Seed Starting 101: Essential Steps of Seed Germination for Beginners

The Easy Steps of Seed Germination: Your Seed Starting 101 Guide

There's nothing to be afraid of if you follow our simple steps. Many gardeners will back away slowly when the conversation turns to seed trays and heating mats, muttering things like, "I just buy organic seedlings from my local nursery." That's one way to go. But to get the most out of your gardening dollar, you cannot beat starting vegetables and flowers from seeds. Plus (and this is what motivates many gardeners), you can choose exactly the vegetable variety or much-loved flower that you want.

In our video, Seed Starting 101, Tricia walks you through the seed starting process and explains the different equipment options. By following the steps of seed germination, you’ll make key decisions: when to start your seeds, what to plant them in, and how to provide an environment for successful germination.

Chard starts in a Speedling tray are almost ready to be transplanted out.

Timing your seed starts

If you already have your seeds in hand, check your seed packet for germination times and read the instructions on when the plant should be transplanted. For example, squash is sensitive to getting root-bound so it should be started 3-4 weeks before the last frost in a larger container. Tomatoes and peppers need longer times and are typically started 6-8 weeks before the last frost. If you're doing cool weather veggies, some of them, like broccoli and cauliflower, should be set out BEFORE the last frost. Still making up your mind? The date of the last frost in your area is crucial. Planting your seedlings outdoors before the last frost typically leads to heartbreak when the seedlings are zapped by a cold snap. So please, don't try to jump the gun on that outdoor planting date. Count back from the last frost date to calculate when to start your seeds. Or we have made it really easy if you use our Seed Planting Calculator. There is a link to find your first and last frost dates based on the state and county. Once you know that date, simply put it in the calculator and it will give you approximated dates to either plant seeds indoors or when to direct seed outdoors.

This tomato in a Cow Pot is ready to be transplanted out into the garden.

How to choose a seed starting container

Seeds can be started in just about anything, including eggshells and paper milk cartons.

Some of our favorite re-usable trays are:

Hortiblock Transplant Trays have their own insulation and are designed to air-prune the roots. These trays are favorites with farmers because they last for years. I've seen ten-year-old Hortiblock Transplant trays still in service and looking great. Standard plastic trays are easy to work with and very durable.

The bio-degradable route is a great option for sustainability:

To minimize transplant shock, try Soil Blockers This innovative method doesn't use a container at all, just a compressed block of media. Roots are air-pruned and the block is dropped right in the ground. For more info on this method check out our video. CowPots that are made from manure and can go straight into your garden soil. Their cousins coco peat pellets, and coco fiber pots are some other marvelous options. Fill your containers with a soilless mix, like our organic QuickRoot, place your seeds two to a cell (Tricia likes to use the Widger as a seed spoon), and water well with a fine spray. The Dramm watering can has a removable "rose" on the spout that will sprinkle your seeds and seedlings with droplets. Make sure your seeds and seedlings get a continuous supply of water. If they dry out during germination they will die.

This lettuce is in a soil block.

Do you need an additional heating source for your seedlings?

Using Speedling trays, with their built-in insulation, means you don't need a heating mat but can simply put the trays in a warm place (like the top of the refrigerator). Heating mats will help with all other containers -- including soil blocks, which are set onto undivided trays. If you're new to seed starting and want a growing kit that contains everything you need, try our Peaceful Valley Seed Starting Kit. Most plants germinate best in a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. During cool weather that means a heating mat will be required.

Conclusion:

Starting seeds doesn't have to be intimidating—following the right steps and using the proper tools will set you up for success. Remember, when germinating seeds, it’s important to ensure that seeds require the right environment to thrive. Seeds need water and oxygen to activate their growth, and with the proper temperature and care, you'll see them begin to sprout. As your seedlings grow, they will continue to develop, with the primary root anchoring the plant and the shoots reaching the soil surface. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll be on your way to growing healthy, vibrant plants right from the start!

Feeling more confident? Don't let seed starting scare you this year!

FAQ: Seed Starting 101: Essential Steps of Seed Germination for Beginners

• Q: What is the process of seed germination?
  • A: The process of seed germination begins when seeds absorb water and oxygen, which activates enzymes. The seed coat breaks open, and the primary root emerges. As the seedling grows, it relies on stored food (food reserves) to fuel early development. Environmental factors, such as temperature and light, are crucial during this phase.
• Q: How do environmental factors affect seed germination?
  • A: Temperature is one of the key environmental factors. The ideal temperature to germinate depends on the type of seed. Some seeds require specific conditions to break dormancy and begin germinating. In some cases, exposure to red light may help trigger germination in certain plant species.
• Q: What happens after the seed coat breaks open?
  • A: Once the seed coat breaks open, the primary root grows downward to anchor the plant. The epicotyl elongates, pushing the seedling upward toward the soil surface. The plant then develops its true leaves, signaling the transition from early germination to established growth.
• Q: Do seeds need water and oxygen to germinate?
  • A: Yes, seeds need both water and oxygen to begin the germination process. Water activates enzymes and softens the seed coat, while oxygen is essential for energy production. Without these, seeds remain dormant and cannot start germinating.
• Q: What is epigeal germination?
  • A: In epigeal germination, the cotyledons (seed leaves) rise above the soil surface as the seedling grows. This type of germination is common in many plants, where the epicotyl elongates and pulls the seedling upwards.
• Q: What role do food reserves play in seed germination?
  • A: Food reserves provide the necessary energy for the seedling to grow until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. The stored food is vital in the early stages of seedling development, especially before the true leaves emerge.
• Q: What do seeds require to break dormancy?
  • A: Seeds require the right combination of water, oxygen, temperature, and sometimes light to break dormancy. Once these conditions are met, the process of seed germination begins, leading to the growth of a new plant.