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How to Start Seeds Indoors

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Want to get a jump on the gardening season or grow plants not readily available at your local nursery?

Here's what you need to get started! Seeds Vermiculite Seed Starting Potting Soil Seed Trays Bottom or Drainage Trays Clear Dome Lids Grow Lights Table or Shelf System for Seedlings Heat Mat Plant Labels Oscillating Fan Programmable Timer

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Starting in December/January, purchase high quality seeds of your choice. 

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When seeds 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. 

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Label your seed trays and/or individual pots.

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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.

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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 the seed starting series from seed to flower

Gardening Tips & Tricks