BLESSINGS IN BLOOM: Starting the Perfect Seed

By Kerry Peetz

It’s that time of the year! Gardeners are atwitter, wondering, “Should I start seeds now? Should I wait?” They are like children on a long (or short) road trip asking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Get ready, spring is here, we’re off to start indoor seeds! 

Starting seeds indoors is a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy many plant varieties not commonly found in local nurseries. Since Colorado has a relatively short growing season, starting seeds indoors is often necessary to get a healthy head start especially for those seeds that have longer “Days to Germinate” and “Days to Harvest.”

Know your average last frost date. This information can be found on the Colorado State University website. This date will help you determine when to start planting inside and when to safely plant the seedlings outside. 

Believe it or not, the absolute best place to look for instructions is on the back of the seed packet. In general, they should be started 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Be sure to choose seeds that will grow in our climate.

Containers. Seeds can be started in containers found around the house. Plastic trays, cups, and egg cartons will do and, of course, seed starting trays and peat pots from the garden center are great too. Whichever you choose make sure there are holes for drainage.

Seed Mixes. Use a sterile seed starting mix to prevent diseases.   

Avoid using garden soil, as it can contain pathogens. Commercially-available seed starting mixes will provide a sterile, weed-free medium in which to start the seeds. After planting the seeds, water them in with a fine mist hand sprayer and cover lightly with a layer of plastic.

Placement. Until the seeds germinate, keep them in a warm location away from bright sunlight. Most seeds prefer temperatures between 70-75°F to germinate. Seeds in the Solanaceae or nightshade family germinate better if soil temperatures are closer to 80°F. As the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and move the container closer to a bright window or light. For proper growth, seedlings require adequate light. If a bright window location is unavailable, suspend a fluorescent light fixture three to four inches above the new plants. A combination of one cool white fluorescent tube and one warm white tube will provide the broad spectrum of light needed. For best growth, keep the lights on 12 to 16 hours daily.

Fertilize. After seedlings grow and develop true leaves, fertilize with a quarter-to half-strength water-soluble fertilizer to stimulate healthy, even growth. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant seedlings into their own small pots to provide them room to grow.

Watch for signs of disease. Too much moisture, high temperatures and poor light weaken the plants and make them susceptible to the damping off fungus. There is a critical period of growth between planting and maturity when special care needs to be taken to protect sensitive seedlings. Make sure to sterilize everything prior to its use. All previously used tools, pots, trays, etc. should be clean. To sterilize used pots and trays use a solution of 10% household bleach by soaking for 30 minutes.

Hardening Off. Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions. This process, called “hardening off,” involves gradually exposing seedlings to increasing amounts of sunlight and wind over a period of 1-2 weeks.   

Easter will be here before we know it. By the grace of God, one day, we will all be together again in heaven. Dear Jesus, “Am I there yet? Should I trust more? Should I worry less?” If we listen, we will hear his answers.