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Top down view of small green plants shooting out of dark brown soil in black container all on white countertop
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How to Start Seeds for an Early Spring Garden

Starting seeds is an extremely simple process that can be done right at home! Whether putting together just a few or a multitude, these simple steps will lead to success!
Total Time 30 minutes
Calories
Author Kaleb
Cost $15

Equipment

  • Seed starting tray without drainage holes
  • Clear lid for seed starting tray
  • Cell inserts for tray

Ingredients

  • seed starting soil (no fertilizer added)
  • seeds
  • vermiculite
  • water

Instructions

  • Start by pre-moistening the soil. Add water until the soil feels damp but not heavy. I find it best to slowly add water and mix the soil to make sure it is evenly moistened.
  • Add the pre-moistened soil to the seed starting cells. Press the soil slightly to ensure each cell is filled with soil.
  • Using a fingertip or the end of a pencil, make a small hole in each cell according to the seed's planting depth instructions (see back of packet for specifics).
    Finger pressing into dark soil in a seed starting tray with seed packet on the side
  • Add two or three seeds to each hole. Adding multiple seeds will increase the probability of germination and extras can be easily removed later.
    Hand pinching small seeds dropping them into a hole in dark brown soil in seed starting tray
  • Cover seeds with displaced soil. Add a thin layer of vermiculite on top of the seeds to prevent condensation from sitting on the soil.
    Hand holding clear glass container sprinkling vermiculite all over the surface of soil
  • Spray with water to ensure the seeds have moisture and cover with a clear lid to create a small greenhouse. Place under grow lights or in a window that receives a large amount of sun.
    Hand holding water bottle spraying dark brown soil covered with vermiculite all on white countertop
  • Check daily to ensure condensation is inside the clear lid. This means the seeds have the moisture they need. If the lid is dry, spray the soil with water.
    Black plastic bin covered with clear plastic cover with condensation inside all on white surface
  • Once the seeds break through the ground, remove the lid and keep the grow lights four inches from the seedings.
    Hand picking out seeds from dirt in a black plastic container all on white surface

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