Extension

This time of year means gardeners are seeing a few more minutes of daylight, which means gardening season is just around the corner. Although gardening enthusiasts can’t yet establish plants in the landscape, they can get a head start by starting seeds indoors. 

 

Some gardeners may have saved seeds from last year’s plants, while others have ordered seeds from catalogs or picked up some at the local garden store. However you have acquired the seeds, it’s time to get them started so they’ll be ready to transplant in a few weeks.

 

Although starter plants will be widely available closer to planting time, starting seeds at home gives gardeners a lot more cultivar options. Plus, gardeners can schedule starting the seeds so they’re ready to get out in the garden at the right time. 

 

To get started, you’ll need some seed trays or containers and seed-starting mix. Make sure to get a mix designed for seedlings. This type of mix promotes good drainage and high water-holding capacity, both of which are needed for seed germination. Avoid using regular potting soil. Make sure the containers are big enough to hold ample potting mix so there’s plenty of room for root development. Don’t let these containers dry out because that will affect growth, but make sure they have proper drainage to avoid root rot.

 

If using flats, sow seeds in rows 2 inches to 3 inches apart. Use tight spacing within the row. Small containers like plastic pots, paper or plastic cups, yogurt containers, etc., can have a few to several seeds sprinkled over the surface. Seedlings will need to be thinned later. Generally, sow seeds to a depth of approximately 3 times the diameter of the seed. Most seeds will germinate well at a constant day and night temperature around 70 degrees. After germination, temperatures can be lowered according to the type of plant being grown. 

 

Keeping everything properly watered can be tricky. Gardeners won’t want to over or under water. Remember, the seeds won’t use much water until they germinate and the seedlings are actively growing. They need just enough to germinate. One trick to help avoid overwatering is to simply mist the soil with a spray bottle. Cover the seed trays or containers loosely with clear plastic to help retain heat and moister but remove once the seedlings begin to emerge. Go ahead and fertilize them when they’re ready to transplant.

 

Indoor seeding requires a lot of light – about 12 to 14 hours per day. Gardeners will have to supplement. Keep these things in mind regarding supplemental light: intensity, duration and quality/color. Fluorescent lighting is a good choice. Lights should be placed about 3 to 4 inches above the seedlings, and they’ll need to be raised as the plants grow. 

One other thing gardeners can do to prepare the seedlings for life outdoors is to brush their hands over the plants several times at least once a day to simulate windy weather. This action will help the plants develop into strong, stocky plants that are better prepared to handle the Oklahoma wind.