Proper Soil and Environment
The first tip in creating a happy home for your seedling is to make sure that its home is healthy enough in the first place to house it. The soil you use to properly propagate your seedling should be sterile and intended for germination purposes. There are seed starting potting mixes that are designated for this process that are highly recommended for providing a more suitable environment for your seedlings to grow.
Planting at the Right Time
The second tip is knowing when to grow your seedlings. Specifically with vegetable seedlings, every veggie thrives during their own particular time periods. It is suggested that all veggie seeds begin their seedling growth process during late March to later April, but some vegetables are better to plant earlier as they take longer to grow. Late February to early March is a good time to start onion seeds inside. We recommend waiting until mid to late March for tomatoes and peppers. As we get closer to the growing season during late April and early May, it can be time to sow some seedlings outside including leeks, asparagus, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Vine crops, such as cucumbers, pumpkins and squash, etc. should only be seeded indoors about 3 weeks prior to setting outside, otherwise they will get leggy and usually be poor quality plants.
Water, Temperature, and Light
Your seedlings require distinctive amounts of light levels and moisture as you cultivate them. As your seedlings begin to grow, the conditions they need can change. Early on you’ll want to keep your seedlings fairly moist, but not over watered. Jolly Lane provides products such as plastic potting trays and lids that control drainage and humidity. Each tray holds multiple cells so that you can germinate multiple seeds. It is advised that a tray with small slits or holes are used to hold the seedlings so that they do not drown and are provided with the respectable drainage. As your seedling matures, it will require less moisture and high light levels, but somewhat cooler temperatures. Moderate moisture and cooler temperatures will produce a more desirable, compact plant. But retain high light levels. If your seedling sprouts too fast, they will end up lengthier and weaker, and then they have a higher chance of being less durable.
Be Patient!
Remember to be patient with your seedlings as they germinate and mature. Do not rush their sprouting process and offer them the fair care that they need. With patience and great attention to detail, you will be propagating your own miniature greenhouse in no time!
Be sure to visit Jolly Lane Greenhouse to stock up on all of the supplies you need to get started including planting trays, soil, and seeds. We also have optional accessories such as heat mats, heat lamps, fertilizer, and other products to help you succeed in your journey! If you have questions on getting started, ask any of our experts and we’d be happy to help you get started and ensure your success.