When it comes to planting fresh vegetable, herb and fruit seeds, early germination can help extend the growing season, giving you a chance at a bountiful harvest. Seed starting is a popular practice that lets you grow and start seeds indoors – before transferring them into larger planters, raised garden beds or outdoor gardens later on. Doing so allows for more successful flowering and blooming, as the plants you put in are already matured.
If starting seeds is on your springtime agenda, there’s an important overarching rule to remember. “From sowing to seedling, create a nurturing environment so your seeds have the best chances for successful germination,” says Keven Shanks with Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Home to everything you need to grow plants from seeds, Tractor Supply is here with these expert tips and tricks for a successful start to the season.
Preparing for Seed Starting
Typically, it’s recommended to start seeds at least six weeks before the last frost of spring. However, this depends on the plant variety and hardiness zone of your area. You should avoid starting seeds too early, as plants may become too large for their containers before grounds are ready for gardening.
Before starting seeds, you’ll need a few supplies, starting with a suitable container, such as a seed starter kit or small planter, and a watering can. But you don’t always have to buy planters for seed starters. Oftentimes, many homeowners have suitable containers right in their homes.
“Yogurt, cottage cheese, egg cartons and other plastic containers make excellent seed-starting pots – once they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. The same goes for a store-bought seed tray you used last year,” suggests Shanks. “If you plan to upcycle a container, make sure it’s at least 2 inches deep, and you’ve poked drainage holes in the bottom.”
You should know that not all plants require indoor seeding before planting, and some grow better when directly sown into outdoor soils. Be sure to check the specific plant growing requirements for the type of plant you plan to grow, which can usually be found on the back of seed packets. Also, ensure they’re suitable for your area and climate.
Filling Planters and Planting Seeds
After deciding on the types of plants to start and cleaning your containers, it’s time to fill your pots and plant your seeds. To start, you must have a starting potting mix, which is designed to be finer than traditional potting soils, allowing growing roots to poke through easier and promoting better airflow inside soils. According to Shanks, this is because of the ingredients used to make the soil.
“It mostly contains lightweight peat moss – a texture that allows air to move through while retaining a uniform amount of moisture,” Shanks says. “Just lightly pack the mix into your containers and plant seeds according to the package directions.”
Shanks also reminds us that different seeds have varying needs. Be sure to look at your plant’s specific instructions and requirements to determine other nutrients and soils, which your plant may need to grow properly.
Monitoring Growth and Making Cuts
Once you’ve planted your seeds, give them a good first watering, soaking them thoroughly without moving seeds around in the soil. This is also a suitable time to check how your drainage holes are working, inspecting them to see if water is draining and keeping the soil aired out. After watering, seal moisture in by covering the soil with plastic wrap or a humidity dome. If using plastic wrap, be sure to poke some holes along the top, allowing air inside and preventing mold from developing.
After some time, you’ll start to notice small, green sprouts emerging from the soil. This is when you’ll remove the plastic wrap cover. Eventually, the plant starts growing its first set of true leaves, which look different from the small leaves that seedlings produce when first sprouting. These leaves should also be a healthy shade of green, not a wilting brown or yellow color, which can indicate your plant may not be doing well.
Next, it’s time to decide which seeds you’ll keep and which ones you’ll thin out. But how can you tell if a seedling is suitable enough to keep? “Naturally, you’ll want the strongest-looking of the bunch. But if they all seem in good shape, cut the smallest,” says Shanks.
Transferring Starter Plants to Larger Pots and Outdoor Gardens
The time it takes for plants to be ready for transfer depends on the type of flower, vegetable or herb seed you plan to grow. Generally, you should wait to move seedlings until your plant has two sets of true leaves, or is large enough to handle transplanting, as this ensures it has enough energy to support the move.
Another way to tell if your plant is ready for transplanting is if the roots are a nice, white color and not tangled. If you check roots and they’re still brown or black, you’ll need to give seedlings more time. Additionally, if roots are tangled and packed together, let them grow a little longer, as roots won’t be able to establish themselves if you transplant them in this state.
Until they are ready to plant, you should continue to care for your seedlings with warmth, light, water and daily attention, according to Shanks. “But as they grow in the safety of their tiny starter homes, use this time to prepare for their future,” he adds.
When it comes to transplanting plants into pots versus outdoor garden beds, processes may be a little different.
Transplanting Seedlings into Outdoor Gardens
Whether you want to start a garden bed or outdoor container garden, the type of soil you use is essential to how plants will grow and thrive after moving them. “The importance of good soil can never be overstated,” says Shanks.
If using a container or raised garden bed, you’ll need potting soil. On the other hand, for in-ground gardening, use garden soil. You should also ensure that the ground is thawed out and not too cold. To speed up thawing, try covering your garden beds with a plastic sheet or landscape fabric about one to two weeks before planting.
Approximately one week before transferring plants, you must prepare them by hardening them off. This involves getting them acclimated to outdoor environments before fully transplanting them into garden beds. Start by watering them less, and stop putting in any fertilizing products at this time. Place them outside for a few hours a day, ensuring they receive partial sun, and conditions are not windy, and increase their exposure slowly. “Just don’t forget them out there!” reminds Shanks. “Bring your seedlings back inside by nighttime.”
When it’s time to transplant plants and dig your holes, space them far enough so they have enough room to grow to their full size. This information can be found on the back of seed packets, making it easy to give your plants what they need. After transplanting seedlings into the soil, make sure to water and feed them regularly.
Transferring Plants into Larger Indoor Containers
Transferring plants into larger indoor containers involves fewer steps than planting them outdoors. To start, you should think about how large your seedlings will grow, and find a planter that will accommodate them in their mature stage. Next, find a suitable, sunny area in your home, whether that be in your kitchen, entryway or living room. It can help to watch how the sun hits your rooms in different spots, looking for how it lights and shades the area, allowing you to identify the best location for your potted plant. “Typically, this is a south-facing window,” Shanks states.
But if you lack the natural lighting your plant needs to grow, don’t worry – you can still help them thrive using a grow light. Make sure your plant receives at least six hours of natural or artificial light in the spot you choose.
Next, you’ll want to fill your container with a potting mix, but Shanks recommends that you don’t use just any soil. “Plan to use a premium potting mix, which is not only made from beneficial ingredients but also has a texture that encourages drainage and airflow – a key element in preventing root rot.”
After filling your planter and transferring your seedlings, give them a good watering and check the soil daily, as potted gardens tend to dry out quickly. You could also consider feeding them fertilizers, soil amendments and plant food to ensure they have everything they need.
Start Your Gardens Right with Supplies from Tractor Supply
If you have a passion for gardening, then you probably already know how fulfilling it is to tend to and care for fruits, vegetables and herbs. Luckily, you can find everything you need to successfully grow plants in our selection, whether you’re looking to start your first backyard garden or want new tools to make gardening easier. To learn more about our lawn and garden products, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.