Master Gardener's Seed Starting Success

• Plan to sow seeds inside 4-8 weeks before you plan to move the plants to the garden
• Start seeds in a moistened lightweight and sterilized potting medium, not garden soil
• Start seeds in clean and sterilized containers with drainage holes (these can be inside a solid tray)
• Label your containers using black permanent marker or graphite pencil
• Provide extra warmth for tomato, pepper, eggplant, seeds to germinate
• Provide supplemental light for seedlings grown in the house, even in sunny rooms or windows
• Fluorescent bulb tubes of any kind work, no need to purchase expensive plant lights
• Provide light for 12-16 hours per day, seedlings require a period of darkness
• Keep lights close to growing plants 2-4 inches above give best results
• Consider purchasing an inexpensive timer to turn lights on and off on schedule
• Do not over water your seedlings, keep the soil slightly moist, not wet
• Remove any plastic domes or coverings once seeds have sprouted
• Provide air circulation to avoid fungal problems
• Fertilize only after young plant has at least four leaves, and then at a very dilute rate
• Acclimate seedlings gradually to outdoor temperatures and sunlight
• Move them outside for longer periods each day, or provide shade and wind protection
• Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting tender crops like tomatoes, melons, peppers, pasil or squash
• Try not to disturb delicate roots when transplanting
• Gently water new plantings and protect from wind if necessary