Things You'll Need:
- vegetable seeds
- seedling trays
- potting mix
- plastic wrap
- 1/2 inch pieces of paper cut into strips
- 4' fluorescent shop light
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Step 1
The first thing you will need to do is purchase your vegetable seeds, a flat seedling tray and a bag of Miracle Gro potting mix. The seedling tray should just be the tray and not the kind that comes with the plastic top. The trays are usually under $1. I like to use Miracle Gro potting mix because it is light and fluffy. Black potting soil gets hard and can make it difficult to start your seeds.
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Step 2
Look at your packets of seed and decide which ones can't be planted directly outside because of the growing season. I like to start tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and cabbage seeds indoors to get a jump start on the growing season.
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Step 3
Spread the potting mix in the seedling tray. You will want to put about 1-1/2 - 2" of potting mix in the tray and spread to even out.
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Step 4
I start many different kinds of seeds in one tray by using 1/2" strips of paper to separate the different seeds. The seeds can be close together but shouldn't be on top of each other. I am able to put one packet of tomato seed in a 3" section of the tray. Keep planting and separating the seeds until the tray is full.
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Step 5
Lightly cover the seed with 1/2"-1" of the potting mix. At this point you will need to water your seeds without washing them out. I find an out door watering can works or the spray on your sink with the water on low.
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Step 6
Now that the seeds have been planted and watered you will need to take a piece of the plastic wrap and cover the tray. You may need to piece to completely cover the tray. Push down on the plastic so that it form to the tray. This will keep the moisture in the tray until the seeds have sprouted. Once the seeds sprout the plastic will need to be removed.
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Step 7
Place the tray of seeds in a warm place. Warmth is more important than light when the seeds are germinating. The warmer the tray is the faster the seeds will sprout.
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Step 8
Once your seeds sprout and you have seedlings make sure to take the plastic wrap off. You will now use a shop light with any type of fluorescent light. Place your plants under the light and keep the light only an inch or two above the tray. I set my trays on my basement floor and use cans to prop up the lights. You want to grow your plants slow and strong, that is why the light needs to stay just above the plants.
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Step 9
Once the seedling grow to 2-3" inches you will need to transplant them. You can use peat plant cups or plain Styrofoam cups with holes poked in the bottom. Transplant with the Miracle Gro potting mix. You will want to cover the seedling up to the first leaf so that it grow strong. Place the transplants back into the empty seedling tray and place under your lights.
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Step 10
That is all that it takes to start your own strong healthy plants for your garden. A second transplanting may be required and it is okay to cover up more the stem like the first time.
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Step 11
The last step in starting your seedlings is to slowly acclimate your plants to the outside air before planting. This is accomplished by setting your plants out in the shade during the day for a few days before putting them in direct sunlight.
