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Starting seeds indoors is a great way to make your garden successful from the start. Nurturing and watching seedlings grow from nothing into a fully grown plant can be incredibly rewarding. Gardeners have asked how to be more successful with starting their own seeds, and the problems usually boil down to simple, common mistakes. Here are the three most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Also, consider a layered bulb container.
A common rookie mistake in starting seeds is not giving their seeds enough light. New seeds need a lot of light to get growing. You can start with a south-facing window, but if it doesn’t get 6+ hours a day, it probably won’t do.
Solution: artificial lights.
Using grow lights, found at your local garden center, can provide the ample amount of light your seedlings need. Hang lights from chains, so you can lower and raise them as they grow. Keep lights about 2–3 inches above the seedlings.
This is the most challenging part about starting seeds. Seedlings are incredibly delicate and need to be watered just right. Keep the potting mix moist, but not wet.
Solution: Check seedlings regularly.
First, cover your seed-starting container with plastic until the seeds germinate. This will trap any moisture in and help keep the soil moist. Use a misting spray bottle until seedlings appear to avoid overwatering. Once your seedlings are established, water from the bottom. Your container should have drainage holes, so let your plants soak up the water from the holes to minimize the risk of overwatering. Lastly, check your plants every day.
Many beginners try to start seeds as soon as they buy them, instead of when the package advises. We all get a little excited to have green plants growing again, but if started too soon, they can die off from the cold.
Solution: Find out when your expected last frost is.
Seeds should usually be started four to six weeks before your last frost date. This will ensure that by the time your seedlings are ready to be transplanted, your soil will have started to warm up. You may need to place your seedlings outside during the day and bring them in at night for a few days to get them acclimated to the outside temperatures.
In a few short weeks you’ll be ready to transplant!
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Discover the native Rough-Stemmed Goldenrod: a clump-forming plant with serrated leaves and bright yellow blooms. Attract pollinators to your garden by adding native species – an excellent addition to any garden in late summer and early fall. Plus, debunked studies have confirmed that it isn't the cause of hay fever!
Discover the fascinating qualities of Bloodroot, a perennial herbaceous plant known for its white flowers, historical medicinal significance, and ornamental value in gardens. Learn how to cultivate and maintain this beautiful plant in your landscape.
Sansevieria is one of the most easily recognized plants in the world. The snake plant makes an excellent potted plant indoors or outdoors.
Discover expert recommendations for your fall garden. Learn about planting bulbs, storing dahlias, overwintering annuals, and more for a beautiful spring garden.
Bluets, with their beautiful blooms, are ideal as a ground cover or as a footpath lining. Read how to care for, grow, and propagate bluets
Learn the specific pruning needs of your clematis based on its flowering season to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Expert tips and techniques explained.
Learn the history of rock gardens and how to grow alpine plants in your garden. Discover the unique growing conditions and design tips for success.
Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is a colourful upright perennial. The bright yellow plants are suitable for cottage gardens, borders, and meadows.
Explore a variety of native shrubs and trees for attracting birds to your garden. Learn from Master Gardener Julianne Labreche.
We cover simple tips on bringing Lantana indoors for the winter, on how to propagate Raspberry Royale and on harvesting Red Malabar Spinach.
Discover the vibrant bloom of blue vervain & explore its traditional uses, habitats, and cultivation methods! Learn about this hardy perennial plant native to North America & its many alternate names, such as Simpler's Joy & Swamp Verben.
Learn how to successfully grow marijuana outdoors in winter — from choosing the right strain to preventative measures — in this informative guide.
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