:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/successful-start-seed-indoors-1402478-hero-dab3090e85cc4aca9d861a319c5f8e10.jpg "Tips on how to successfully start planting seeds at home")
Growing plants from seed can make gardening cheaper and more attractive.
"You can purchase seeds for a wider variety of plants than what is sold at garden centers as transplants," says Spencer Campbell, director of the plant clinic at Lyle Morton Arboretum. "And a pack of 30-40 seeds is often cheaper than a potted plant."
As you plan your garden in January, think about what plants you want to grow from seed, and start looking for the right varieties on websites and catalogs, or by exchanging seeds with other gardeners. On January 27, the arboretum will host a seed exchange, as well as a practical seminar "Starting vegetables from seeds." Learn more at mortanarb.org/gardening-classes.
Here are some tips from Plant Clinic for growing seeds at home:
lighting New seedlings need about 16 hours of light per day. Many gardeners place LED or fluorescent lights a few inches above the pot. If you are trying to plant seeds for the first time, a sunny south or east facing window may be suitable.
Prepare the pot carefully. If you plan to use recycled containers, such as yogurt or milk containers, make sure they are very clean. Disinfect them with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Drill several holes in the bottom of each pot for drainage. Or buy a pot made of plastic or peat. Be sure to place the dishes in a deep waterproof tray or pan to collect excess water.
Get the right environment for growth. Young shoots are very sensitive to fungal and bacterial diseases. Protect them by buying a sterile seed starting mix. "It will have a finer consistency than regular potting soil, so it will be easier on smaller roots," he said.
Do not plant too deep. Follow the instructions on the seed packet. In general, seeds should be planted 2-3 times deeper than seeds in a wet container. A small radish seed should be sown in the soil, but a large bean seed or other large seed should be half an inch deep.
Hot, then cold. Many seeds will only germinate in a warm environment, such as a refrigerator or dryer. Once they sprout, immediately move them to a cool place to continue growing. "The temperature prefers not to exceed 70 degrees," Campbell said. If you're starting to plant often, an electric seeding mat can come in handy as a very gentle warmer.
Water carefully. Once the seeds have germinated, keep the soil moist but not soggy. "Waterlogged soil will cause rot," says Campbell. Check the plants daily. If the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, water gently.
Calculate the exact moment. The seed package will state that the seed of each plant variety must be large enough to be transplanted outdoors. Use this information and the average last frost date, about May 15 in USDA zone 5, to calculate when to plant them.
Post your product. For longer crops, sow each type of seed at weekly intervals so that it matures within a week. This will provide protection against volatility during spring planting.
Sow the right number of seeds. "Be realistic about how many trees you really need," Campbell said. Read the seed package to find out how far apart to plant garden plants and how much space you need. "It's a good idea to plant a little more," Campbell said. "You can gift extra replacements to friends or family."
For tree and plant recommendations, contact the Morton Arboretum's Plant Clinic (630-719-2424, mortanarb.org/plant-clinic or plantclinic@mortonarb.org ). Beth Botts is a staff writer for the Arboretum.
