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 garden seeds, starting mixes, and supplies to help you grow your own at home. Available in-store & in our online shop, our seed selection is ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

But, keep reading for our best growing tips for sowing your seeds successfully this season.

“A Seed is a Promise” was 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, a promise of spring. There is something about sowing seeds, watching the tiny sprouts push through the soil and begin to grow, that inspires true joy in gardeners both young and old.

Many seeds can be started indoors in winter or early spring, while others are best planted outdoors directly into the garden once conditions are right. Want to try starting seeds this season? We have everything you need available in-store & 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, light seed-starting mix is essential. Never start seeds in black earth or topsoil, these soils are too heavy, drain poorly, and compact easily, which can suffocate small, tender roots. Always choose a soil mix specifically designed for seed starting, containing materials like vermiculite, peat, or perlite. Wet the soil well (not soaking wet) before filling your seed trays or pots.

Read the Package

If the seed packet says to start seeds indoors a specific number of weeks before planting out, be sure to follow those instructions. If directions state they are best planted directly outdoors in spring, trust the process. There’s a reason growing instructions are included. Gardeners often get stir-crazy in winter and think starting seeds earlier means bigger plants, but starting too early often results in long, weak, stringy growth that’s more susceptible to disease.

Good Light is Key

It can be challenging to provide enough bright light indoors without grow lights. The sunniest window with the longest daylight exposure is your best option, especially during winter months. If seedlings begin to lean toward the light, rotate them every few days. Grow lights provide the most consistent results and are ideal for indoor seed starting.

Watering & Growing

Sow seeds into a 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 steady warmth during germination (a heating mat or warm surface works well). Once seeds sprout, remove the cover and water from the bottom by pouring water into the tray. Never water from the top, as this can cause disease — especially fungal issues like damping off — and may damage delicate sprouts. Good air circulation is also important so humidity doesn’t build up around seedlings.

Planting Out

Always watch the weather — every spring is different. Many carefully nurtured seedlings have been lost to an unexpected May frost or slowed by cold soil temperatures. Protect your hard work by planting later rather than earlier. Gradually introduce plants to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off. Start with a few hours outside on a mild spring day, increasing exposure daily while bringing plants in at night. After about a week, they’ll be acclimated and ready to transplant into 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 with seed starting, visit us in store, our garden experts are always happy to help.