Seed Starting the Easy Way!

Spring is FINALLY here! We started our seeds and wanted to share what works best for us when we start our seeds.

First thing we need to do is dig our supplies out from the garden tote. Here is what’s in it. (These are not necessary, but nice!)

https://amzn.to/49grZlv – These are Burpee Seed Trays. We like the XL cells that give us plenty of room to start!

You can also use recycled containers; egg cartons, plastic bottles, etc to start seeds in.

https://amzn.to/497OfOx – Warming mats are important! We need to keep these seedlings warm to nurture growth.

If where you are starting your seeds is warm, you may not need this. We start in the garage, so we need the extra warmth.

https://amzn.to/3TQE64x – Grow lights are important for us! We start in the garage and they don’t get any natural sunlight.

If your seeds are in a place that has a great amount of sunshine, then you may not need this.

https://amzn.to/3Vxwq8j – A small fan. When the seedlings are growing, they need a small breeze to help them grow a strong base!

After a little dust-off, here is what we are starting with. Nothing fancy! We simply put a table up in the garage, lay our supplies out, and take off.

We started our peppers first. We have our Datil Hot Peppers and California Wonder Sweet Peppers. I love having both in the garden so we can add variety to our food!

We get our seeds from https://www.rareseeds.com/ This store has a wonderful variety of options that aren’t available at our local stores. It isn’t necessary to get your seeds here, just our choice for most of them.

Our first step is to fill the bottom of the cubes with a layer of soil. Then you wet it just a little. We want to give the seeds a warm, wet environment to start in. Place one seed per cell. We do plant a few more cells than we are planting. We can always gift the extra starts if every seed comes up perfectly, but I would rather have extra than not enough!

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As simple as this sounds, it is. We are not going to overcomplicate things. Now that your seeds are laid down, cover your cells the rest of the way with soil. We don’t push our seeds down or the soil around them. Once you have covered the seeds, I give the soil a good drink again. We want to make sure they start in a moist environment. I fill the bottom of the trays with water and cover it with a plastic tray to help keep moisture in the trays.

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Now that they are covered and wet, you have successfully started your garden! Woo Hoo!! It really is that simple. Sow your seeds with some love, keep them moist, and watch them grow and provide for you! Gardening shouldn’t be a stressor. As silly as it sounds, the plants can feel a stressful environment and respond accordingly. Keep it simple and enjoy your time with nature.