Germination of Greenhouse Seeds

Germinating seeds in a greenhouse is ideal if you live in an area that has a short growing season. The controlled environment lets you get a head start on the spring. By the time the last frost comes around, you'll have seedlings ready to go outside. The greenhouse also offers seeds and tender seedlings more protection from the weather, insects and diseases than the outdoors. Sowing seeds in a greenhouse isn't very different from how you'd get them started at your home. Your main concern is keeping the greenhouse at the right temperature.

Thermometer
Oscillating fan
Propagation mat
Electric heater
Table
Seed flats
Seed-starter mix
Water
Sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  Place a thermometer in the shade inside your greenhouse to monitor the temperature. Most seeds germinate at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Take oscillating fans to the greenhouse and open the door if it gets too hot. Have electric propagation mats and electric heaters available if the opposite happens.
- 2
  Move a table into your greenhouse to hold the seed flats. Heat rises and the seeds will be warmer if their trays are not on the ground.
- 3
  Fill the seed flats with seed-starter mix and moisten it thoroughly.
- 4
  Make holes in the seed-starter mix by pushing your finger into it. Follow the instructions on the seed packet regarding space and depth. Each plant has specific requirements. As a general rule, the depth of the holes should be twice the seed's size. Separate rows by 3 inches.
- 5
  Cover the seeds with seed-starter mix.
- 6
  Spray the starter mix with a fine mist of water. Strong jets dislodge seeds. Keep the soil moist through germination. Seeds that dry out don't sprout.
- 7
  Transplant your seedlings in the garden when they're 2 inches tall.

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