Starting Seeds: A Guide to Seed Germination and Early Care

Growing plants from seed offers significant advantages: access to far more varieties than available as transplants, cost savings, and the satisfaction of nurturing plants from their very beginning. Seed starting requires attention to specific conditions—moisture, temperature, and light—but the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide covers everything from seed selection to transplanting healthy seedlings.

Why Start Seeds

Benefits of growing from seed.

Access to hundreds more varieties than available as plants.

Significant cost savings—packet of seeds costs less than one plant.

Satisfaction of complete growing process.

Know exactly how plants were raised.

Earlier starts extend growing season.

Ability to time plantings precisely.

Seed Selection

Choosing quality seeds.

Buy from reputable seed companies.

Check packet for "packed for" date—fresher is better.

Organic and heirloom options available.

Choose varieties appropriate for your conditions.

Read descriptions for days to maturity, growing requirements.

Store unused seeds properly for future use.

When to Start Seeds

Timing for success.

Count backward from transplant date (after last frost).

Different plants need different lead times.

Tomatoes, peppers: 6-8 weeks before transplanting.

Lettuce, greens: 3-4 weeks before transplanting.

Some seeds best direct-sown outdoors.

Too early = leggy, weak seedlings; too late = late harvest.

Seed Starting Supplies

Basic equipment needed.

Containers: Cell trays, peat pots, repurposed containers (with drainage).

Growing medium: Sterile seed starting mix (different from potting soil).

Light source: Sunny window or grow lights.

Heat mat: Optional but helpful for heat-loving seeds.

Dome/cover: Maintains humidity during germination.

Labels: Track what you planted.

Germination Requirements

What seeds need to sprout.

Moisture: Consistent moisture (not waterlogged) triggers germination.

Temperature: Most vegetable seeds need 65-85°F (18-29°C).

Darkness or light: Most seeds germinate in dark; some need light.

Time: Varies by species—days to weeks.

Seed packets provide specific requirements.

Old seeds may have lower germination rates.

The Seed Starting Process

Step-by-step approach.

1. Fill containers with moist seed starting mix.
2. Make small indentations at appropriate depth (usually 2x seed diameter).
3. Place seeds and cover lightly (or press in if light needed).
4. Water gently (bottom watering prevents displacement).
5. Cover with dome to maintain humidity.
6. Place in appropriate temperature.
7. Check daily; remove cover once sprouted.

Providing Light for Seedlings

Light is critical after germination.

Seedlings need strong light immediately after sprouting.

Windowsill often insufficient—causes leggy, weak seedlings.

Grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings work best.

Provide 14-16 hours light daily for vegetable seedlings.

Rotate if using natural light.

Insufficient light is leading cause of weak seedlings.

Watering Seedlings

Moisture management.

Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Bottom watering prevents disturbing delicate seedlings.

Top watering can encourage damping off disease.

Let surface dry slightly between waterings.

Good air circulation helps prevent disease.

Overwatering is common mistake.

Thinning Seedlings

Removing excess plants.

Multiple seeds often planted to ensure germination.

Thin to one strong seedling per cell.

Crowded seedlings compete and weaken all.

Snip rather than pull to avoid disturbing roots.

Thin when seedlings have first true leaves.

Difficult emotionally but necessary.

Transplanting Up

Moving seedlings to larger containers.

When roots fill cell or first true leaves appear.

Increase pot size gradually.

Handle seedlings by leaves, not stems.

Plant at same depth (except tomatoes—can be buried deeper).

Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Avoid transplanting into final location until hardened off.

Hardening Off

Preparing seedlings for outdoors.

Gradual transition from indoor to outdoor conditions.

Start with few hours outdoors in shade.

Gradually increase time and sun exposure over 1-2 weeks.

Bring inside if frost threatens.

Wind, sun, and temperature changes are stressors.

Skipping this step causes transplant shock.

Common Seed Starting Problems

Troubleshooting issues.

Leggy seedlings: Insufficient light—add stronger lighting.

Damping off (seedlings collapse): Fungal disease from overwatering, poor circulation.

Slow germination: Temperature too low, old seeds.

Mold on soil: Too wet, poor air circulation.

Yellow seedlings: Nutrient deficiency—start dilute feeding.

Seeds don't sprout: Check temperature, depth, seed viability.

Seed Storage

Preserving unused seeds.

Most seeds viable for several years if stored properly.

Cool, dry, dark conditions best.

Airtight container with desiccant packets.

Refrigerator (not freezer) works well.

Label with variety and date.

Test germination rate if uncertain about viability.

Starting seeds expands your plant choices dramatically and connects you with the complete growing cycle. With proper conditions and attention to the needs of germinating seeds and young seedlings, anyone can successfully grow plants from seed.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Research specific seed starting requirements for the plants you want to grow.