Struggling to start your seeds? You’re not alone.
I remember when I first started growing my garden, and my seeds turned out…. well, disappointing.
With such high hopes for my home garden, I got a little depressed when my plants didn’t grow too fast or tall.
They seemed unhealthy and I didn’t know what I was doing wrong.
Today, I’m here to help you avoid this disappointment. I will tell you which seeds to start, how to start them, and the best tips for enjoying towering healthy plants in your home garden.
Which Seeds Should You Start First?
One of the main benefits of starting your seeds is that you’ll have many options available.
You get to choose between varieties that aren’t sold as seedlings, so you aren’t governed by what the big stores sell.
But which seeds should you pick?
As a first-timer, you might be interested in some exciting seeds.
Radishes, watermelons, cucumbers, beans, carrots, zucchini, squashes, beets, turnips, and peas might look promising. But these plants don’t like to be transplanted.
So, unless you sow them directly into your garden, they won’t grow as you want.
Does this mean that your home garden dreams are gone?
Not so fast!
Several good seeds can tolerate starting and transplanting well. Here are some of my top choices.
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Celery
- Chard
- Garlic
- Onions
- Shallots
- Bell peppers
- Brussel sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Eggplants
- Cauliflower
When Should You Start Seeds?
There’s no right answer to this question.
The time you should pick to start your seeds depends on where you live and what you’re growing.
So, while your southern friends start their tomato seeds, you might not be able to do this if you live in the north.
Checking the Old Farmer’s Almanac will help you decide when the frost will break, so you can plant your seedlings.
So, I Picked the Right Time, Why Are My Seeds Not Starting Properly?
Choosing difficult seeds isn’t the only problem you might encounter. Here are some other challenges.
- Starting the seeds in the wrong medium.
- Choosing inadequate planting depth.
- The temperature or light is inadequate.
- Overwatering your seeds or seedlings because you’re too excited about growing your home garden.
- The soil is too damp because it hasn’t warmed up yet.
- Competition for resources due to crowded seedlings.
- Transitioning the seedlings to an outdoor environment without hardening off.
Best Tips for Starting Your Seeds
After several successful seasons, I came to realize that certain practices can make seed starting more successful. I’m sharing them with you in this section.
- Pick the right place to start your seeds, as there should be room for the seedlings to grow.
- Make sure you have access to set up grow lights and timers.
- Keep your seed tray next to a water resource, so you can always water them according to the schedule.
- Choose the right growing medium as seeds won’t be able to start in soil. A soilless mix like peat moss is better because it’s sterile.
- Use soil blocks made of peat moss, compost, lime, perlite, and water to stop the seeds from growing so your seedlings don’t become root-bound.
- Grow your seeds on germination or heating mats.
- Use grow lights to keep your seeds healthy even if you place the tray near a south-facing window.
- Study your seeds well to avoid underwatering and overwatering them.
Final Thoughts
Seed starting can be overwhelming for a beginner, but I’ve got you. Follow my tips and your towering plants will be a sight to please everyone.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.