A Seed is a Promise | Best Tips on Growing & Sowing Seeds

Seeds are an economical way to grow and a wonderful way to teach children about the magic of plants and gardening. We carry an extensive line of seeds, starting mixes, and supplies to help you grow your own, available in store and in our online shop. Read on for our best growing tips for sowing your seeds.

A Seed is a Promise is a book I read to my kids when they were young, and it has stayed with me ever since. Growing seeds is a promise in so many ways. A promise to the earth, a promise of food or flowers, and a promise of spring. There is something special about sowing seeds and watching tiny sprouts push through the soil and begin to grow. It inspires a real sense of joy in gardeners, both young and old.

Many seeds can be started indoors in winter or early spring, while others are best planted directly into the garden. Thinking of starting seeds this season? We have everything you need available in store and in our online shop. Here are a few of the most important tips to consider.

It’s All in the Soil

A good, weed free, lightweight seed starting mix is essential. Never start seeds in black earth or topsoil. These soils are too heavy, have poor drainage, and easily become compacted, which can suffocate small, tender roots. Always choose a soil mix specifically designed for seed starting, which should contain ingredients such as vermiculite, peat, or perlite. Wet the soil well, but not soaking wet, before filling your seed trays or pots.

Read the Package

If the seed package says to start seeds indoors a certain number of weeks before planting out, be sure to follow those instructions. If the directions recommend planting directly outdoors in spring, follow that guidance as well. There is a reason growing instructions are included on the package. Gardeners often get a little stir crazy in winter and want to start early, but starting seeds too soon usually results in long, weak, leggy plants that are more susceptible to disease.

Good Light is Key

It can be difficult to provide bright, consistent light indoors without grow lights. The sunniest window with the longest amount of daylight is your best option, although this can be challenging during the winter months. If your seedlings begin to lean toward the window, rotate them every few days. Grow lights are an excellent option when natural light is limited.

Watering & Growing

Sow seeds into the pre moistened mix as mentioned above. Cover containers to retain humidity during germination using the lid from your kit or a loose plastic covering. Provide good heat during the germination process, such as placing trays on a radiator or using a heating mat.

Once seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and begin watering from the bottom by pouring water into the tray. Never water from the top, as this can cause disease, especially a fungal issue known as damping off, and may damage or dislodge young seedlings. Good air circulation is important to prevent humidity from building up around the seedlings.

Planting Out

Always pay close attention to the weather, as every spring is different. Many carefully nurtured tomato seedlings have been lost to an unexpected May frost or slowed by planting into cold soil. Protect your hard work by planting later rather than earlier.

Before transplanting, introduce plants to outdoor conditions gradually through a process called hardening off. Start by placing plants outside for a few hours on a mild spring day, then increase the time each day while bringing them indoors at night. After about a week, plants will be acclimated and ready to be planted in the garden.

“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.”
Chinese Proverb

Have fun!

Kelly

P.S. If you still have questions or would like additional assistance, visit us in store and our expert team will be happy to help.