Seedlings to Vegetables

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.