Indoor Seed Planting Steps

Indoor Seed Planting Steps


1. Fill the container up to 3/4 inch from the top with the mixture to be used. It should be moistened before filling if the mixture is dry. Make sure the container has adequate drainage. Or use Jiffy Peat Pods and follow manufactures directions.

2. Level and gently firm the planting medium.

3. Plant 2-3 seeds per container with the intent to thin the weakest plants leaving just one plant per container (very fine seeds such as petunia need not be covered with soil, just moisten the surface with a fine mist. As a general rule, seeds other than the very fine seeds should be covered with soil the depth of size of the seed).

4. Cover containers with clear plastic. Since they retain moisture, no additional watering should be necessary until after seeds have germinated.

5. Place seeds in a warm location for germination. Generally, a range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is best. The top of your fridge is a great location. Don't place covered containers in direct sunlight.

6. Watch daily for germination. Containers should be moved to bright light and the plastic bags removed as soon as germination is well under way. If not all seeds germinate at the same time, cut strips of plastic or cloth, and keep ungerminated rows covered until seedlings appear. Seeds are quickly killed if allowed to dry during germination.

7. Place germinated seedlings in a bright south facing window or under florescent lights. Place the seedlings about 2-3 inches from the tubes and keep lights on for 14 to 16 hours each day. As seedlings grow, the lights will need to be raised to prevent leaves from touching the bulbs.

8. Water regularly and thin plants to one plant per pot.