Follow these simple directions:
Supplies: (Great news supplies are inexpensive)
- A south-facing or sunny window
- A bag of potting mix that is fluffy and light, with a loose texture. You can even buy germinating mix made specifically for germination of seeds. Seeds don’t like a heavy soil
- Popsicle sticks
- Waterproof pen or pencil
- Clear plastic kitchen bags or clear plastic food wrap
- A complete soluble fertilizer like a 15-15-15 or good compose or compost liquor
- Containers that are 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) wide, and 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) deep for planting – these can be: plastic cell trays (which I prefer), peat pots, (Jiffy 7’s, cut-off milk cartons, or Dixie cups. As long as the container has holes to drain, it’s fine to use.)
Step-by-Step:
- Fill containers with with potting mix soil (pre-moistened not soggy).
- Level with piece of wood to form flat surface.
- Sow seeds one or two per container. If you are using a larger square pot, four seeds max. (One in each corner quadrant of the square pot)
- Take piece of cardboard press down lightly but firmly to make sure seed makes firm contact with soil.
- Then sprinkle more loose soil on top to make sure seeds are well covered.
- Place individual pot in plastic bag or wrap entire tray of seeds in plastic wrap.
- As soon as seeds have sprouted and broken through surface of soil, remove plastic.
- At this stage the seedlings should be be in full sunlight or a drafty area. They will be prone to dehydrate. Top of refrigerator is a good place.
- Seedlings should appear in two to three weeks. (Remember at best only 7 of every 10 seeds will sprout)
- If for some reason no seeds sprout don’t panic, repeat process and find a more even temperature and less drafty location. There is still plenty of time.
- Remember warmest places in your house are behind south facing walls.
- Worst case scenario invest in a heat mat.
