Seedlings - sow from seedlings indoors
Grow your own
There are many edible treats you can sow yourself. Or perhaps you'd like to cultivate beautiful flowers to make bouquets with? Learn more about how to successfully sow seeds and how to take good care of your plants.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/kxOTHvPptPk
Why indoors?
There are several advantages and reasons to sow indoors. Some plants need a long time to bloom or bear fruit. Therefore, it is wise to start indoors so they have time to grow well by summer.,
What do you need to sow indoors?
Equipment and Setup for Sowing Seeds
- Right Equipment:
If you have the right equipment and good lighting, you can sow at any time of the year. - Space Considerations:
Your plants may need more space as they grow. Ensure you have enough space when the windowsill is no longer sufficient.
What You Need to Start Sowing Seeds:
- Seed Packets:
Gather the seeds you wish to plant. - Nutrient-Rich Soil:
Use soil that provides essential nutrients for plant growth. - Small Pots:
You can use different types of small pots for sowing. - Plant Markers:
Label your plants with markers for easy identification. - Spray Bottle:
Keep the soil moist by using a spray bottle. - Mini Greenhouse:
A mini greenhouse can help create a suitable environment for growth. - Plastic Cover (Optional):
Optionally, you can cover the pots with plastic to retain moisture. Remember to make holes in the plastic to allow condensation to escape.
Tip:
Some hobby gardeners sow on different shelf levels and supplement with plant lighting on each shelf.
When should you start?
You can sow seeds at any time during the year, but if you want vegetables for the summer, it is best to sow in January or February. The vegetables that take the longest time to develop are chili and peppers. Some flowers, like geraniums and heliotropes, also need extra time before blooming. These can be sown early in the spring/winter. In March/April, you should start sowing seeds of other plants so they sprout and are ready to be planted out in the summer.
Seeds that can wait
Some seeds should not be sown before March/April for various reasons. This could be because they need as much daylight as possible, or because they tend to grow so big indoors that it becomes difficult to plant them outside.
Tomatoes should preferably not be sown before the end of March or the beginning of April, as they are very dependent on light.
Cucumbers require a lot of heat and should not be planted out if the nighttime temperature is below 15 degrees.
Peas and beans usually grow quite large, but the seeds do not grow at soil temperatures below 12 degrees. Many therefore wait until May to sow directly in open ground.
So with the right conditions and stronger plants
Conditions for Seed Growth
- Warmth, Water, and Humidity:
A seed needs the right amount of warmth, water, and humidity to grow into a healthy plant.
Tips for Helping Seedlings Grow
- Containers for Sowing:
- Use various containers such as pots, trays, cut milk cartons, or egg cartons.
- The seeds will thrive regardless of the container, so utilize what you have at home.
- Ensure high humidity by covering the containers with plastic or placing them in a mini greenhouse.
- Soil Requirements and Seed Distribution:
- Larger seeds typically require more soil than smaller seeds.
- Press the soil lightly when sowing and moisten it with lukewarm water from a spray bottle.
- Sow two to four seeds in each pot, ensuring even distribution.
- Add additional sowing soil, but remember that light-germinating seeds should not be covered.
- Temperature and Light Needs:
- The ideal temperature for sowing seeds is between 18-19 degrees Celsius.
- It should be warm, but not too hot.
- Avoid placing the pots in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- Light for Growth:
- Seeds need light to grow into plants.
- If you sow in winter, use an LED light or a grow light to ensure they receive adequate light.
Do not drown the seeds in water, but do not wait to water until the soil is too dry. Water gently so that the soil is moist and check that the seeds do not wash away.
NOTE! The first nutrient is given approximately three weeks after transplanting.
When the plant begins to appear
It is always nice when the first leaves on a plant appear. When the first two pairs of leaves show, you can start thinking about repotting into larger pots. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the small roots. Place the new pot in a bright and cool place, or use a grow light. Now it's time to put the plant in a greenhouse or cover it with a plastic lid.
Time for replanting
When the plant has started to grow, you can put it outside. Wait until there is no frost at night. It is important that you acclimate the plants to being outside so that they harden. Start by putting them cool in the shade for a few hours during the day. Eventually, you can plant them in flower beds or planters.
Grow with the task
It is fun to sow and watch small plants grow over time. Sow alone or together with family and friends, and gain new experiences every time you plant seeds. It is both educational and enjoyable, and it is a pleasure to be able to eat your own vegetables and pick your own flowers from seeds.
Learn more about sowing in spring in our garden program:
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/TQ7M8LzV1gg
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Grow your own