How to Start Vegetable Seeds With Lights

When starting vegetable seeds with lights, timing is everything. The back of the seed packet you want to grow will tell you the length of the germination period. You usually need to start the process six to eight weeks before the growing season begins to ensure the seedlings are strong enough to transplant. Once there is no longer danger of the temperature dipping below freezing, the seedlings can be planted in an outdoor garden bed or pots.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seedling flats
• Starter soil mix
• Vegetable seeds
• Grow light
• Water-soluble fertilizer

1. Fill the compartments in the seedling flats about 3/4 of the way with starter soil mix. Starter soil mix is a light potting soil designed to give optimal nutrition to seeds.

2. Sprinkle the seeds onto the soil, then cover them with a fresh layer of starter mix. Consult the back of the seed packets to determine how many seeds to put in each compartment and how much dirt to cover them with. These facts vary from plant to plant.

3. Water the seeds according to the instructions on the back of the packets and allow them to germinate in a cool, dark place.

4. Move the seedling flats to a level surface when the vegetable plants begin to sprout. Suspend the grow lights 4 to 6 inches above the top of the seedlings.

5. Switch on the grow lights for 14 to 18 hours per day. Continue to water the seedlings according to the instructions.

6. Apply a very small amount of water-soluble fertilizer designed for the vegetable you are cultivating after each watering. This will keep up the nutrients in the soil as the seedlings grow.

7. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent home when they appear sturdy and are several inches tall or long.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain vegetables, such as carrots, corn and beets, do not need to be started under lights because they are much more resistant to temperature changes.

References

• Utah State University Extension
• Kansas City Star