It's best to add 2-3 seeds to each pot, in case one doesn't sprout. Use the crease of the seed packet or place seeds in a creased piece of paper to help direct the seeds where you want them to go.
If only a few plants are needed, it is not necessary to plant all the seeds in a packet. Surplus seed often can be saved for a later planting date. Keeping seed dry and cool or at least at room temperature in a closed container is best.
Start inside OR direct sow seeds outdoors (all others)
Most herbs are more successful when started indoors. For flowers, follow the recommendations provided on the seed package. *Click on any of the highlighted vegetables in the list to visit the corresponding grow guide! Transplanting day in our garden.
Depending on the seed, it's usually a good plan to plant more than one seed (but not too many!) Some seeds just aren't viable, so it's good to plant two or three just in case. You can always cull them later if you have multiple sprouts.
At the same time, it's important to make sure your seedlings aren't overcrowded. Crowded seedlings are a common problem that can prevent plants from reaching their full potential. If you don't plant your seeds far enough apart, they'll have to compete for the same sun, water, air and nutrients in the soil.
Don't exceed three seeds per hole. If more than one germinates, snip off extras at the soil line also. This prevents disturbance of the seedling roots on the one you'll continue growing out when thinning. Don't add more than one large seed to a hole.
Some seeds like Allium 'Purple Sensation' and Eryngium giganteum need a long period of cold-moist stratification with alternating temperatures. These are the most difficult seeds to germinate.
Many seeds germinate much quicker in paper towels (versus seeds that are started in soil). The heat, moisture, and controlled conditions inside a plastic baggie help them germinate in only a few days (or less, depending on the seed).
By soaking the seed, it enables the new growth from the inside to push through the hard shell and grow. The seeds that could benefit from a good soaking include: corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas. The seeds you shouldn't soak include: carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach.
Quality grass seed labels include guidance on optimal seeding rates to maximize your results. Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.
The surrounding soil will draw moisture away from the differently textured medium of the indoor-grown seedlings root systems. I recommend starting with fresh seeds in small containers with a starting medium that drains well.
In general, you should start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. For example, our average last frost date here in growing zone 4b (Minneapolis, MN) is May 15th.
In most cases, seeds will germinate within three weeks (after that, try starting a new round of seeds). spot in your house (preferably a south-facing window). Continue to keep the mix moist, but not overly wet. Seedlings should be watered once a day or every other day, depending on how much sun and heat they get.
You won't have to water after they are planted, preventing seed movement. Create a mini greenhouse by covering the seed tray with a plastic tray or plastic wrap. This will keep the moisture and warmth inside, and you shouldn't have to water again till after the seeds have germinated.
It's official: beans, peas, and pumpkins are among the top ten easiest plants to grow from seed, according to a list created by the Home Garden Seed Association.
The oldest seed germinated is a 2,000-year-old date seed originally discovered at Masada in the 1960s and planted by Dr Sarah Sallon (Israel) of The Louis Borick Natural Medicine Research Centre in the Hagasa Medical Organization, Jerusalem, and Dr Elaine Soloway of Kibbutz Ketura, Israel, in 2005.
While you can plant a late planting to the first frost date, it's always best to allow as much growing time as possible. If you missed the spring planting, then calculate which vegetables you can grow now and still have a harvest before the first frost.
Place the seeds in a warm location.
Check the seed packets to understand the ideal soil temperature for each plant. Then place the seed tray in front of a windowsill that receives partial sun, or place the seed kits on a heating mat to maintain an even temperature and light. South-facing windows generally work well.
Vegetable and flower seeds may be kept for one year without appreciable decrease in germination. Storage may be extended to 10 or more years under proper conditions. Seed moisture and storage temperature are the most important factors in determining how long seed can be stored.
You can sow wildflower seeds in a number of ways: scattering seed, sowing into a prepared seed bed or sowing seed indoors in seed trays or plug modules. Scattering or throwing wildflower seeds on bare ground is the easiest way to sow wildflower seeds, but doesn't always yield good results.
Even the planting process is easy. I put down fresh mulch, then sprinkle the Zinnia seeds where I want them. I don't worry about spacing or anything, I just scatter them.