Let’s delve more closely into planting seeds successfully indoors. Once you’ve chosen the proper container for your seeds, and determined a space indoors that has the required light and heat, you will move on to the actual planting.
Most seeds can be started in regular potting soil. Other very small seeds may do better in what’s called a seed-starting mix (more porous and fine-grained). As odd as it sounds, we must avoid using actual outdoor garden soil. This may have some weed seeds in it and even some disease pathogens that can stop your seeds from germinating. Just loosen and dampen the potting mix of your choice before you put it into the container. Make sure there are no dried lumps and that it’s wet, but not dripping.
Next, fill the container to about two-thirds full with the dampened potting soil. Pat it (don’t pack it) down. Now, plant the seeds! When you buy your seeds from TopFlowerSeeds.com, you can find that information on the page where you shopped for and purchased your seeds. Each seed can be different. Also, although you dampened your potting soil, it’s a good idea to spray a light mist on the soil to make sure any top soil you added won’t dry out and there is good contact between the seed and soil,
Be sure you keep track of what seeds you have planted in each container. Now on to the toughest part of indoor growing. Seeds must be maintained with plenty of light and good temperature and humidity levels. I’d start by covering your container with a clear plastic (like a cling wrap). This makes sure that your seeds get a good start with proper heat and moisture. Containers should be kept in temperatures around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. I keep mine on top of the fridge. As soon as you see the first seedling, remove the plastic and move them to a location where there is a light source. They need a lot of light to grow into healthy plants. A grow light is probably your best long-term source. Keep the light only about 2 to 3 inches from the seedling itself. At least 12 hours of light (up to 16 hours) are needed daily. Keep them moist, not wet. Don’t be afraid to move the seedlings to a larger container if they are growing quickly.
Finally, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, be sure to “harden them off” once you’re ready to transplant them.
Here’s to a beautiful garden we can enjoy!