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Seeds and starting plants at home.

Starting Your Seeds Indoors.

  1. Most annual seeds should be started in March and April. (Exceptions include: perennials which will bloom the first year, start these in January; and slow annuals like pansies, start these in February). Some hardy seeds can be started outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked such as sweet pea and viola.

  2. Use a sterile medium like peat moss, Pro Mix, or vermiculite.
  3. Fill containers with moist (not soggy) planting medium and firm down lightly.
  4. Sprinkle seed evenly and press down firmly so they have good contact with the medium.
  5. Tiny seeds need not be covered with a layer of soil if started indoors.
  6. Water from below so as not to dislodge the seeds.
  7. Light is often not required to germinate the seeds but warmth from the bottom helps. Check the seed package for any specific requirements for germination.
  8. Move the seeds to the brightest window or under an artificial light-grow unit as soon as they sprout. They generally prefer a cool temperature of 16-18 degrees Celsius.
  9. Water carefully!
  10. When the temperatures are warm enough outside you can begin to harden off your seedlings by placing them outdoors in a warm spot for short periods at a time, gradually increasing the length of time spent outdoors. This adapts the plants to the bright sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures outside.              Vol 97 no 31

Starting Perennials from Seed.
Start perennial seed in March and April for planting out in May and June. Some varieties, such as biennials, may be started later in pots or in a prepared seedbed for transplanting later in the summer and will bloom the next year. Perennials may also be sown in August and grown on for planting to the garden in late September but they may require winter protection (such as in a cold frame) to ensure winter survival.

Young seedlings must be hardened off before being planted out. For germination and growing on use florescent lighting keeping the plants as close to the lights as possible (ie: 4 inches),or use a south facing, large window. Check seed packs for temperatures and spacing.

 

© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services
Last updated: April 16, 2002