Directions for Sprouting Seeds

Overview

Starting a garden from seed allows you to plant more plants for a fraction of the cost of purchasing established seedlings at a garden center. Sprouting the seeds successfully may seem complicated, especially if you are growing several varieties of plants. Starting the seeds indoors gives you more control over the seedling environment and a higher chance of success. Both flowers and vegetables share many of the same requirements for planting. No special equipment is necessary to succeed at seed germination.

Step 1

Soak the seeds in warm water overnight, if necessary for your seed variety, to prepare the seed.

Step 2

Sand off the outer seed coat with a metal file, if applicable.

Step 3

Fill 3-inch diameter seed pots with potting mix. Water the mix until it is moist but not soggy.

Step 4

Sow one to two seeds in each pot to a depth twice their diameter. Follow the packet recommendation for exact planting depth, as this may differ between seed types.

Step 5

Cover the pots with a plastic bag to retain moisture during germination. Place the seeds in a warm (70 degree F) room unless other sprouting temperatures are recommended on the seed packet. Most seeds sprout between seven and 14 days after sowing, but some seeds may take up to a month.

Step 6

Remove the plastic bag once sprouts appear and move the seed pots to a sunny windowsill where they receive at least eight hours of sunlight a day. Water the soil as needed to keep it moist but not soggy until you are ready to transplant the seedlings to their permanent pot or garden bed.