How to Successfully Grow Plants From Seeds

Cosmos Seedlings

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I've personally failed at growing plants from seeds indoors. I always liked the idea of growing plants, but I thought it was just not for me. That is until I started planting my seeds in recyclable containers and put them outside to grow. I followed a process called winter sowing, and it has worked out very well for me and many, many other people. We're hooked on it now. Be careful, it's addicting. You'll also have a lot of fun with this too.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

seeds
recyclable containers such as milk jugs, soda bottles, etc.
potting soil
labels
tools to cut containers and poke holes in them

Step1

I follow a process called "winter sowing." You can find out more about it at www.wintersown.org. These steps are a brief introduction to the winter sown process. The general idea is that plants will grow well when they are *outside* in their natural environment. The containers act like a mini-greenhouse for the plants and they will be sheltered from the wind and protected from critters and birds. This works for many different kinds of annual, perennial, vegetable, and herb seeds. It is also much less expensive to grow seeds this way. This is how I successfully grow plants from seeds.

Step2

Poke or cut about five drainage holes to the bottom of a clear or semi-transparent container. An awl or knife will cut holes through plastic containers. Be careful not to cut yourself.

Step3

Add at least three inches of potting soil. Water the soil well, then add your seeds. Label the container with the kind of seeds you are putting in there so you'll remember what they are once they grow.

Step4

Cover the container with a large zip lock bag or other clear plastic. Then poke a few air ventilation holes in the cover.

Step5

Place the containers outside. Check on them periodically. Water them when needed. Transplant them after they get their first set of true leaves.