Fresh Is Best.

Always start with fresh seeds, a seed starting mix, and either a cell tray or an individual growing pot.

Start With Soil!

Begin by filling each cell almost to the top with soil and then tap it down to keep it compact. Then place your seeds in the cells while making sure that they are fully covered by soil. 

Time For Water!

In the early stages, you don't need to use a watering can just yet. Start with a spray bottle and spray each cell a few times to ensure the soil is nice and moist but not soaked. 

Keep The Moisture In.

Once watered, seeds should be covered using either a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. This will create a greenhouse-like environment for your seeds. Check moisture daily, and once germination begins remove the plastic. 

Location & Heat. 

For most seeds, sprouting requires a minimum temperature of about 65° to 75°F. Most seedlings need about 12 to 16 hours of sunlight each day. Place your seed containers in a sunny location such as near a window. If you don’t have access to this kind of location, use a grow light! This will ensure the seeds get the light they need.  

Ignore The Need To Feed.

Don’t use fertilizer on seedlings until they have sprouted! We know it’s easy to assume fertilizer will help the seeds grow or speed up the process, but at the very early growth stage, the seed provides its own nourishment, but once leaves develop, it’s time for a little fertilizer like Espoma Plant-tone.

Harden Them Off.

Your seedlings need to get ready for the outdoors. For 7 to 10 days, put your plants outside for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure to sunlight & wind. Cut back on watering a bit, too. Your plants will become healthier and better prepared for transplanting.

Come visit us for all your seed starting necessities including Espoma Organic Seed Starter, Bio-Tone Starter Plus, Espoma Plant Tone, planting trays and much more! We have a great selection of seeds from Burpee, Hart Seed, Seeds of Change and Sementi Italian seeds!