How NOT to Start a Garden

   Do not use potting soil to start the seeds in.There are too many twigs and other solid media that can prevent the seeds from properly germinating. The delicate roots will also have difficulty getting down into the dense soil. 

     Another mistake is using dirt from the yard. This can contain microbes which can kill the plant and, like the potting soil, is too heavy.

Do use seed starting mix. This is sterile and is specifically designed for the seeds to thrive. Just be sure  that there are no chemical fertilizers in it. Miracle Gro sells Organic Choice mixes, but they aren’t actually organic, only some of the ingredients are. Jiffy brand sells organic seed starter which is widely available at Walmart and most other stores. 

Do not use itsy bitsy containers to start your seeds in. You can, but then the plants will need transplanted into larger containers anyway. Otherwise they risk becoming root bound or run out of nutrients from too little soil. Plants need at least 3 inches of soil to grow in. Larger plants, like melons, tomatoes and okra will quickly outgrow small containers. The fewer times a plant is transplanted and the less it is handled the better chance it has at survival.

Do not use plastic containers without first cutting a small hole in the bottom. The plants need good drainage and the roots will rot if there’s not adequate circulation.

Do use adequately sized peat pots. When it’s time to plant outside these can be placed right into the soil along with the plant. I started my herbs in the smaller Jiffy brand peat pots and my tomatoes, okra and amaranth in the larger 4 inch pots. These will grow to be fairly large and must be started 8 weeks before planting outside, so they’ll need space to grow indoors. Regular recycled containers can be used, but be sure there is adequate drainage in the bottom.

Planting

Do not use dry fluffy soil. By that I mean make sure the soil is moist and slightly pushed into the containers. Otherwise the seeds can fall down too far in the pots and not have enough light to germinate.

Do not “overplant” the seed. Different seeds need to be at different depths in the soil to properly grow. Most plants will have depth guides on the back of the seed packet but if not the smaller the seed, the less soil is needed to cover it. Very tiny seeds need to be sown on the surface because light is required for germination. Eggplant seeds aren’t that small, but still require light for germination. If unsure how deep to plant, place the seed twice as deep as its diameter.

Do not put the seeds in a cool place. Most seeds need warmth to germinate. Some seeds, such as cucumber and jelly melon need soil temperatures of 75-95 degrees to germinate. Other seeds, like eggplant, can take up to 21 days to germinate if the soil is not warm enough. Be careful though, as some cool loving plants, like potatoes need the temperature at 65-80. Seeds vary so always check before you plant. Heating mats can be purchased to better control the soil temperature. Even room temperature can be too cool for some seeds, but if your trays are placed in a sunny location, the sun will do the job for you.

Do not keep the plants uncovered. Many seeds need to be covered in plastic wrap, glass or other transparent covers to trap heat and promote germination. This will also help the soil stay moist and keep the seeds from drying out.

Growth

Do not place the plants too far from your light source. If you’re using grow lights instead of a very sunny, warm windowsill, they need to be no more than a few inches away from the soil’s surface. If the lights are too far, then the plants will have to stretch to reach it and may fall over. As the plants grow you can move the lights higher.

Do not keep your grow lights on for more than 16 hours. The plants need about an 8 hour rest period for proper growth. If possible, lower the room temperature during this rest period to about 60 degrees, as this more closely mimics natures cycle.

Do not overwater or under water the plants. The soil should be kept adequately moist at all times. Because the plants are so close to their light source, they will need watered 2-4 times a day. During germination the plants can be watered with a misting bottle, but after sprouting the containers can be watered from the bottom. Pour some water into the tray the plant containers are in so the roots can drink it up, this will also help combat mold growth.  Plants that receive too much water can rot or grow mold. If mold appears on the containers, cut back on watering. Keeping covers on the plants past germination can also cause mold growth.

Do use a fan to circulate the air around the new plants. A gentle breeze isn’t absolutely necessary, but it helps to strengthen the plant stalks.

By following these tips and learning from my mistakes, hopefully you can join me in successfully starting a garden this year. 

My next post will be on when to start a selection of common vegetables. Ideally most seeds should have already been started, but its still not too late to begin!