Spring is just around the corner, and for gardeners, it’s time to get our hands dirty and kick off the growing season by starting seeds! In my years of gardening, I’ve learned a few techniques for spring that can help ensure a bountiful garden by summer. Check out my recommended seed-starting tips that will give your plants a head start this season.

1. Choose the Right Seeds

You need to choose the right seeds before you even think about planting. Take into consideration your local climate and the growing season. If you live in a cooler region for example, opt for hardy varieties like kale and peas that can withstand chilly weather. Meanwhile, if you’re in a warmer region, tomatoes and peppers are great choices that thrive in the heat.

2. Using the Right Soil

Using garden soil for starting seeds can be a mistake! It's heavy, doesn't drain well, and can harbor diseases that can harm delicate seedlings. Opt for a seed starting mix instead. These mixes are airy and sterile, offering the perfect environment for germination.

I personally like to use a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can buy pre-made mixes, or make your own. Just make sure whatever you use is designed for seed starting.

3. Start Indoors

For plants that require a longer growing season, starting seeds indoors can give you a significant advantage. Use seedling trays or recycled containers to house your seeds. Just make sure they have drainage holes. 

Using a seed-starting mix, which is lighter than regular potting soil, will help your seeds germinate more effectively. It also retains moisture without becoming soaked.

4. Adequate Lighting is Essential 

You seeds will need plenty of light to thrive once they are sown. If you don’t have a bright windowsill, consider using grow lights. Place them a few inches above your seedlings to encourage healthy and maximal growth.

Seedlings often stretch toward light, and if you notice them leaning, that’s a sign they need more illumination!

5. Monitor Your Watering

While seeds need moisture to germinate, overwatering can lead to damping-off disease, which can wipe out your seedlings. This is a typical mistake that novices make, so make sure you keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Consider using a spray bottle for watering. This way, you can control moisture levels without overwhelming the seedlings.

6. Prepare Your Seedlings for Outdoors 

Before transplanting your seeds into the garden, you will need to harden them off.  This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of a week or so. This will gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions, and helps them get used to the sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations.

Start by placing your seedlings in a sheltered spot outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside. Bring them back indoors at night if the weather gets too cold. 

7. Transplant with Care

When it’s time to plant your seedlings in the garden, do so on an overcast day or in the evening to minimize shock. Gently loosen the seedlings from their containers and plant them at the same depth they were growing indoors. Remember to water them well after planting to help them settle in. 

Final Thoughts 

Seed starting can be a rewarding experience, and with these proven tactics, you’ll be on your way to a flourishing garden come spring. Enjoy the process, don’t hesitate to experiment with different plant varieties, and may your seeds sprout into beautiful plants.