In this post I will walk you through the method we use for planting our seeds. We grow plants in volume and this technique works well for us. However, I recognize that many people won’t need as many plants as we do, but this method can be scaled down nicely for a smaller number. Below is a quick overview for what expect with this method over the next 6-8 weeks:
- Fill your container(s) with soil
- Broadcast the seed and cover with soil according to your seed packet instructions
- Water and cover the container(s) to hold in moisture
- Once the seeds begin to germinate, remove the cover
- After your plants have about two sets of leaves (typically 3 weeks or so after germination) they can be transplanted into individual transplant cups
- Continue to let your plants grow in the transplant cups for approximately 2-3 weeks more weeks
- Begin to harden your plants outside on nice days
- Transplant in the ground (or containers) once the danger of frost is passed
Next, I will go into greater detail for those first few steps in the remainder of this post. I will also post a link to our Youtube channel that covers this same material. I’ll plan to do a post approximately once a week on this topic until the plants are ready for their last transplant.
Step 1: Gather the supplies you need for planting your seed
Containers for planting your seeds indoors
The containers we use are standard size 1020 greenhouse trays with no holes. For one of our plant stands we use a stronger tray to support our 1020 containers, but that is only because of the design of that stand. To clarify, this step won’t be necessary if you are placing your trays on a shelf or solid surface.Below is a link to where you can purchase these trays.
Humidity domes or Saran wrap
You will also need some way to cover your trays until the seeds begin to germinate. Humidity domes or cling wrap work nicely for this purpose. Cling wrap is my personal favorite because I can see better through it to watch for seed germination, although we use the domes also. I have enclosed a link below where you can purchase humidity domes. You can find cling wrap at most grocery stores.
Depending on how many seeds you start you may not need a tray this large. I sometimes place dividers in a 1020 tray to separate different types of plants in the same tray. However, when I do that I try to make sure I use seed with similar germination times so when I take the dome or plastic wrap off I don’t have some varieties that haven’t even begun to germinate yet. You don’t need to purchase containers if you have something that will work already. A container that fits in your light source and has the ability to be covered to hold in moisture is all you really need.
I have used rotisserie chicken containers before because they come with a little dome cover and it worked just fine to germinate my seeds. Be creative if you want to save yourself some money. Salad containers from fast food restaurants might work well too. Covid 19 has made it a little difficult to find garden supplies in stock. Therefore, it is nice to have other options in case you run into that.
Soil
The next thing you will need is soil. We use potting soil and it has always worked well for us. Some people prefer to use a seed starting mix. It would get costly for us to start all of our plants in a seed starting mix, but for a small number of plants that shouldn’t be a big issue.
Germination rates may be a little better with a seed starting mix, although we’ve never used it so I am just speculating. On the other hand, we still save money with a lower seed germination rate and using potting soil because seeds are not that expensive. Use what you think will work best for you. The main thing you are looking for when planting your seeds is a soil that is not compacted so the sprouts can easily reach the surface. In addition, make sure to get soil that feeds your young plants.
Light
Your plant starts will need a good light source. How soon you will need this after planting your seeds depends on whether or not those seeds need light to germinate.
We use shop lights with chains for all of our lighting. The bulbs we use are 6500 kelvin. We have tried different types of bulbs over the years and these are the brightest we can get and what our plants seem to lean towards the most. Below is a link to both shop lights and bulbs.
The chains are necessary because they allow you to adjust the height of your lights. That is critical when the seeds first germinate because the young seedlings need the light approximately an inch above them. If you have your lights set too high then your plants will get lanky and develop weak stems that fall over.
Get creative where to mount your lights. You can create a custom plant stand that fits your home’s space or purchase a stand that will work for you. We have one custom built plant stand (shown above) and for others we just use wire shelves on castors. The lights mount well on those also. I have a link below to the kind of wire shelving we use.
Planting your seeds in the soil
Put dirt in the trays
Fill your containers pretty close to the top with potting soil because it will condense down after watering.
Place your seed in the trays and cover if required; tamp down to make good soil contact
Put your seeds in the tray(s) and cover with soil. For our pepper and tomato seeds we make little ditches across the trays. We usually make about 7-9 ditches that we put our seeds in. We then space the seeds about 1″ apart and cover them with dirt. The video link below to our YouTube channel shows how we do this if you would like to watch it.
Follow the instructions on your seed packet for planting depth. Your seed packet will often let you know if light is necessary for germination. Pepper and tomato plants do not require light for germination. You will generally cover the seeds with soil equal to about three times its thickness when light is not needed for germination. On the flip side, you barely cover them, if at all, if light is required for germination. You should tamp the soil to make good contact with the seeds if you are not going to cover them. Just follow the directions on your seed packet and you should be fine.
Water your containers after planting your seeds
Now it’s time to add water. We use the hottest water our tap will give because it will help dissolve the seed coating and swell the seeds. This is the only time we use hot water…for all other future waterings we use room temperature or cool water. The watering container we use is a half gallon can like the one in the link below. We fill it to the top and use all of it for one 1020 tray. If you are using smaller containers you won’t need that much water. We first go around the sides of our tray and then crisscross through the middle so we don’t disperse the seeds as we water.
Now that you are finished planting your seeds the last step is to cover your container(s). This will help to hold in moisture until the seeds germinate. We use tape to secure the covering for both the domes and the cling wrap. After they are securely covered you will need to place them in a warm place and wait for germination. If your seeds require light for germination then you will need to put them under your light source. If not, place them in a warm spot in your home. Some seeds prefer darkness for germination so make sure you know what the requirements are for your particular seeds. A heat mat works well for giving even heat to your containers. Below is a link to one, but keep in mind they come in many different sizes so shop around for one that works best for your needs.
Wait for germination and watch the moisture level
Now you wait for germination. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to do anything to your containers for about a week. They should have plenty of moisture with the coverings on them. Once you start to see sprouts pop up through the dirt you will need to decide the best time to take off the covering. Typically germination does not take place all at once but over the course of a few weeks. We typically wait until we see several of the seedlings before we remove the covering.
The young plants will use more water than the seeds, so try to make sure you have enough moisture in the container to keep the seedlings hydrated. Make sure to watch them closely because the young plants can die very quickly without enough moisture. They have no way to store it like a larger plant does. On the other hand, you don’t want to overwater because that could cause your plants to dampen off. It can be a little tricky to figure out the proper moisture level but it gets easier the more you do it.
Conclusion
As I mentioned above, I will be posting a video about once a week or so for the next 6-8 weeks, until the plants are ready to go in the ground. Below I have posted a video from our Youtube channel. We hope you have fun with this project and enjoy watching for your seeds to germinate!
