Expert Tips for Starting Seed Indoors

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Sprout your spring garden indoors with these expert tips! Master seed starting for a thriving veggie or flower patch. Let's grow!

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Supplies Needed Seeds Vermiculite Seed Starting Potting Soil Seed Trays Bottom or Drainage Trays Clear Dome Lids Grow Lights Table or Shelf System Heat Mat Plant Labels Oscillating Fan Programmable Timer

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Starting in Dec/Jan, purchase high quality seeds. When they arrive, organize seed packets and journal by plant and set it up like a spreadsheet, so make columns for Days to Maturity, Seed Germination, Sow Date, Flower Color, Overall Size and Amount of Sun.

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When you are ready to start sowing, fill each of the cell or pots with pre-moistened seed starting soil. Pack it down to remove any air bubbles and gaps.

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Sow seeds according to seed packet directions. How deep you sow will depend on the seed variety. As a general rule, plant seeds twice their depth.

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Drop seed in hole then back fill with vermiculite until the tray is completely full. Then label each cell, tray, or seed pot so you know what each plant is. Trust me you won't remember later!

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Cover seed trays with plastic dome and place trays on heat mats under grow lights set on for 14-16 hours per day. Check seedlings daily for germination and remove dome covers when seeds start to sprout.

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Place trays under the lights and keep them fairly close – like an inch or so away from the tallest seedling.

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Make sure you keep the soil moist and always water from the bottom.

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Follow along to learn more about starting seeds indoors.

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