How To Start Seeds Indoors

Gardeners usually prefer to start seeds indoors for various reasons. One, the seeds are protected from harsh elements such as strong winds, frost, too much sunshine and animals. Two, it is less of a hassle for the gardeners to look after the seeds because the boxes are right next to them indoors thus minimizing trips to and from the garden. And three, they can control and easily monitor the amount of light the seeds are getting.

Take note that growing seeds can be very sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold. Therefore carefully choose the spot where you will leave the seed box. It is best that you place the seed box near the source of morning light. This way the seeds will get just enough amount of light that they need in order to grow.

Choose a container that can accommodate the seeds with enough room for their roots to grow. Always bear in mind never to crowd your seeds in just one container. Use more containers if you want to plant more seeds. Your containers must have sufficient drainage or holes under for the water to flow out when you water the seeds. Be careful though, to avoid mess especially when you are growing your seeds inside your house. Some gardeners are very innovative in that they fashion their own seed containers from old newspapers that are rolled and folded into shapes of pots. Newspapers are very ideal containers because they are biodegradable.

When deciding whether to use moss or soil for growing the seeds, the former is much better because it is naturally loose hence it is easy to transfer the seeds to pots or the ground when they are ready for it. Moss is being sold commercially so there is no problem as to how to avail of it.

When you are ready to plant your seeds, fill the pots with the moss or soil and flatten out the surface. Pour water to it and let drain for a while until you see no more water drippings from the holes of the pots or containers. Take note also that the moisture in the soil or moss is equally distributed.

Next, poke a hole with your finger or a pencil on the moss or soil and plant your seed. The seed should be buried about two times deeper than the thickness of the seed. Afterward, place the container near a window or any opening where the seeds can get light. If there is no natural light available, use fluorescent bulb to light up the seeds daily, taking care that the heat is not too much for the tender seeds.

When you see leaves have already formed from the seeds, it’s time to put fertilizer. Then as the leaves have hardened, you can start moving them out gradually. Don’t place the seeds abruptly under the sun. Let them stand first under a shade outside for a few days before exposing them to direct sunshine.