Are seed packets taking over your kitchen table? If you live in warm zones, it’s about time to start those tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants-hooray! If you’re in cold climates—hold tight a little longer. Instead, make sure you’ve gathered all your seed starting supplies.
Are you new to seed starting? We think there’s no activity as romantic as getting your hands dirty with your valentine…by planting seeds. Pop some bubbly, put on Marvin Gaye, and make some babies…green babies, that is!
Before you get started, make sure you’ve gathered your supplies, because there’s nothing worse than being in the midst of seed-starting bliss and getting interrupted because you forgot…a marker for labels. So, before you get comfy, gather the following:
- Seed starting chart for timing. Starting plants too early can be as detrimental as starting too late. Most seed starting charts tell you when to start seeds, based on your last expected frost date in spring.
- Seed starting trays with humidity domes. Never let delicate seedlings dry out. A humidity dome helps preserve soil moisture.
- Biodegradable pots. Some plants, like sunflowers, dislike root disturbance. By starting seeds in biodegradable pots, you can transplant the entire container into the garden without disturbing the roots. The pots decompose in the soil.
- Potting Soil: Bumper Crop® Potting Soil [Eastern & Midwestern Regions | Western Region] provides a great start for your seedlings. The mixture retains moisture and adds microbiology, so plants need less water and fertilizer.
- Soil scoop.
- Heat mat with thermostat. Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, need warm soil to germinate well.
- Grow light station. Some seeds need light to germinate and some need to be kept in the dark until they sprout. However, all seedlings need 12-18 hours of light once they germinate. Make sure the light fixtures are on adjustable chains that can rise as the plants grow. Use full spectrum bulbs to mimic daylight.
- Make life easy by setting a time for your grow lights, ensuring your seedlings get adequate light.
- Plant tags. You may think you’ll remember exactly which seeds are in which tray. You won’t. Write the plant name on a tag with a permanent marker or grease pencil and insert the tag into the tray.
- Spray bottle. Use a gentle mist of water to avoid disturbing just-germinated, delicate seedling roots.
Check out your local Master Nursery® Garden Center to stock up on all your seed starting supplies.
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