The Best Method to Start Seeds in Vermiculite

Starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse gives you a head start on the spring growing season. Not only that, but plants started indoors can be harvested sooner than those started outdoors, according to plant scientists with the University of Missouri Extension. While the weather outside is frightful, your seeds will be sitting snug in their pots of vermiculite, a mineral that has been heated so that its structure is similar to little sponges.

Things You'll Need

• Vermiculite, fine grade
• Planting pots or seeding flat
• Misting bottle

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Pour vermiculite into individual pots or a seeding flat to within 1/2 inch of the rim.

   • 2

     Pour water over the vermiculite until the excess water drains from the bottom of the container.

   • 3

     Scatter the seeds over the surface of the vermiculite and cover them with more vermiculite. The amount you will use to cover the seeds depends upon what you are growing and will be specified on the seed packet.

   • 4

     Use a misting bottle filled with water to lightly spritz the top layer of vermiculite after planting and whenever it appears to be drying out.