If you are new to starting seeds indoors, there are a few problems you might encounter. Here’s what they are, and what to do about it:
What’s Wrong With My Seedlings?
Propagation
Seedlings That Keel Over
My indoor seedlings are keeling over, why?
Starting Seeds in Soil Blocks
Learn how to make soil blocks and plant seeds in them, with Tricia from Peaceful Valley Grow Organic.
Starting Seeds That Need Bottom Heat
Some seeds can actually germinate quicker and healthier when supplied with warm soil—obtained usually through a bottom heat source.
How to Scarify Seeds and Other Seed Starting Methods
In this video Tricia from Peaceful Valley Grow Organic demonstrates the ways to prepare hard-coated seeds for planting.
Ways to Prepare Hard-Coated Seeds for Planting
Seeds with hard outer coats surrounding them (like nasturtium, shown) can be hindered in their ability to germinate because moisture and gases cannot penetrate through the coating. So what do you do? You scarify them.
What to Do When You Have Too Many Seeds
Seed packets have more seeds than I really need. Can I save some for next year?
How to Know If Garden Seed Is Viable
I have old packets of seeds. How can I tell if they are still viable?
Timing When to Start Seeds
What do I do if I have a seed packet that doesn’t say when I should start the seeds indoors?
Defininitions of Seed Packet Terms
Do the descriptions in seed catalogs have you confused?
8 Things to Look for on a Seed Packet
A good seed packet should give you much of the info you need to know to grow that plant. Here’s what to look for, and why: