Starting Seeds for the First Time
Marti M
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (13)
theforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Starting from seed for the first time
Comments (11)BrianLanning People will give you advice about various things, so I'll do some little ones. Before you put your lights in place, you might consider suspending them high enough from the table-surface to accommodate relatively tall plants, maybe 18 inches. Then, instead of worrying about raising and lowering the light, get some stable materials (wooden blocks or old books etc.) that you can use initially to elevate your seedlings up toward the lights where they need to be. This also accommodates seedlings that grow at different rates and are different heights. As they grow, you can remove the supports in layers to lower the plants and still have the tops of the seedlings close to the light. Don't worry about not saving those yoghurt cups! :-) Many of us use large and small plastic or styrofoam drink-cups (buy them in sleeves for $1 at dollar stores) to transfer seedlings into until they're ready to be set into the garden. Make sure you also have a way to mark your seedlings -- with 2-3 people working around a lot of seedlings, you need to know they won't get mixed up. We've had many cries of distress over the years from those who didn't mark their seedlings and somebody or something messed up the order! That's why I like the styrofoam cups. They're easy to write on with a ballpoint pen (pressing down so if the ink fades later you can still read the indentation). But the plastic cups work just as well for seedlings and you can put labels in the seedling soil for marking them. As for where to buy seeds, you need to make your garden plan first, decide what you want to grow, how much for your large family, etc. I'd order the seeds right away as soon as that's done. Depending on what you want to grow, there are several seed companies that you may find please you more than the large ones that sell seeds in the big box stores. (Though most of us buy seeds whenever we see something we want.) Some of the smaller reputable seed companies sell mainly one crop, like beans or tomatoes or potatoes or onions. Other reputable companies carry a variety of seeds, often very handy for gardeners just getting started, though the number of varieties of seeds is not as large as the "specialty" seed vendors. Just do a GardenWeb search for seed vendors that carry various seeds that you know you'll want. They all have on-line catalogs that you can access. And of course you can purchase whatever you see that you want in local stores. By going to various GardenWeb forums, like Tomatoes, or Beans, etc., you can read what varieties of vegetables people like and where they buy the seeds. GW also has seed exchanges that you can access from each forum for open pollinated vegetables and herbs. To access the seed exchange forums, see this at the top of each forum page just above where the threads start: Messages: On-Topic Discussions [Switch to: Exchanges : Gallery : Conversations] Click on "Exchanges"....See MoreQuestion....
Comments (2)Temp still dips down in the mid 40's here and there. That's why I just may pot up for a week or so until the weather becomes more stable. That's why I was wondering if it would be OK. Never grow cucumbers before....See MoreMilkweed seeds
Comments (8)Swamp milkweed is a hardy perennial that does well with winter-sowing so I would go ahead and put some outside. Last year I winter-sowed Asclepias incarnata on Feb. 25 and it sprouted on April 20. I think it would do fine with about 30 days of cold stratification (according to the Prairie Moon nursery) so you should have time. How did you stratify your seeds? Is it possible that they were too wet or that the seeds are a dud? I would use the Aerogarden for something tender you want to get started early inside, something that doesn't need cold stratification. Winter-sowing is perfect for stuff that does....See MoreA few questions
Comments (1)For shop lights, most people run them 12-16 hours a day. I never use a fan until the seedling have 2-3 pairs of leaves or more. The idea is to strengthen the stem. Mike...See Morergreen48
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoUser
8 years agorgreen48
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years agorgreen48
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years agotheforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years agotheforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
8 years agoUser
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoubro
8 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESSeeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started
Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners
Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners
Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Plant a New Lawn From Seed
Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENS8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed
Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring
Full StoryARCHITECTUREGet a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around
Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESA Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning
Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARD6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food
It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGet a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing
Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside
Full Story
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7