|
Even if you don’t own a greenhouse, starting your plants from seeds can be a fun and easy way to save money on the plants you normally purchase. With some minimal equipment and a bit of practice, anyone can inexpensively grow their favorite vegetables and flowers.
Choosing Seeds
Almost any retail garden center has a wide array of seeds to choose from, which is perfect for those who are looking for familiar favorites. However, if you’re looking for something more unique, seed catalogs (easily found online) are the best option. There are literally thousands of plant varieties available, many of which you cannot find in nurseries. These unique plants can add character to your yard or garden, but are still relatively easy to grow.
Getting the Right Tools
There are many tools that will be helpful to get your seeds off to a healthy start. Start with a good soilless growing media, like coir. Coir is nice and airy and holds in moisture to help prevent your seeds from drying out. Find a container to plant your seedlings. The seedling inserts work nicely to allow a good root base and easily separate your seeds when potting up. A humidity dome can also aid in growth by providing the perfect moist environment. The quicken the germination time, set your seedling tray on a seedling heat mat. Don't forget to put your plants under grow lights light as soon as they germinate to keep your sprouts from getting leggy. Finally, one of the easiest tools to overlook is a circulation fan. Without a constant fresh circulation of air to your plants, you risk losing them to disease and damping off.
Transplanting the Seeds
Once the roots of the seedling have grown enough to reach the walls of the seed starting insert, they need to be transplanted. It is best to then transplant the seeds into 4" pots, where they can continue to be protected in the greenhouse or indoors. During this time it is important to lightly fertilize regularly, but be sure to limit the nitrogen you provide because it can cause “leggy” growth, instead of healthier, bushier growth.
When the seedlings have begun to outgrow their home in the 4" pots, they can be transplanted into a new container for the greenhouse, or planted directly into your yard. If the seedlings are going to be put into another container, be sure that it is large enough to allow the plant to continue to grow throughout the season. Only transplant the seedlings into your yard once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures are warm enough for any fragile plants.
See the greenhouse seedling products up close in this short video.
|
My Cart
