If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start your garden, this is it. It’s time to start seeds indoors so they’ll be ready to plant outside when spring begins in earnest. It’s a fun project to get you through the late winter period that’s really all about waiting for spring to finally come calling.
Growing your own – whether flowers or vegetables – can be uniquely satisfying. Planting your seeds with care, then checking for that very first sprout everyday in anticipation is exciting. When you finally plant the first one in your spring garden – especially for the very first time – you’ll feel the pride of accomplishment.
Unfortunately, you don’t always reap what you sow – it’s simply not always as easy as it looks. When success is your goal it’s most important to consider the different needs of each type of seed. They don’t all have the same conditions for germination so be sure to read and follow the directions on the back of each seed packet.
In general, the bigger the seed – the deeper you planted it. Very small seeds, like lettuce seeds, don’t really need ‘planting’ at all – just a thin dusting of soil. That’s one of the very few generalities though, seeds have widely varying needs from light exposure to optimal temperatures. Some seeds can take weeks to show signs of growth, while others will germinate in just a few days.
You may be wondering how nature seems to germinate seeds so seemingly effortlessly. First, while you may plant 20 seeds, countless billions are spread in nature and not all of those will germinate either. Mother Nature also has some tricks on her side that you don’t – like counting on animals and birds to help out. The seeds of fruit eaten by birds run through it’s digestive system, which helps to weaken the tough coats of some seeds.* Animals wander – and birds fly – far away from the parent plant and disperse the seeds in their droppings, while others fall from their feathers or feet. Some seeds are sticky, while others have hooks or barbs that catch onto an animal’s fur, feathers or skin.
Seed Germinating Methods
For the home grower there are many germination methods, and experienced growers usually have one particular method for starting seeds indoors that they they swear by. Let’s explore a couple of the most popular.
The ‘Mini Greenhouse’ Kit
The first method that comes to mind is generally that seed starter kit you’ve seen in stores. These plastic planting trays usually include small pop-out cells that you fill with soil and set in a base tray. Then you plant your seeds and cover the tray with the clear plastic dome to create a small greenhouse which maintains the proper humidity level – then watch them grow. When your seedlings are ready to transplant – usually after it’s developed 3 or more leaves – you simply pop the individual plants from the container, and they’re ready for replanting in a larger pot or in your garden.
You can also use the small biodegradable germinating pots which have the advantage of allowing you to simply plant the entire pot. This method eliminates the risk of breakage or shock in digging them out of the growing cell for planting. The plant’s roots will grow right through the pot which will biodegrade over time. Keep an eye on this type of pot though, they are susceptible to mold. Be sure to space them out so air can pass between them.
Don’t use just any soil either. You can purchase a mixed seed starter soil to make it easy, or create your own.
Balcony Garden Web
has a few different recipes to choose from.
Paper Towel Seed Germination Method
The paper towel method is very simple. All your need is a square of paper towel, water, and a plastic ziplock bag, food storage container (with a clear lid) or cling wrap and – of course – seeds.
- Rip off a square of decent quality paper towel (something that can hold its shape when moist and not fall apart).
- Wet the paper towel and then squeeze it so it’s not dripping but moist.
- Place your seeds on the paper towel and fold it l over.
- Put folded paper towel in ziplock bag, storage container, or cover in cling wrap.
- Place on sunny window sill.
- Check progress in 3 – 5 days, though some varieties of seeds take much longer (refer to package directions).
Once the seeds have sprouted roots you can proceed to plant them in your starter soil. Some seeds may become embedded in the paper towel, but not to worry. Just plant the seed – paper and all – in your soil, it too will biodegrade over time and you won’t risk tearing the root from the seed.
Other Considerations
*Scarification
Some seeds come with a tough outer coating that is very difficult for a growing root to break through. While seeds get treated roughly in nature, being rubbed against rocks or falling from a height, collected seeds are treated in a more gentle manner. This won’t allow water to penetrate the outer shell to start the germination process. Scarification is the method by which gardeners slightly damage the outer coating of a seed to allow the moisture easier access to the interior. Scrape the outer shell with sandpaper or a nail file, or nick the seed with a sharp knife before planting it in soil. Soaking the seed in water for 24 hours can make scarification easier.
Temperature & Light
While most seeds need warmth to sprout – the top of your refrigerator will usually suffice – heat mats are available for purchase for more accurate control. Light needs for germinating vary as well – most seeds need varying degrees of light, but some actually prefer little or no light at all.
“Hardening Off”
Once spring has come- you won’t want to take your sprouts straight from the house into the garden. They need a little time to acclimate before being planted out. Take them outside on warm days for increasing time periods of exposure – out of direct sun – and take your time moving them from shade to dappled sunlight and finally to full sun. This will avoid the often fatal shock of an extreme change in temperature and light.
Last but not least – it cannot be stressed too strongly that you should read the back of seed packets and heed the directions. All seeds are not created equal! Good luck with growing your own, and know that spring is on it’s way.