A great way to start a garden is by planting seeds.It's easy to grow plants with seed trays.If you prepare your seeds for the spring, they will be ready to go outside in no time.
Step 1: The last frost date is between 6 and 12 weeks from now.
Growing time for seeds depends on what plants you want to grow.You can determine when to start germinating the seeds by planning around the last frost date.You should read the packaging on the seeds you are planting to see if additional steps need to be taken before they are planted.For growing dates specific to your region, check the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Step 2: You can purchase a cell tray with drainage holes.
The seeds can grow in a cell tray.There are drainage holes at the bottom of cell trays.They are available at any gardening store.If your cell trays don't have drainage holes at the bottom, use a knife to poke holes in them.
Step 3: You can make a seed tray out of a carton of eggs.
If you already have one in your home, this option has perfect sized cells for planting.The soil will have good drainage if you poke a few holes at the bottom of each cell.
Step 4: The flat plastic tray is large enough to hold the cell tray.
The flat tray makes it easier to transport and water your plants.You will be watering in the flat tray to promote downward growth since you want your seeds to establish roots.Any gardening store can sell the plastic trays.You may already have a baking pan in your home.
Step 5: Use a seed starting mix to fill each cell.
Seed starting mix is a sterile alternative to potting soil that can be purchased in stores or online.If you overfill, the mix will set further once it is wet.Potting soil can be used, but it may be more coarse and seeds may not grow as well as they would in a fine seed mix.
Step 6: Wet the mix with a watering can.
Push your finger into the soil to make sure it's not wet.The tray underneath your cells should hold excess water.
Step 7: If the old seeds are still viable,Submerge them for 15 minutes in the water.
If you have old seed packets you want to test to see if they are still good to grow.Some seeds can last for a long time.If any seeds float, they won't grow.The seeds should be good to plant if they sink.You can use a damp paper towel to wrap at least 10 seeds.You can keep the paper towel in a bag for 10 days.Check the seeds to see if they have sprouted.The rest of the seeds should be viable if 5 or more sprout.
Step 8: With your finger, poke a 4 inch deep hole in each cell.
Half the length of a fingernail is a good estimate because the measurement doesn't have to be precise.As you press, be gentle and not pack the soil firm.Follow the instructions on the seed packages for each plant if the seeds need to be set deeper.
Step 9: In each hole, plant at least 2 seeds.
It is important that at least one of the seeds will grow in each cell.If both of the seeds start to grow, you can either cut back or remove the weakest plant.If they are small, plant 4 seeds.They have more chances to grow.If you are working with small seeds, place the seeds in the crease of a folded piece of paper and use a pencil to push them into the hole.
Step 10: Press the seeds down with your finger after covering them.
It's important that the seed has complete contact with the starter mix.As you press down, be gentle.You don't want to push the seed in deeper, just pack the soil closer.
Step 11: If you plant more than one kind, label the seeds.
You can make garden labels for your plants, listing what is growing in the cells as well as the date you planted them.The labels should be at the end of each row.You can make garden labels at home with toothpicks and masking tape.
Step 12: The tray should be covered with plastic wrap.
Wrap the tray in plastic to keep it moist and humid.Air can still circulate through the small openings on the sides of the tray.A humidity dome can be purchased from a gardening store.If the dome has an air vent, keep it open.
Step 13: Put 2 inch (13mm) of distilled water in the flat tray.
The cells will absorb the water from the tray so you don't have to water your seeds.The water in the tray needs to be checked daily.When levels are less than 8 inches deep, fill the tray back to 13 inches of water.If you overfill the tray, the roots may rot.
Step 14: The tray should be stored in a warm area.
Sunlight isn't essential for seeds to grow, but it will not hurt them either.The tray should be kept in the warmest part of the house.For most plants to successfully grow, the soil temperature should stay above 65 F.The soil temperature can be measured by placing a soil thermometer at the same depth as the seeds.
Step 15: Once seedlings grow, move the tray to a sunlit area.
If you see sprout in your cells, move your tray to a windowsill or an area with 6 hours of indirect sunlight.The seedlings can get full exposure to the light if the plastic wrap or humidity cover is removed.The tray should be turned 180 every other day.The plants will grow evenly if you keep them under grow lamps.