Materials Needed

• Seed starting mix (not garden soil)
• Seed trays or pots with drainage
• Seeds
• Spray bottle
• Grow lights (optional but recommended)
• Labels

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Soil & Trays: Pre-moisten seed starting mix until it's like a damp sponge, then fill trays, tapping lightly to settle but not compact.
2. Sow Seeds: Plant seeds according to the packet directions. A good rule is to plant them about twice as deep as the seed is wide; tiny seeds can stay on the surface. Plant 2-3 seeds per cell if unsure about germination.
3. Cover & Label: Gently mist the surface and cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap (with pinholes). Label your trays immediately.
4. Provide Warmth & Light: Place trays in a warm spot (70-80°F is ideal), often with a seedling heat mat. Once seeds sprout (germinate), move them under bright grow lights for 14-16 hours daily to prevent leggy growth.
5. Water Properly: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, using a spray bottle or bottom watering (letting trays sit in water).
6. Thin Seedlings: When seedlings have their first "true leaves," snip the weaker ones at soil level (don't pull) to leave the strongest seedling in each cell.
7. Harden Off: Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week or two.