Welcome to the plant propagation by seeds Master class where we will learn the best seed starting mix, containers to start your seeds, how to add fertilizer for your seedlings, up potting seedlings to larger containers and finally transplanting your seedlings for healthy plants. Plant propagation via seeds is one of the most common ways to start plants.
So when is a good time to start seeds? Avoid all the confusion and start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date (look it up on the web for your zip code). As an example, the last frost date in Irvine California is 24th Feb. So I start tomatoes, peppers, eggplant seeds in the first week of January. Heat loving plants like gourds, okra and cucumbers will be started in mid February.
We begin with which container to use for seed starting. You can use any container that has drainage holes, including 6 pack seed starting cells, party cups, plastic cups, Styrofoam cups, peat pellets etc.
We then move on to the options for seed starting mixes. You can use a ready to consume seed starting mix like this Jiffy organic seed starting mix, which is basically a pre mixed seed starting mix and gives great results. However you can also make your own seed starting mixes and its extremely easy using coconut coir, perlite, peat moss, compost, worm castings.
Once the seeds are sowed you can keep them in any tray, What you see here is a 10x20 tray also called a 1020 tray. Keep the seed starting cells in this tray. Its optional, however highly recommended that you use a humidity dome to cover your seedlings. Most seeds need a warm and humid environment to germinate. Keep the seeds indoors or under a grow light. Though seeds do not require light to germinate, they need light as soon as they pop out. Use a good quality grow light or keep your plants in an outdoor greenhouse.
The seedlings have enough nutrition from the seeds or cotyledons for about 2 weeks. When the first true set of leaves appear as you see here, they will need nutrients to grow. There are many options to add fertilizer or nutrients. The easiest and most effective method is to use worm tea or compost tea. Worm tea provides nutrients and will not burn your plants. Pour diluted worm tea to the base of your seed starting tray, never from the top so as not to disturb the delicate seedlings. If you are vegan and want to use non animal products or don't like the smell of some of the other products, you can use a salt based fertilizer
We talk about up potting seedlings to larger containers using a good quality potting soil.
The final step is to transplant them. Once your last frost date has passed, work your soil well, add organic matter and start transplanting your seedlings. You can push out the seedlings from the bottom and use your fingers to remove the seedling and give it its permanent home. Make sure you water your seedlings and you are ready to grow the best plants in your garden.