moved outdoors.
My seed starting room is a warm, comfortable place to hang out. I spend a lot of time there staring at little tiny seedlings and trying to notice them growing. I check on them as often as every 15 minutes sometimes, because that’s how quickly they can change.
So much happens before your eyes: The transformation from a tiny little seed that you tuck into the soil to a bonafide good-sized seedling six to eight weeks later that goes outside and takes off from there. That’s a lot of growth in a short period of time, and it’s under your watch. You’re noticing the subtle changes from day to day and week to week, and you’re playing a big role in that. You’ll notice if the things you’re doing – or not doing – are resulting in the seedlings having positive or negative changes.
A couple of years back, I started a course in my Online Gardening Academy called Master Seed Starting, a comprehensive series of lessons on starting seeds of all types through various techniques and on understanding the many facets of successful seed starting, from light science to maintaining the correct moisture level.
We are now in launch week for Master Seed Starting – enrollment opened on January 25th and continues through January 30th at midnight – and I am simultaneously offering a free live webinar, Seed Basics & Beyond: 9 Things to Know Before You Start Plants From Seed. You can register to join one of the remaining webinar sessions: Thursday, January 26, at noon EST, Friday, January 27, at noon EST and Saturday, January 28, at 10 a.m. EST. Space is limited, so if you would like to join us, don’t hesitate to register.
There is so much to learn about seed starting before you feel like you’ve got a handle on it and know how to troubleshoot and adapt midstream. In this week’s podcast, I distill seed starting down to the basic information you need to feel confident whether or not you take an in-depth course with me or elsewhere. I can get you started here today with some really solid, sound information, and you can go from there at your pace or as your budget permits.
Seed starting really is fun, and you don’t have to be advanced at it to be successful. If you provide seeds with some basic necessities, they’re going to germinate. They’ve got it in their DNA to do that.
Before going any further, I want to remind you that I have a new book out, 'The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest.' It’s chock full of insider tips and new-to-you information that will help you step up your gardening game and tackle challenges.
Seed Starting Benefits
A significant advantage of starting your own seeds is the ability to grow an array of varieties not found as seedlings at local nurseries. By starting your own seeds, you are never at the mercy of the plants offered by big box stores or garden centers.
Also consider the price differences between buying seeds and seedlings. While both seed packet and seedling prices have increased recently, seed packets still offer significant savings compared to seedlings. For merely a fraction of the seedling cost, you can easily grow your own plants from seeds with many more options available. In today’s economy, every dollar saved is vital.
You can start any kind of plant suited to your local climate and growing conditions by ordering seeds from reputable seed companies that specialize in what you want to grow.
Growing plants from seed also means you have comprehensive control over how you cultivate your food and flowers. If you are an organic gardener, like myself, you can ensure organic practices are implemented right from the start.
Some may worry about the initial costs associated with seed starting supplies. The good news is, you can start seeds using things you may already have at home, with just a couple of inexpensive items needed to get going.
Picking a Place to Start Seeds
When determining where to place your seed starting trays, consider a few key factors. Choose a space where the plants will have adequate room to grow post-germination. Proximity to power outlets is essential for setups involving lights, germination mats, and timers.
Access to water is also a crucial aspect. If your seed starting spot is far from a faucet, you should be comfortable making trips to refill your watering cans. Additionally, warm areas are preferable over cold locations for seed beginning. Mounting seeds on the top of fridges used to be recommended as a warm germination area, but modern refrigerators may not retain heat as effectively as older models.
Soilless Mix for Seed Starting
The first thing to consider when starting seeds is your soil. The recommended mix is what's known as a 'soilless mix.' Unlike garden soil, it is sterile, void of microbes that can be harmful to germinating seeds. Although soil microbiology can be beneficial, it may also harbor pathogens that can threaten seedlings as they emerge. Hence, soilless mix is preferable for seed starting endeavors.
An 8-quart bag of this soilless mix goes for about $7 to $12 and can adequately fill two 10-by-20-inch seed trays.
Peat moss is the most commonly utilized medium in soilless mixes. Although it remains the standard, there are pros and cons to using it. I've relied on it for many years, but acknowledge its environmental impact.
To help mitigate peatland damage and carbon release, England has implemented a ban on peat sales to gardeners. Many gardeners, including Monty Don, an esteemed host of 'Gardeners' World,' have pledged to abstain from using peat for these environmental concerns. My podcast features a detailed discussion on the downsides of using peat moss if you'd like to learn more.
While peat moss has been excellent for my seed starting endeavors due to its ease of use and affordability, it's essential to understand its hydrophobic nature. It does not easily absorb water despite holding moisture well once saturated. After soaking, it can be challenging to rehydrate fully.
Often, professional mixes containing peat include wetting agents meant to facilitate moisture absorption, which you won't always find in retail seed starting mixes. Be prepared to put in some moderate effort to ensure proper hydration.
Within a peat moss-based mix, you may find perlite — a natural product that introduces airspace benefiting root development — or vermiculite, which retains moisture well. Although perlite looks like styrofoam bits, it is expanded volcanic glass, while vermiculite is naturally expanded through heat exposure for moisture retention.
Coconut coir, made from finely ground coconut fiber, has emerged as a suitable alternative to peat for several gardeners moving away from traditional peat use. When properly processed, coir can perform well in seed starting.
Recently, I tested PittMoss, which is produced from recycled paper and designed as a peat alternative. I found it worked superbly for my seed starting needs in comparison to both coir and peat moss mixes, offering outstanding results. However, transitioning to PittMoss does come with adjustments in watering method.
Seed Starting Containers and Trays
When selecting containers for seed starting, the options are practically limitless. Many retail products offer a splendid assortment, found easily at online stores like Greenhouse Megastore, where you can find discounts off your order with the code JOEGARDENER.
Compartmentalized seed starting trays usually adhere to a standard size of 10 inches by 20 inches, boasting various types of plastics, from single-use to more durable materials. Some trays feature segmented cells, with capacities ranging from 128 openings per tray down to fewer cells like 50 or 18. I personally prefer the 50-cell seed trays but employ various sizes depending on my knowing preferences and the number of seeds I choose to sow.
I prefer avoiding single-use plastics, opting instead for durable seed trays produced by Neversink Farm's Conor Crickmore. Conor, a distinguished market farming guest on my podcast and an innovative product creator, offers seed trays that replicate soil blocking, promoting improved air circulation to the roots for swift germination and healthier root growth.
Soil Blocking
Soil blocking traditionally employs metal forms to compress soil mixtures (peats, coir, compost, perlite mixed to a brownie-like consistency) into 2-inch cubes. For the first week, moisture binds cubes until roots take over.
Once the roots reach the edge of a block, they halt their growth because they have no more soil to penetrate. Known as 'air pruning,' this technique averts root circling within containers that cause root-bound issues.
Although soil blocking offers numerous advantages, it is time-consuming to execute. If your soil blocker molds only a few blocks at once, it may take a while to fill up a 72-cell tray. That said, Conor's innovative Winstrip trays are excellent substitutes for soil blocking while a newer product, Swift Blocker, efficiently produces up to 72 soil blocks at once, yielding promising reviews.
If you believe you'll be seed starting for an extended period, the products I've suggested are worthwhile investments. Quality tends to correlate with longevity in this field.
Upcycled Seed Starting Containers and Trays
If you're aiming to save money while seed starting, it can be quite simple. Almost anything holding around 2 inches of soil with drainage holes makes for a suitable seed starting container. For example, takeout containers and their clear lids can work fantastically. I’ve even tried growing in pizza boxes — a fun experiment geared towards growing without spending much.
Containers must also feature humidity domes. These transparent covers help retain moisture while allowing adequate light exposure, which is critical in preventing seedlings from becoming leggy. A significant number of seed starting kits come equipped with humidity domes, which are essential as drying soil can hinder germination. In cases where your reused containers lack clear domes, you can easily create one using clear plastic wrap to keep moisture until germination occurs.
Germination Mats
Germination mats, often referred to as propagation or heat mats, are beneficial though not strictly necessary.
If your seed starting area remains cooler than ideal temperatures for effective soil warming, seeds will struggle to germinate. Germination mats come in various options, some featuring thermostat control while others maintain preset temperatures around 75º.
Grow Lights
If you believe a sunny window suffices for proper lighting, reconsider. It's uncommon to find the ideal conditions in sunny, south-facing windows that supply adequate light for healthy seedling development for prolonged periods. Seedlings can stretch toward light sources if they don't receive enough usable photosynthesis, resulting in tall, lanky growth.
Fortunately, there's no need for an exorbitant investment in lighting. Shop lights are readily available and suitable for this purpose, or you may find older lamps already at your disposal. While fluorescent lights perform well, consider transitioning to LED technology for improved efficiency and effectivity.
If you enjoy gadgets and are interested in how light frequencies can impact plant growth, research a more advanced lighting system. While you can find relatively inexpensive options, spending more typically ensures better light output and plant performance.
Racks
A quality seed starting rack is another helpful acquisition. I prefer stainless steel baker's racks, which retail around $110 to $120 and fit four standard trays while featuring looser designs for adequate light distribution. If space constrains you, other surfaces like bookcases or tables work well, too.
Watering
Finding that perfect balance in watering takes practice. Initially, you may find yourself either overwatering or underwatering. Over-saturation inhibits seeds from breathing, while inadequate moisture prevents seeds from properly germinating.
For those seeking more information on Seedling trays Vietnam, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Watering can be tedious. In Master Seed Starting, I teach self-watering system techniques to guarantee that your plants receive the right amount of moisture without excess.
Evaluate the top layer of your seed trays after watering to ensure the moisture level is satisfactory. Remember, appearances can deceive: just because the surface looks dry doesn’t mean it lacks moisture below the surface.
Top watering involves pouring water with a watering can until you've adequately moistened the soil. However, I usually prefer bottom watering wherein the tray holds water and the soil absorbs it through the cell holes, granting seedlings sufficient moisture supply from beneath.
Reasons Seeds Fail
If seedlings appear leggy or spindly, light deprivation is often the culprit. Be sure seedlings are positioned closer to their light source, adapting distance according to the light type.
Similar issues arise from improper watering. Moreover, seedlings could perish overnight due to a condition known as damping off, which commonly results from using non-sterile seed starting mediums.
To mitigate damping off, ensure you’re using sterile mixes and facilitate airflow around your seed trays, possibly by employing a small fan.
When seeds appear unresponsive, numerous factors could contribute, such as age, improper soil depth, or incorrect temperatures. Different seeds possess their own temperature and light requirements, and while many seeds can germinate at room temperature, others prefer a warmer environment.
Timing
I typically begin seed sowing in February, approximately eight weeks from my area's last frost date. Prior to that date, preventing frost exposure is crucial as plants cannot go outside until the danger has passed, allowing adequate time for indoor cultivation.
You can find your area's first and last frost dates at almanac.com by entering your zip code. From there, count backward from your last frost date for scheduling when to start seedlings indoors.
I hope you learned a few things from listening to the podcast that will make you feel more confident starting seeds this year. If you haven’t listened yet, you can do so now by scrolling to the top of the page and clicking the Play icon in the green bar under the page title.
What are your seed starting essentials? Let us know in the comments below.
Links & Resources
Some product links in this guide are affiliate links. See full disclosure below.
Episode 083: Gardening Indoors: The Science of Light, with Leslie Halleck
Episode 140: The Successful Journey of a Market Farmer: Conor Crickmore of Neversink Farm
Episode 200: Monty Don: Behind the Scenes of Gardeners' World, and More
Episode 238: Peat Moss: Examining the Challenges of Its Ongoing Use in the Face of Climate Change
Episode 259: Getting to Know PittMoss, a Peat-free Growing Medium Alternative, with Dr. Charles Bethke
joegardener blog: The Best Soil Temperature for Seed Germination
joegardener.com/seedwebinar – Register for Seed Basics & Beyond: 9 Things to Know Before You Start Plants From Seed
joegardener Online Gardening Academy: Popular courses on gardening fundamentals; managing pests, diseases & weeds; seed starting and more.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Master Seed Starting: Everything you need to know to start your own plants from seed – indoors and out. Enroll by January 31.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Organic Vegetable Gardening: My new premium online course membership opens soon. Sign up for the waitlist here.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Beginning Gardener Fundamentals: Essential principles to know to create a thriving garden.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Growing Epic Tomatoes: Learn how to grow epic tomatoes with Joe Lamp'l and Craig LeHoullier.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Master Pests, Diseases & Weeds: Learn the proactive steps to take to manage pests, diseases, and weeds for a more successful garden with a lot less frustration. Just $47 for lifetime access!
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Perfect Soil Recipe Master Class: Learn how to create the perfect soil environment for thriving plants.
Earthbound Expeditions: Great Gardens of Italy & France with Joe Lamp'l
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joegardener Facebook
joegardener Facebook Group
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joegardenerTV YouTube
Growing a Greener World®
GGWTV YouTube
Indestructible seed trays from Neversink Farm
Swift Blocker
Seedling Heat Mat 2-pack
Seedling Heat Mat with Digital Thermostat Controller
PittMoss Plentiful
Territorial Seed Company – Our podcast episode sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com
Greenhouse Megastore – Our podcast episode sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com – Enter code JOEGARDENER for 15% off your order
Disclosure: Some product links in this guide are affiliate links, which means we get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the prices of these resources have been increased to compensate us, and compensation is not an influencing factor on their inclusion here. The selection of all items featured in this post and podcast were based solely on merit and in no way influenced by any affiliate or financial incentive, or contractual relationship. At the time of this writing, Joe Lamp'l has professional relationships with the following companies who may have products included in this post and podcast: Rain Bird, Corona Tools, AeroGarden, Milorganite, Soil3, Greenhouse Megastore, PittMoss, Territorial Seed Company, Earth’s Ally, National Wildlife Federation, and TerraThrive. These companies are either Brand Partners of joegardener.com and/or advertise on our website. However, we receive no additional compensation from the sales or promotion of their products through this guide. The inclusion of any products mentioned within this post is entirely independent and exclusive of any relationship.