5 Tips for successful seed starting

Starting a garden from seed offers several benefits: you'll save money and get plants that are more resistant to both stress and disease. Also, you can try growing exotic fruits or vegetables that are hard to find in garden centres.Starting a garden from seed offers several benefits: you'll save money and get plants that are more resistant to both stress and disease. Also, you can try growing exotic fruits or vegetables that are hard to find in garden centres.

Here are a few tips you can apply to succeed.

1. Choose a good container

Choose containers that are at least 2 to 3 inches deep and that have drainage holes. Those are essential to properly evacuate the water. We recommend using peat pots or recycled containers such as egg cartons or newspaper. You can also buy a seeding tray to start your seeds, either with 32, 36 or 72 cells.

2. Use appropriate soil

Using soil that was designed to start seed is preferable. That type of soil is finer than regular soil and designed specifically to meet the needs of young plants. It also helps with root development and allows plant to more easily withstand transplant shocks. 

3. Use soil containing natural mycorrhizae

Spread a natural mix of mycorrhizae at the bottom of the planting hole to help the seed germinate. It helps extend the root system, which allows the plants to more easily access nutrients. Your plants will be healthier and more resistant to pathogens and diseases.

4. Water carefully

If the soil is already a little moist, spraying lightly should do the trick. It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Cover your container with clear plastic film to help keep the moisture inside. Always use room temperature water, and know that containers dry out very quickly, so keep a close eye on the moisture level of your seedlings. 

5. Seed at the right time

Seed packets give you all the information you need, such as how to care for your seeds and germination times. To determine the right time to seed, you must know the date of the last frost in your region for the previous year. You can ask someone at your garden centre or a neighbour, or simply look it up on the internet.