Indoor Seed Starting Information FAQ

Should all seeds be started indoors?

No, in fact, only a few seeds need indoor starting - those that are very slow-growing or need a headstart where the season is short. The packet will tell you specifically when and where to plant.

What does "germinate" mean?

To germinate, a seed takes in water and begins to swell, and continues until the tiny plants emerge from the soil and begin to make their own food by photosynthesis.

How long until the seed germinates?

The individual seed packet give the approximate number of days from planting to emergence (when seedlings appear). For example, under ideal conditions, a bean seed takes about 7 to 10 days to germinate.

What kind of lighting is best for indoor germination?

If a completely unobstructed south window of natural light is not available, at a minimum use standard T12 4-foot fluorescent light tubes in a standard 2-tube 4-foot fluorescent "shop light" fixture for 12 to 18 hours per day.

Using a four-foot two-tube fixture is always preferred to a two-foot two-tube fluorescent fixture if space permits. Flourescent tubes are dimmer at the ends than in the middle. A two-foot fixture only gives you about 16 to 18 inches (in length) of usable light, whereas a four-foot fixture gives you an area of a little more than three feet. The width of coverage of a standard T12 two-tube fixture is approximately 8 to 12 inches. That said, the 2-tube 2-foot flourescent fixtures will work perfectly fine starting a single standard 10 by 20 inch nursery flat, and are used by thousands of growers.

One disadvantage of standard T12 fluorescent lighting is that the usable light doesn't have a lot of depth penetration, about 18 inches at most. This means you have to keep your tubes no more than 6 inches from the tops of the seedlings. You'll see significantly better results by keeping the tubes about 4 inches from the tops of the seedlings. The advantage of fluorescent lamps is that they burn cool, allowing you to place them this close to the developing plants. Be sure to raise your fixture as the seedlings grow.

Quickly gaining in popularity are the new high-output T5 fluorescent light fixtures,which provide much better depth penetration, illuminating larger areas with more than sufficient light for speedy seed germination, at a lower cost than standard T12 tubes and fixtures.

Why are my seedlings tall, spindly and falling over?

The number one reason is insufficient light, however, a plant that germinates and grows outside has to weather many environmental issues, such as wind and rain. To defend itself against these ravages, it develops a short, sturdy stalk and stays more compact in its growth habit. A plant that germinates indoors doesn't have the wind or rain to strengthen its stalk, so using an artificial wind source is necessary to insure your seedlings don't grow tall and spindly. Use a small oscillating fan and place it near the seedlings so that they sway ever so slightly in the breeze. You don't need nor want to recreate a hurricane. A couple of hours a day will keep your seedlings stronger and more compact. Keep fluorescent fixtures no more than 2 to 4 inches above the canopy of the seedlings. Place HID lighting fixtures no closer than 2 feet to the seedling canopy.

When do I fertilize my seedlings?

When plants start growing their first true set of leaves, water with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer or compost tea at quarter to half strength.

Outoor Seed Starting Information FAQ

Preparing The Soil

A rich sandy loam is well adapted to gardening. Other kinds of soil are suitable, but stiff clays need plenty of fibrous material and must be thoroughly broken up. Sandy soils generally need additional fertilization. For general use, where well-rotted stable manure is not available, a commercial fertilizer should be added. Work the soil deeply and make the top 3 or 4 inches as fine and loose as possible. Much weed killing can be done by hoeing or raking just before planting. Do not work clay soils when they are wet enough to stick to the rake or hoe.

Planting

At time of planting seed in the open ground, the soil should be moist but never wet, when avoidable. To retain moisture after planting, cover seed immediately with fine, freshly prepared earth and press it down firmly and smoothly. This firming of the soil brings the particles of earth into close contact with seeds, prevents drying out, and facilitates growth. Plant at a time when the atmospheric and soil temperatures are most favorable for germination of the kind of seed to be sown. The best temperature for each kind may be learned from study of our cultural directions and zonal charts and by inquiring of successful gardeners in your neighborhood. The proper depth for covering seed varies with the different kinds of seeds and conditions of soil. This can be learned best through practical experience. When planting seed, the soil must be loose and soft so that the tender stems of seedlings can easily push through, and the young roots quickly find plant food. This is usually secured by careful preparation of the soil and by not planting fine seeds when the ground is wet.

Cultivating

Stirring the surface soil during the period of growth kills weeds, loosens the ground so as to encourage root development, allows air to enter, and helps to conserve moisture. Cultivation may be deep at first, but as the plants grow it should be more shallow to avoid injury to the roots.

Watering

When plants need supplemental watering, the best hours of the day for it are early morning or evening. The roots, however, may be watered at any time. One good soaking is better than many light sprinklings.