10 Essential Seed Starting Hacks You Must Know

In this blog post, I'm going to cover 10 seed starting hacks that every gardener should know. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these tips will help you get a head start on your gardening season.

Pre-Soak Seeds

Soaking your seeds in water or hydrogen peroxide before planting can help soften the outer shell of the seeds and germinate them much quicker. Use an 8:1 ratio of water to hydrogen peroxide, which is two cups of water to a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide. This will also help prevent bacteria and fungus from growing, which can cause your seeds to rot.

Spinach Containers

Use clear spinach containers to grow your seeds. Fill the container halfway with growing medium, add water, and cover with the lid. The clear container lets in light and keeps a high amount of humidity inside, which helps the seeds to germinate quickly. You can also stack these containers to save space.

Biodegradable Containers

Use biodegradable containers such as peat bars, toilet paper rolls, or eggshells to grow your seeds. Cut the toilet paper rolls in half or the paper towel rolls into quarters, place them in a tray, and fill them with growing medium. When the seedlings start to grow, you can transplant the entire container into your garden without having any transplant shock.

Filling Trays

Fill your trays with growing medium and water before planting. This will help the soil settle and prevent any air pockets from forming, which can cause your seeds to dry out.

Bottom Watering

Water your seeds from the bottom instead of the top. This will prevent the seeds from getting washed away or disturbed. Place your trays in a larger container filled with water and let the soil absorb the water from the bottom.

Labeling

Label your seeds with the date, variety, and any other important information. This will help you keep track of what you're planting and when you planted it.

Heat Mats

Use heat mats to keep your seeds warm and promote germination. Heat mats can be purchased at most garden centers or online.

Lights

Use grow lights to provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow. Position the lights 2-3 inches above the seedlings and keep them on for 12-16 hours a day.

Ventilation

Provide your seedlings with proper ventilation to prevent any fungal growth. Open the lids of your containers or use a fan to circulate air around the plants.

Hardening Off

Before transplanting your seedlings outside, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with an hour or two a day and gradually increase the time over a week.

In conclusion, these ten seed starting hacks will help you get the most out of your garden. From pre-soaking your seeds to hardening off your seedlings, these tips will help you start your gardening season on the right foot. Happy gardening!