Growing seedlings with Melanie
Growing your own seedlings is fun, affordable, and eco-friendly. Plus, it invites spring in early. If this is your first time, you may not know where to start. Even if you’ve done it a few times, tips from a pro are always useful! Here are my secrets for growing seedlings.
What you’ll need
- Sterilized pots with good drainage (you can use recycled yogurt cups, old flower pots, or opaque plastic containers)
- Seedling and cutting soil mix
- Clear dome (plastic wrap also works)
- Identification labels (milk carton cut-outs are perfect!)
- Quality seeds
- Seedling tray with no holes
- Spray bottle
- Watering can with a shower head
My method for planting seedlings
- I moisten the soil: it shouldn’t be soggy or too dry.
- Without compressing the soil, I completely fill my pots until the surface is level.
- I plant the seeds in the pots.
- Following the seed’s packaging instructions, I cover them with soil and then lightly press down on the soil.
- I spray water on the soil to moisten it.
- I label my seedlings and include the date they were planted.
- I cover them with a dome to preserve moisture.
- I check my seedlings every day. As soon as 50% of them have germinated, I partially open the dome. After 2 to 3 days, I completely remove it.
How to care for seedlings
Seedlings will need watering almost daily. I check on them in the morning and evening, and water as needed.
To prevent them from wilting (and becoming tall, leafless stems), I avoid putting them in an area that is too hot.
I start fertilizing 4 weeks after sowing. I prefer natural fertilizers, so I alternate between seaweed and fish emulsion fertilizer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Seedlings I transplant
- Eggplant
- Celery
- Celeriac
- Ground cherries
- Herbs
- Hot peppers
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
What is transplanting? Seedlings need space to grow. Transplanting simply means replanting seedlings in larger pots to prevent overcrowding and keep them healthy.
What you’ll need for transplanting
- Pots that are 4 to 5 inches in diameter (you can use any kind of recycled pot)
- Indoor potting mix*
- Identification labels
- Seedlings ready for transplanting
- Pencil or small spoon
- Watering can with a shower head
* I use indoor potting mix for transplanting as it’s heavier than seedling mix and better for growing plants with roots.
My transplanting method
- I water my seedlings to make transplanting easier and reduce the stress it puts on the seedlings.
- I moisten the soil.
- I dig a hole in the centre of the soil.
- I gently lift my seedlings with a pencil or spoon, then delicately separate them by manipulating their leaves, not their stems. Be careful to not pinch the stem as it transports sap and nutrients to the leaves. If the stem is pinched too tightly, the plant cannot feed itself. Even though the leaves are slightly more robust, be careful not to pinch them either, as they are young and fragile.
- I place the roots in the bottom of the hole so that the cotyledons (the first leaves of the germinated seed) are flush with the soil in your pot.
- I pack the soil around the plant, making sure not to compress it too much.
- I lightly water using the watering can, adding soil as needed.
- I label my seedlings.
- I keep them out of direct sunlight for 24 hours to avoid transplant shock. After 24 hours, I put them back near a light source.
I harden off my seedlings in May when the weather is good and there’s no risk of frost. Don’t skip this step, the warm spring sun could burn your plants and ruin all your hard work. Don’t worry, this step is easy!
- Step 1: Place the seedlings outside in a shaded area that is protected from high winds. Leave them there for 3 days.
- Step 2: Transfer them to an area with moderate shade and more wind. Leave them there for 3 days.
- Step 3: Move the seedlings into the sun, until you are ready to plant them.
As soon as the weather permits, you can plant them! The long-awaited harvest will soon begin!
Happy gardening!
