Beginner Tips for Starting Seeds

Last year I planted tomato seeds in my greenhouse during the winter months that I was able to transplant directly into my garden. It worked so well, that I decided to try again this year on a bigger scale. I’m still learning the process of planning, planting, and transplanting but I wanted to share some tips with you so you can join me in this planting journey and start planting seeds now.

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I listen to podcasts, read books and talk to other gardeners and one thing they all agree on. There are lots of options for starting seeds and everyone has their favorite ways to begin the season. But the most important thing to remember is that seeds need water, soil, time, and the right temperatures to grow. When you get those things right, you will be successful.

If you are just beginning the journey with seed starting, then start small and experiment. If the seeds don’t germinate this month, you still have time to start again!

Supplies Needed

Seed packets
Potting Mix
Seed trays
Wooden sticks & Sharpie marker
Garden gloves
Garden tool to help loosen the potting mix

Decide when to plant

I know that most seeds need to be started 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. So I went to Almanac.com to get an idea of my last frost. Then I counted back 6 weeks to see when I should plant my seeds. This is obviously not a perfect science but it gives me a good idea of timing.

Calculate your last frost date.

Pick your Seed Trays

I have been saving seed trays from several past planting seasons so I would be ready for this week. If you don’t have seed trays from previous years, you can make seed pots from newspapers or use small empty flower pots.

Use Seed Starting Mix

There are mixed results when you do an internet search for the best seed starting mix. I don’t have an opinion yet of whether you should use a potting mix designed for containers, soil with extra fertilizer or plain dirt out of your garden bed. For this year’s test, I used a bag of container gardening mix that I had bought early on during the winter for some other greenhouse plants.

Label Label Label

One thing that I often forget to do is label the seeds that I plant. I often get surprised by what I plant and then don’t know exactly what I’ve grown. This year, I decided to use a sharpie marker and some wooden sticks to label each seed tray. I also take a picture of the seed packet and requirements beside the tray so I can reference it later on when the seedlings start to grow and are ready to be planted.

Water your Seeds

I’m not an expert on how much water plants and seeds need but I do know is that it should be moist but not wet. My goal is to keep it about the same consistency as it would be if I was planting directly in the garden.

Books I’m Reading

Four Season Gardening

With a hearty dose of enthusiasm and expertise, author Misilla dela Llana of YouTube’s Learn to Grow channel presents this season-by-season guide to growing edible plants, covering everything from what tasks and what crops are best for each harvesting season to step-by-step DIY projects for structures and methods to temper weather extremes. With Four-Season Food Gardening you can keep on growing, no matter what challenges Mother Nature presents.
Order Four Season Gardening on Amazon

The Regenerative Garden

The Regenerative Garden is a guide to working with nature, instead of against it, by employing permaculture techniques to create a garden that is not just more beautiful and productive, but also more resilient. Whatever the size of your space, from a tiny patio garden to a big backyard, and whether you grow food, flowers, shrubs, trees, or a combination of all, The Regenerative Garden is here to help you become a better, more eco-conscious gardener.
Order The Regenerative Garden on Amazon

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Beginner Tips for Starting Seeds