Why indoors?
What do you need to sow indoors?
Equipment and Setup for Sowing Seeds
- Right Equipment:
If you have the right equipment and good lighting, you can sow at any time of the year. - Space Considerations:
Your plants may need more space as they grow. Ensure you have enough space when the windowsill is no longer sufficient.
What You Need to Start Sowing Seeds:
- Seed Packets:
Gather the seeds you wish to plant. - Nutrient-Rich Soil:
Use soil that provides essential nutrients for plant growth. - Small Pots:
You can use different types of small pots for sowing. - Plant Markers:
Label your plants with markers for easy identification. - Spray Bottle:
Keep the soil moist by using a spray bottle. - Mini Greenhouse:
A mini greenhouse can help create a suitable environment for growth. - Plastic Cover (Optional):
Optionally, you can cover the pots with plastic to retain moisture. Remember to make holes in the plastic to allow condensation to escape.
Tip:
Some hobby gardeners sow on different shelf levels and supplement with plant lighting on each shelf.
When should you start?
Seeds that can wait
Some seeds should not be sown before March/April for various reasons. This could be because they need as much daylight as possible, or because they tend to grow so big indoors that it becomes difficult to plant them outside.
Tomatoes should preferably not be sown before the end of March or the beginning of April, as they are very dependent on light.
Cucumbers require a lot of heat and should not be planted out if the nighttime temperature is below 15 degrees.
Peas and beans usually grow quite large, but the seeds do not grow at soil temperatures below 12 degrees. Many therefore wait until May to sow directly in open ground.
So with the right conditions and stronger plants
Conditions for Seed Growth
- Warmth, Water, and Humidity:
A seed needs the right amount of warmth, water, and humidity to grow into a healthy plant.
Tips for Helping Seedlings Grow
- Containers for Sowing:
- Use various containers such as pots, trays, cut milk cartons, or egg cartons.
- The seeds will thrive regardless of the container, so utilize what you have at home.
- Ensure high humidity by covering the containers with plastic or placing them in a mini greenhouse.
- Soil Requirements and Seed Distribution:
- Larger seeds typically require more soil than smaller seeds.
- Press the soil lightly when sowing and moisten it with lukewarm water from a spray bottle.
- Sow two to four seeds in each pot, ensuring even distribution.
- Add additional sowing soil, but remember that light-germinating seeds should not be covered.
- Temperature and Light Needs:
- The ideal temperature for sowing seeds is between 18-19 degrees Celsius.
- It should be warm, but not too hot.
- Avoid placing the pots in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- Light for Growth:
- Seeds need light to grow into plants.
- If you sow in winter, use an LED light or a grow light to ensure they receive adequate light.
Do not drown the seeds in water, but do not wait to water until the soil is too dry. Water gently so that the soil is moist and check that the seeds do not wash away.
NOTE! The first nutrient is given approximately three weeks after transplanting.
When the plant begins to appear
Time for replanting
Grow with the task
Learn more about sowing in spring in our garden program:
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/TQ7M8LzV1gg