Today I'm sharing how to start seeds indoors and giving you step by step instructions on each task. The tools I use when starting seeds indoors are:
- 48 cell pack inserts, watertight bottom trays, and humidity domes - amzn.to/33Y8R0o
- Heat Mat - amzn.to/3HiXbU7
- Metal Storage Rack that is the same length as your shop light - amzn.to/3HfFBQU
- T8 Fluorescent shop light fixture with one cool and one warm T8 fluorescent bulb - amzn.to/3ufg6eL (Bulbs sold separately at your local hardware store)
- Professional grade potting soil - Frey Professional Potting Mix - Frey Group LLC (freygroupsoils.com)
Seeds
Water
Plant Labels (Old popsicle sticks work great)
Here are the steps I use when sowing seeds indoors -
Moisten your potting soil
Fill your cell trays to the top with soil ensuring no air pockets are present
Sow the seed as instructed on the back of the packet
Place tag with variety planted
Cover with humidity dome
Place on heat
Once 50% of the cells have germinated, immediately remove humidity dome and move to lights
Place the seedlings under T8 or T12 fluorescent shop lights. When using fluorescent bulbs the lights should be kept 2-3 inches from the leaf canopy at all times. You will need to raise the light as the plants grow. LED lights and T5 fluorescent lights are stronger and should be placed further away from the plants.
Once is it time for the plants to go outside start the process called "hardening off." This is where we gradually acclimate seedlings to the outside environment. Give them shelter and 2 hours outside on the first day. On the second day give them 3 hours outside and bit more of the elements. Continue in this manner for approximately 10-12 days.
At that point your seedlings are fully hardened off and ready to be planted outside.
More on the grow lights I use - • AFFORDABLE Grow Lights...
More on hardening off seedlings - • How to Harden Off Seed...