 STARTING FROM SEED - INDOORS In all of my years of gardening, I must admit the most satifying part of it to me is planting tiny seeds and watching them grow into healthy, vibrant plants, flowers and tasty vegetables.
While starting from seed means a little extra effort and a longer wait for your plants to arrive, it doesn't take a lot of skill, the cost is minimal, and the satisfaction you get is immeasurable!
Be sure your seeds are fresh and are a variety that will grow well in your planting zone. We carry several types of vining seeds, basically because vines are not easy to find at nurseries.
Start with a clean, plastic container - preferably one with a lid. I use the containers strawberries come in - they work like mini greenhouses. Take-out food containers with clear plastic lids work well, too.
Line the bottom of your tray with gravel or sand (if there is no drainage). Put one to one and a half inch seed starter mix in your "tray". (We recommend our Texas Hydro Blast Seed Starting Blend)
Moisten thoroughly and allow excess water to drain off.
Using a pencil or similiar object, make your planting holes, about 1-1/2 inches apart, in rows. Drop your seeds in the planting holes and cover with mix. Sprinkle with water after you have planted your seeds. HINT:
Use a popsicle/craft stick (recycled mini blinds cut into pieces work well, too) and permanent marker to label your seeds. Place the marker at the row ends so you can identify your seeds.
Cover your seeds with clear plastic wrap if not planted in a container with a lid. (Good starting trays can be purchased at Park's Seed Co. We also carry HYPERTUFA seed starting trays.)
Put your seeds in a warm location - the top of a refrigerator works well. Most seeds like a sprouting temp. of 75-85 degrees. You can purchase heating cables at many garden supply houses on line. HINT: I use a heating pad, set on low, under my starter tray. Do not place your seeds where they will be under direct midday sunlight.
Check your seeds periodically and make sure the soil stays moist. Using a gentle water spray (you don't want to disturb the seeds) from a mist bottle will accomplish this. You want the soil moist - not soggy!
Some seeds will sprout in 5- 7 days. Some may take three weeks. Be patient!
HINT: You can speed up the sprouting time of seeds by soaking them in a mix of one teaspoon of dish soap, one teaspoon of ammonia and one teaspoon of instant tea in a quart of warm water for 24 hours. Then place the seeds in a piece of old nylon stocking tied with a twist tie. Let the seeds dry out, remove from stocking and plant.
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