Row by Row Episode 185: Are you making these MISTAKES when starting your seeds?
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Let's talk about the tips & techniques of seed starting. Evaluating your seed starting method is extremely important, is it art or skill? Where should you start your seeds? Are you using the correct soil? Are you planting at the right depth for each variety? Let's discuss!
Important Tips of Seed Starting
Here's what you need to remember:
- Keep Records/Journal to record when seeds are sown, germination, success rate and date transplanted. Tracy (justdigitfarms) did excellent video last week.
- Purchase seed from a trusted source (high quality) (germination rates) check seed packet for specific directions
- Keep seeds stored properly: Cool dark location with low humidity
- Select the correct seed-staring mix
- Plant in correct container/seed starting tray (drainage holes) (plant markers)
- Plant proper depth
- Keep seed starting mix moist
- Warm location
- Fertilize when seedlings have true leaves
- Thin if needed, step up as needed
- Pest Control
Evaluate Your Method
Indoor Vs outdoor:
- Indoor: Got to have lights, Heat mats, more expensive, less fluctuation in temps, limited space. Temperatures of 65 to 75 to germinate (ambient temp). Don’t plant too early
- Outdoor, (in green house.) more fluctuation in temps got to run heaters, less expensive (Sort of) can start more seeds. Unpredictable weather
Overall Problems in Seed Starting
- Germination: Humidity + temp
- Damping off
- Leggy seedlings
- Nutrition: begin once true leaves emerge
Correct These Issues
- Have heat mat and some type of humidity
- Drainage! Airflow
- Light and light. Strat over if plants are leggy. Harden off if needed/acclimated to direct sunlight