How To Start Seeds For Planting

Purchase seed starting soil from a local nursery, or mix your own. The ideal mix contains equal parts garden soil, vermiculite, which is a kind of sand, and peat or compost.

Add water to your soil mix, but only enough to lightly moisten it.

Plant your seeds according to the depth and spacing instructions on the seed packet, and then lightly cover them with soil. Gingerly press the soil onto the seeds and sparingly add water over them.

Cover the pots with plastic sheets, wrap, or bags to create a greenhouse effect and keep moisture in the soil.

Set the pots in a warm location, such as a water heater top, refrigerator top, or sunny window. Check the soil moisture daily and water only when needed. Do not over water.

Remove the plastic covers once the seeds begin to sprout.

Place the germinated seeds in or near a sunny window. To encourage straight growth and prevent a thin, weak stem, place the new sprouts directly under a light source, such as a fluorescent light.

When your plants have several sets of leaves, and the weather is warm enough, set the plants outside for increasing lengths of time. Start with 2 hours, and gradually work up to leaving them out all day.

You’re ready to transfer those flowers and vegetables you worked so hard to cultivate to the garden. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!