Direction on Planting Seeds in Containers

Container Preparation

• Any small container works well for seed starting as long as it has at least one drainage hole in its bottom. You can use a nail to poke small drainage holes in the bottom of a plastic container that otherwise lacks bottom holes. Seedling flats also work well for starting a large number of seeds. When reusing containers, rinse them in a solution composed of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water to disinfect them, and then rinse them with only water. Fill each container to within 1/2 inch of its rim with a fine-textured, sterile potting medium formulated for starting seeds. Containers and flats need drip trays beneath them to catch draining water.

Sowing Process

• Planting depth depends on the variety of seed, but most are sown at a depth twice their width. When sowing seeds, plant no more than two seeds per pot, or space the seeds about 2 inches apart in a seedling flat. Thoroughly moistening the soil before planting prevents having to water after sowing. Covering the pots with a plastic bag retains the soil moisture so the seeds don't require watering until after they sprout.

Germination

• Most seeds germinate when the soil temperature is 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds generally don't require light to germinate unless specified on their seed packet. Germination time varies among plant varieties, with most seeds taking seven to 14 days to sprout. A few kinds of plants' seeds may require up to 30 days to germinate. The plastic bags covering the pots requires removal once the seeds begin to sprout and the first stems or leaves emerge. Prompt removal of the plastic bags allows air circulation, which minimizes fungal disease problems.

Seedling Care

• Seedlings usually require eight hours of sunlight daily. If you don't have a brightly lit window by which to place the seedlings' containers, then place them 4 inches beneath a fluorescent light fixture, and leave the light on for 12 to 16 hours each day. Temperatures near 70 degrees Fahrenheit result in the best seedling growth. Seedlings require watering when their soil surface feels dry to the touch, but keep the seedlings' foliage dry to minimize fungal issues. Watering once weekly with 1 ounce of 4-12-4 fertilizer dissolved in 1 gallon of water, beginning when the seedlings are about 2 weeks old, provides sufficient nutrition for their early growth.