Seedling is a great option for plant enthusiasts who want to save money and maximize plant growth. You can plant seedlings indoors and care for them near a window or in a greenhouse. You can learn how to sow seedlings indoors by following these instructions.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Time
Step 1. Research the climate in your area
Visit the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) website to find out weather data in your area
Step 2. If you live in a subtropical country, plan to start sowing seeds 8 weeks before the end of winter, with the expectation of planting them 2 weeks later
For the tropics, it is relatively easy because we are always in the sun throughout the year with relatively stable rainfall.
Step 3. Purchase plant seeds
Read the label carefully because the time for sowing seeds and the speed at which sprouts grow will vary.
Step 4. Create a seeding agenda
Plant seeds of plants with similar growth schedules close to each other.
For example, corn and beans can be planted earlier than flowers. The grafting technique is not very successful on pumpkins. So pumpkins can be sown later than other crops and planted before their root system has developed
Part 2 of 5: Containers and Soil
Step 1. If you want to plant many seeds at the same time, buy a seedling tray
This small plastic container will be able to hold as much as a few centimeters of soil. Seedling trays are also easy to care for, but dry quickly.
Step 2. Use used containers, such as used milk containers, yogurt holders, and other small plastic objects into pots
Make a hole under each container for drainage.
Step 3. Purchase a seed starting mix (a mixture of organic ingredients for sowing seeds)
Seedlings will not grow too well in overcrowded soil or soil used for growing crops. So, make sure the soil you will use is suitable for sowing seeds.
Step 4. Put the soil in a bucket
Make the soil moist with warm water. Fill each container with 7.6-10.2 cm of soil.
Step 5. Store the tray or seedling container in the pan
The pan can be used to make the soil absorb the water underneath.
Part 3 of 5: Planting
Step 1. Store the seeds in a warm, damp paper towel overnight
You can increase the growth of the sprouts by slightly moistening them. Do not do this step if it is not recommended on the seed package label.
Step 2. Plant two to three seedlings in each container
Not all seeds will germinate, and you can remove them later if the container becomes too full.
Step 3. Plant the seedlings in the ground
The depth will depend on the type of plant. So, read the instructions on the label of the seed pack.
- Plants planted in soil are usually planted at a depth of 3 times the diameter of the seedling.
- Other plants need direct sunlight, and should be kept above ground.
Step 4. Label the containers immediately after planting
Keep the seed wrapper nearby.
Part 4 of 5: Temperature
Step 1. Place a plastic fork on the edge and center of the seedling tray
Step 2. Cover the tip of the fork with plastic wrap to make the environment like a greenhouse
Step 3. Choose a place in your house that gets sunlight every day
Step 4. Save the seedling tray near the window
Step 5. Place the lights above the plants at a distance of about 15 cm
Throughout its growth, the position of the lamp must be kept elevated.
Step 6. Use a fluorescent lamp if the weather is not sunny
Keep the lights on for 12 to 16 hours a day.
Step 7. Keep the seedlings at 21°C
To increase the temperature, keep a dry/wet heating pad under the pan and set it so that it doesn't get too hot.
Part 5 of 5: Water
Step 1. Pour warm water into the bottom of the pan
The soil will absorb the moisture without changing the position of the seedling. Keep the pan constantly watered.
Step 2. Water the top of the soil when the seeds have started to germinate
Step 3. Use a spray bottle or small embrat to water the plants
Don't let the soil dry. Seedlings must be kept moist in order to germinate.
Step 4. Remove the plastic wrap when the seeds have started to germinate
Step 5. Keep the seedlings getting enough water, temperature, and sunlight until the seedlings are ready for planting
You may have to uproot some of the plants if they are too full.
Step 6. If you plan to grow them indoors for a longer time, replant the seedlings in a larger pot
The seedlings will grow bigger and stronger until they are ready to be planted in the garden.