It's all too easy to make a simple mistake when starting seeds. But one simple mistake at the beginning of the season can set you back months. So, know what to do and what not to do by following this simple guide.
1. Starting Too Early
This is a prevalent mistake and one I still make every year! As soon as the new year rolls around, I start getting the itch to start seeds. This is too early, but I have usually caved and started a few seeds by February.
You need to plan your seed starting and ensure you have somewhere you can move them when they are bigger plants. If you start them too early, you end up with many huge plants in your house as it is still too cold to move them outdoors.
You also need to ensure you can keep potting them on to prevent them from outgrowing their pots and becoming rootbound. If your seedlings get rootbound, this will severely hold them back.
2. Starting On A Windowsill
Now, let me be clear... I am not saying you can't start seedlings on a windowsill, but a lot depends on the plant and the windowsill. The simple truth is that many windowsills aren't suitable.
Most seedlings need a very sunny windowsill to provide enough light. This means it must be relatively south-facing and in the sun all day. The time of year also affects how sunny a windowsill can be. If it is still early in the year, then even a south-facing windowsill will still have the issue of short, overcast days.
If you see your plants leaning towards the light, like in the photo above, this is a surefire sign that they aren't getting enough light.
The best way around this is to use grow lights. These LED lights used to be expensive but can now be picked up for around £20. They provide all the light your plants need, and as they are LED, they don't cost too much to run - even with current electricity prices.
Find the LED panels I use here >>
3. Overwatering
Seedlings need water, but as with anything, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. You want the soil around a seedling to be damp but not wet. Letting it dry out now and again is no big issue as long as the plant doesn't start to sag.
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and drooping plants can all be signs of overwatering. If your seedlings look a little unhealthy and you have been constantly watering them, maybe hold back, let the soil dry out a little, and see if they perk up.
4. Not Providing The Right Environment
Different seeds need different conditions to thrive. Many people think seeds are seeds and start the same way, but this isn't the case.
Some seeds need lots of heat and humidity to germinate, while others will only germinate when the temperatures are cold.
You need to look this up plant-by-plant and find out how they like to grow. Your seed packet should have all the info you need, but if it does not, the answer is only a Google search away!
5. Too Much Heat!
As you can see above, too much warmth from being indoors, coupled with insufficient light, causes leggy seedlings.
They are growing quickly but not strongly and cannot support their weight, leading to them flopping over. If your plants are under lights but still growing like this, the conditions might be too warm.
6. Forgetting The Labels!
It's a simple mistake but a frustrating one. We have all been there before, with no label to hand as we plant our seeds—it's okay; you remember what you planted and will add a label as soon as you forget.
Then the weeks roll by, you still haven't added that darn label, and now you have no idea what you planted. I've been there many times, and these unknown seedlings always seem the healthiest!
7. Not Hardening Off
Hardening off is the essential process of gradually acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden. Seedlings started indoors are accustomed to a stable environment with controlled light, temperature, and humidity.
Without hardening off, sudden exposure to outdoor elements like wind, direct sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures can shock the plants, leading to stunted growth or even death. By slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions, you help strengthen their stems, build resistance to environmental stress, and prepare them for life outside.
The process typically begins about one to two weeks before transplanting. Start by placing seedlings outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight, wind, and temperature variations.
Avoid leaving them out during extreme weather, such as heavy rain or strong winds, in the early stages. After a few days, transition them to a sunnier spot, increasing their time outside each day.
Reduce watering slightly during this period to encourage root growth. By the end of the hardening-off period, seedlings should be able to tolerate full outdoor conditions and are ready for planting in their permanent location. This extra step ensures a smoother transition, healthier plants, and a more productive garden.
9. Not Potting On In Time
Not potting seedlings on when they outgrow their initial containers or seed trays can lead to several problems that affect their health and development. As seedlings grow, their roots expand rapidly, often filling the small spaces in their starting containers.
If left in these cramped conditions, the roots can become root-bound, circling the pot and struggling to access water, nutrients, and oxygen. This stress can stunt growth, resulting in weak, leggy plants that may fail to thrive when transplanted into the garden.
Additionally, seedlings left in small pots for too long often experience nutrient deficiencies, as the limited soil volume is quickly depleted of essential nutrients. The soil also dries out more rapidly, leading to inconsistent watering and further stress on the plants.
Potting on, or transplanting seedlings into larger containers with fresh, nutrient-rich soil, gives the roots more space to grow and access to the nutrients they need. This step is crucial for healthy, vigorous seedlings that will transplant well and grow into strong, productive
Barry victor Brown says
Great A.rticle
Iv'e still got a lot to learn, still seeding to early. says
@Barry victor Brown,
Jean Mazzella says
i started seed off 4 weeks ago, peppers ,toms , cucumber etc just hope we get the warm weather end of April .