February and March are typically the months where we begin to start seeds indoors in the United States. Starting plants from seeds is much more economical than purchasing seedlings from your local garden center, and it is easy to do as long as you keep a few things in mind. Let’s look at some of the most common seed starting mistakes and learn how you can avoid them to grow a successful garden.
Mistake Number 1 – Starting Seeds at the Wrong Time
Starting seeds too early will mean that you end up with seedlings that are crowded and overly large. Starting seeds too late may mean that your plants do not have enough time to mature properly within your growing season.
To avoid this mistake, first make sure you know when your last frost date is. This determines when it will be safe to plant your seedlings outside and how soon to start your seeds indoors. It is also helpful to know your USDA Plant Hardiness zone. With this information, combined with the details on the back of the seed packet, you should be able to calculate the right time to start your seeds.
Mistake Number 2 – Not Sowing Seeds Properly
It is important to sow your seeds at the right depth and in the right place. Seeds sown incorrectly may not germinate, and if sown in the wrong place, they may not grow to maturity.
Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the back of the seed packet. Some seeds need light to germinate and should be sown on the surface of the soil. Some may need warmer soil for germination, so you may need to use a heat mat under your seed trays. Some seedlings do not transplant well and should not be started indoors; instead they should be sown directly outdoors in their final growing spot.
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Mistake Number 3 – Using the Wrong Soil
Seedlings are delicate and will do better if provided with an ideal growing medium. Regular garden soil can contain pests and diseases and common potting soil is often too dense for tiny seeds and may contain too much fertilizer for delicate seedlings.
A seed contains all the nutrients it needs to germinate and grow. Ideally, you want to use a sterile seed starting mix. These usually contain an organic component like peat moss or coconut coir to retain moisture and inorganic components like perlite and vermiculite that help keep the mix loose and drain well providing the ideal environment for delicate seedling roots to grow. When your seedlings have several sets of true leaves and they are ready for a larger pot, then you can switch to potting soil or add some fertilizer.
Mistake Number 4 – Not Providing Enough Light
Without enough light, seedlings can become tall and “leggy”. Leggy seedlings can become top heavy and break off at the soil line.
Growing seedlings need between 12 and 18 hours of bright direct light to develop. An easy way to achieve this is with LED grow lights. Even regular incandescent light bulbs will work as long as they are bright enough (75-150 watts). The lights should be hung 2 to 3 inches above the sprouts and raised as the plants grow. This will help the seedlings develop strong stems.
Mistake Number 5 – Watering Incorrectly
Overwatering is one of the most common seed starting mistakes. Too much water can encourage fungus or mold growth and cause seedlings to rot. Allowing seedlings to dry out can cause them to wilt and possibly die. Inconsistent moisture leads to weak plants.
There are some simple steps you can take to maintain the proper moisture level for your new plants. First, be sure to thoroughly moisten the seed starting mix prior to planting. The peat moss or coconut coir used in these mixes will absorb a lot more water than you expect. Add water to the mix until it is moist enough to clump together but not soggy. After planting the seeds, use a humidity dome or plastic to retain moisture until the seeds sprout. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can use a spray bottle to mist the seedlings. As they get bigger, watering the seedlings from below is best, so that the soil can soak up moisture as it is needed.
Some other important steps for growing healthy plants include:
- Thin seedlings to allow the strongest to grow
- Harden off seedlings to adjust them to outdoor temperatures before transplanting
- Plant seedlings in a location that provides the proper amount of sunlight
- Plant seedlings at the proper spacing as indicated on the seed packet
Starting your garden from seed can be fun and rewarding. It takes a little preparation and patience, but it is not difficult. The end result is healthy plants that you can have the satisfaction in knowing you grew them yourself.