When I first got the idea to start seeds for my vegetable plants, I was overwhelmed as I had head how hard it was. I spent some time reading up on how to start seeds and watching videos. Come to find out, it was really not that difficult once I got a few things figured out. I then began the process of purchasing seeding trays, lights, soil, and seeds.
I got the seed trays that have a clear cover, water tray under and small planting holes. There were many options and my first ones had 72 seeding holes which worked well but made it difficult to plant multiple different types of plants and know which was which, because I didn't need 72 of any one type of vegetable. I then I got a lamp to provide heat and light for seed germination.
From what I learned the soil needed to be light and fluffy to allow the seeds to come up easily. So I picked up a bag of starter
soil, even though I had learned I could make it myself, I still have not tried to. I then purchased seeds from the local store for tomato's and cucumbers.
I got everything together and began my first attempt, putting soil in the tray, adding a seed to each spot, then covering the seeds with soil. I then added water to the tray underneath the soil tray and lightly sprayed the soil that covered the seeds with water to help get things started. Then came the cover and the light. I light is used only during
times that it is light outside and water amounts are checked daily. The trays were also labeled so I knew what each plant would be, of course this is really important.
Then the wait began, within about a week I began to see sprouts start, it was exciting to see that it had actually worked. I quickly learned that the original sprouting was the easy part. The plants continued to grow and I quickly learned that transplanting the plants is necessary and the new soil, pot and timing all play a part. If you missed the ideal soil, pot selection, and timing, everything is not lost. The plants will struggle and some might be lost but usually with time they recover. The set back will slow down the growing process, causing it to take longer to get to a size that is safe to plant outside.
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