Starting Seeds Indoors 
With just a little planning, gardeners can get an early jump on the planting season by starting seeds indoors. The back of most seed packets will provide basic information on how long the seed will take to germinate, including an estimate of how long to grow the plant indoors before transplanting it into the garden. Check for information on whether the seeds need light or dark, or for other specific requirements.
Steps for Starting Seeds
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Wash any used containers with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. |
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The container should have good drainage. |
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Seed trays and peat pots work well for starting seeds indoors. |
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| Soil |
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Minimize disease problems by using a sterile growing media such as vermiculite or a peat-based seed starting mixture. |
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Wet the seeding medium and allow it to drain before sowing the seeds. |
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| Planting |
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The easiest method is to sow 2-3 seeds at the appropriate depth in each individual container. |
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After the seeds germinate and the seedlings begin to form their second set of leaves, pinch off the smallest seedlings, leaving only the most vigorous plant in each container. |
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Continue to care for the plant in its original pot until it's time to transplant it to the garden. |
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| Lighting |
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After sowing, place the seeded containers under full spectrum fluorescent lights. |
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Keep the fixture about 4-6 inches above the plants. |
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After the seeds have germinated, keep the lights on 16 hours a day. |
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Gradually decrease the time to 12 hours a day as the seedlings mature. |
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| Temperature |
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Seeds generally need a soil temperature between 65–70 degrees to germinate. |
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Bachman’s recommends the use of a heating mat or heating cable. |
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| Watering |
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Keep the soil moist, but not saturated. |
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Water from below to avoid disturbing the tender seedlings. |
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| Humidity |
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Covering the containers with plastic will help hold in moisture and create a humid environment. |
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Be careful not to let them get too hot under the plastic. |
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Remove the plastic as soon as you see any signs of germination. |
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| Fertilizer |
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After the seeds germinate and the seedlings begin to form their second set of leaves, fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended rate weekly. |
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| Transplanting |
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Related Bachman's Information
Bachman's Floral, Gift & Garden Centers
Your local garden expert since 1885.
bachmans.com | ©Bachman's 2012
Select source information provided by the University of Minnesota Extension, www.extension.umn.edu.
Last Updated: May 2012
