Seed Starting 101

Every year since living in our new house I have gotten an early jumpstart on Spring by sowing seeds in our basement. This will be the third year that I have done it and every year I learn a little more. Which seeds I need to plant more of, which seeds I need to plant less of, and which seeds I will never plant again.

Sowing seeds can be quite economical because a lot of the produce that I grow can be quite expensive if purchased as seedlings and/or ready to eat produce. This year I cut back on tomatoes and I am planting more culinary herbs.

1. Gather supplies, I use seed starting pellets that are made out of peat moss they are easy to use, inexpensive, and I have always had success with them. I also gather scissors, tape for labeling, my seeds of course, permanent marker, paper towels, and a watering can of hot water.














2. After I have all my supplies ready I pour a generous amount of hot water from the watering can over the seed starting pellets, they need plenty of water to become plump so pour it on!




















3. After the seed pellets have plumped up I use a pen to make a hole in the center of each pellet. This hole is where you will place the seeds.

4. I sowed plenty of seeds including several varieties of parsley, thyme, oregano, dill, basil, and tomatoes.

5. Depending on what you are sowing place 2-3 seeds in each pellet (read the seed packet for sowing instructions. After I use a pen to push some of the peat moss over the seeds to cover completely.

6. LABEL, LABEL, LABEL I label everything, it is exciting when these little seedlings begin to sprout but you need to know what it sprouting! I found this especially useful when growing numberous varieties of seedlings such as tomatoes. Also, whenever possible I buy organic seeds. Seeds of Change is a great resource for organic product.

I will be posting pictures of the progress of these little babies! You know how obsessed I am with taking pictures!!!