If you’re about to start planning your vegetable garden in your backyard, you should be thinking about starting seeds. Starting your garden from seeds is a fun and smart choice. It’s cheaper than buying plants, and you have a lot more options for different kinds of plants. If you are new to gardening, it seems easier to just start with buying seedlings that are already growing.
Getting started with seeds might seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of planning and some basic knowledge, anyone can do it. You will need some basic things to start, and there’s a little bit to learn, but it’s not too hard. In this article, we will go over some tips to help you start your garden from seeds.
1 – Materials needed
To start your seeds, you will need a few basic items. The most important are gardening trays and flats, which are perfect for holding your seeds and soil as they begin to grow. You will also need a seed starting mix, which is a special type of soil that’s light and fluffy, making it easier for young roots to grow.
Choose the seeds for plants you’re excited to grow. You’ll also want labels to keep track of what you’ve planted and a water spray bottle or small watering can to gently water the seeds without disturbing them too much.
A bright, warm spot in your house is crucial for helping your seeds grow. If you don’t have a place that gets enough light, you might consider getting a grow light. While not absolutely necessary, a grow light can make a big difference in how well your seeds start. If your house is on the cooler side, a heat mat can help.
2 – Choose the right seeds
Choosing the right seeds is a key step in starting your garden. Think about what you like to eat and if the plants will grow well in your hardiness zone. Also, consider how much space you have. Some plants need more room to grow than others.
It’s also good to think about your weather. Some plants do well in cooler temperatures, and others need more heat. The seed packet often mentions the best time to plant outside based on your area’s climate.
3 – Harden off the seedlings
Once your seedlings have grown strong and the weather outside is right for growing, it’s time to plant them in the garden. This process is called hardening off. It helps your plants get used to the sun, wind, and temperature changes they will face outdoors. Hardening off is important because it reduces the shock plants can experience when moving from a controlled indoor environment to the unpredictable outdoors.
To harden off your seedlings, start by placing them outside in a sheltered, partially shaded spot for a few hours each day. A spot that gets morning sun but is protected from strong afternoon rays is ideal. Do this for about a week, gradually increasing the time they spend outside each day.
