How to Start Large Batches of Seeds

Choose the seeds that you want to grow. Many of the seeds will not germinate or survive as seedlings, so multiply the number of healthy plants that you want by three, and purchase that many seeds. For example, if you want 12 zucchini plants, make sure you have 36 seeds.

Select containers for your plants. A flat or cell pack is an excellent choice, because it is a group of small attached containers. Each pot holds an individual plant. If you prefer, use individual containers, such as peat pots, peat pellets or individual plastic containers.

Set the flat in a tray, or line up individual containers in a tray so they are grouped together. The tray will catch water and soil and make it more convenient to move your entire group of plants safely and easily.

Fill each cell or container with the recommended growing medium to suit your plant. If you are using peat pellets, soak them according to the package directions to prepare them for planting.

Check the seed packets for the recommended planting depth. Measure that depth on the tip of a chopstick or wooden skewer, and make a mark with a permanent marker. For example, if the planting depth is a fourth inch, make a mark a fourth inch from the tip of the stick. This will ensure that each seed is planted at the correct depth.

Poke the tip of the stick into the growing medium up to the mark to make a hole for each seed. Place about three seeds in each cell or container. Cover the seeds with growing medium if it's recommended by the seed packet or your gardening guide.

Write the name of the plant and the date the seeds were sown on several plant markers. Insert the markers randomly into the cells or containers. Use more than one so that if one gets lost, you’ll still have others in the tray and you'll know what you're growing.

Water the seeds with a spray mister. Alternatively, add water to the bottom of the tray, allowing the seeds to soak up the water.

Make more trays or flats with different types of seeds until each variety you want to grow is sown, and each has its own flat or tray.

Care for the seeds as required. When the seedlings emerge and have three leaves, thin the plants by cutting away all but the healthiest specimen in each cell or container. Cut the stems of the plants you’re thinning with a pair of scissors at the soil line.

Transplant the seedlings when the weather and ground conditions are suitable, based on the type of plant you’re growing. Transplant one flat or tray at a time, grouping like plants in a plot. Space each plant as recommended by the seed packet or your favorite gardening guide. Transfer your plant markers, or make new ones to mark your rows.