First Time Starting Seed Indoors

16 years ago

Hello!

Well our raised beds here in SE Mi, zone 5 produced a few good crops and a few not so good crops last summer. Everyone said it was a bad year, but we got some good swiss chard, at least. I realized that buying the potted seedlings from the local garden suppliers is not exactly the economical way to go, but I was afraid to try starting from seed, as it sounded so complicated.

This year we are going to try it with a few veggies and flowers. However, I realize now I still have to get growing trays, little pots for transplanting, and some sort of organic fertilizer. I have a friend who tells me it's not such a big deal, but when I read about it at various online sites, it sounds like quite a production. I do have some black wheatgrass growing trays with and without drainage holes I thought I would start them in, and then I'll have to find some small pots for transplanting until they can go outside. We don't have a lot of space inside or outside to do this, and I don't have gobs of time to baby everything real carefully, so if 50% survive and do well, I'll be happy.

Any general tips, or advice on where to buy (or get for free) transplanting pots and the necessary sprouting essentials?

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Comments (3)

digdirt2
16 years ago
Here are some previous discussions if you want to read through them. And you'll find all sorts of FAQs and discussions on this over on the Growing from Seed forum here. There are FAQ on heating, the light set-ups needed, problems you might encounter like damp-off and individual FAQs on specific plants too.

For containers and stuff you buy, most all the seed companies sell what you need and for bulk supplies check out Novosel.com

Hope this helps.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from seed discussions
dianepmt
Original Author
16 years ago
great links, thanks. I'd be lying if I said some of this wasn't intimidating... , i.e. damp-off? I grow sunflower sprouts for salads & stuff pretty successfully and easily just on my dining room table, so I hope I haven't gotten too cocky as a result -lol!
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naturegirl_2007 5B SW Michigan
16 years ago
Don't let all the details scare you off. Mostly it is pretty easy. The key points I'd emphasis are: get some sterile seed starting or container mix. Keep it moist, NOT wet. Do not cover containers after seeds have sprouted (not vital to do so earlier either but reduces the need to water frequently) Keep plants in bright light....your sunniest windows or within 2 inches of flourescent lighting. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions before planting out.

Try starting at least some of your plants from seed. It is fun to watch them grow. For small scale seed starting you can use all kinds of free plastics that normally end up in the trash or recyling. If they don't have holes in the lower sides or bottom be sure to make a few. Then let things grow.

Also, many seeds grow well if they are planted directly in the garden. Sometimes I'm amazed to see what transplants people will buy and even more amazed to see the prices on them. Many only give you a couple of weeks earlier harvest over direct seeding...some not even that.