How to Use Seed Starters?

Using seed starters is a great way to get a head start on the growing season! Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare Your Seed-Starting Mix

Fill a large bowl or container with seed-starting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it can be too heavy and contain diseases.
Gradually add water to the mix, combining it with your hands, until the soil is evenly moist. It should be damp but not soggy. Think of a wrung-out sponge.

Place your seed tray inside a drip tray. This will catch any excess water.
Carefully fill each cell of the seed tray with the moistened seed-starting mix. Gently press down to eliminate air pockets, but avoid compacting the soil too much. Leave a little space at the top.

Refer to the seed packet for specific planting depth recommendations. Generally, small seeds should be sown on the surface and lightly pressed into the soil, while larger seeds require a deeper planting.
Use a pencil or your finger to make a small indentation in the center of each cell.
Place the recommended number of seeds (usually 1-3) into each cell.
Gently cover the seeds with more seed-starting mix, following the depth guidelines on the seed packet.

Water the seed tray gently from the bottom by adding water to the drip tray. This helps prevent disturbing the seeds. Allow the soil to absorb the water from the bottom. Alternatively, use a spray bottle to mist the surface of the soil.
Cover the seed tray with a humidity dome or plastic wrap. This helps retain moisture and create a warm, humid environment for germination.

Place the covered seed tray on a heat mat to maintain a consistent soil temperature, which is crucial for germination.
Position the seed tray under grow lights. Provide the recommended light duration as noted on your seed packet, generally 14-16 hours per day. If using a windowsill, rotate the tray daily to ensure even light exposure.
Once the seeds have germinated and seedlings emerge, remove the humidity dome or plastic wrap.

Watering: Monitor the moisture levels in the seed trays regularly. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping-off (a fungal disease that kills seedlings).
Fertilizing: Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves (the second set of leaves after the initial seed leaves), begin fertilizing them with a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for seedlings.
Hardening Off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions through a process called "hardening off." This involves exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and wind over a period of 7-10 days.

By following these steps, you can successfully use seed starters to grow healthy and vibrant seedlings for your garden!