Seed Starting Tips

Starting seeds indoors is a wonderful way to celebrate spring early even if we are cooped up due to Old Man Winter’s last breath of frost.

Sow Seeds Indoors
To sow seeds indoors, count back from the last average frost date and check the start dates of the selected seeds! If you sow before the recommended date, seedlings may be weak and leggy.

Allow About Two Additional Weeks
Allow about two additional weeks to acclimate the tender seedlings by taking them outdoors for longer and longer periods during the day and gradually increasing the sun’s exposure before transplanting them in the ground.
Follow Special Requirements
Some seeds need scarifying (nicking with a file or sandpaper for successful germination such as Sweet Peas), stratifying (many wildflower seeds need a cold treatment by refrigerating for about a month) and whether seeds require light or darkness for germination.
Depth, Light and Temperatures
Planting depth, amount of light and indoor temperature needs will also be on the seed packets. Most seeds germinate best in temperatures between 65 - 70°F.
Expiration Date
If the seeds are past their prime, determine their viability by putting 10 seeds on a moistened paper towel, fold the towel in half and place in a zip-lock back, seal it and set in a warm place like the top of the refrigerator. Periodically check up to 15 days, count the number of sprouted seeds to get a germination rate.

Original article at Gardenlife.com