All seeds need some basic things to grow: sunlight, growth medium, and water. The key for seeds to germinate and grow into healthy plants is to provide all of these elements according to the needs of the plant species you are going to plant. Read this guide to learn how to plant seeds so they can grow.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Planting Preparation
Step 1. Choose the type of plant that is suitable for your area
Not all plants can grow in all areas. Regional temperature and weather greatly affect the possibility of plant growth. If you live in the north, for example, you'll have a hard time growing tropical forest crops. When you are selecting seeds to plant, seek information to ensure that the plant species of your choice are suitable for your environment.
- If you have a greenhouse or plan to grow your plants indoors, you may be able to plant seeds even if the plants you choose are not suited to the weather in your area.
- One good way to find the right type of plant for your area is to go to the nearest plant store and chat with the employees. They will be able to select seeds that are most likely to grow into healthy plants.
- Several types of seeds are easy to grow in various regions and in various conditions. Look for "easy seeds" that are strong and easy to grow for beginners.
Step 2. Know when is the right time to plant
Planting time is determined by the needs of your plant and area. If you live in an area with long, cold winters, you may need to wait until mid-spring to start the planting process. If you live in an area that has short winters, you may be able to start early. Check the seed pack for information about when you should start planting seeds.
- Planting seeds too early or too late will prevent the seeds from growing, so you have to find the right time to plant so the seeds can grow properly.
- Keep in mind that most vegetable seeds should start planting at least two weeks before the last frost, or even 2-3 months before the last frost. Even if you live in a cold area, you will need to plan the planting process early so you can ensure that you start the process on time.
Step 3. Get supplies for seed germination
Most seeds require the same growing conditions as when they were planted. As seeds begin to sprout and become plants, new seeds will need different soil, sunlight, and temperature. To start the process of planting seeds, you will need:
- Seed container. Each seed needs 2.5 - 5cm of space to begin to germinate and take root. You can plant the entire seed in an open flat container, or use a separate seed container. You can make seed containers from used yogurt containers or egg cartons.
- Development medium. The seeds already have enough nutrients to germinate, so you don't need to use a fertilizer-enriched medium. Do not use potting soil, as the soil is too dense for new plant roots to penetrate. Use a mix of vermiculite or perlite soil and peat moss, coir, or compost. Plant shops sell growth medium mixes if you don't want to make your own.
Method 2 of 3: Starting an Indoor Process
Step 1. Preparation of seed containers
Soften the medium thoroughly so that the medium can be a good environment for seed growth and development. Fill the container with medium, and allow 1.3cm of space from the top of the container. Place the container in a sunny, well-ventilated area with a warm, steady temperature.
Step 2. Sow the seeds
How the seeds are dispersed will depend on the type of plant you are growing, so you should read the seed packet first. Many seeds can be spread evenly over the medium. Make sure you don't spread too many seeds in the same container so that the seeds don't get too crowded.
- Some seeds should be planted 0.6-1.3 cm below the medium. Read the seed packaging to make sure you are spreading the seeds correctly.
- Some types of seeds should be soaked or cooled before planting.
- Make sure you give the seeds the right amount of sunlight. Most seeds germinate without light, but will need sunlight after sprouting.
- Most seeds like a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, but some seeds need a lower or higher temperature in order to germinate.
Step 3. Keep the seeds moist
Seedling medium usually dries quickly because it does not have soil that maintains water content. Make sure you water the seeds regularly so they don't dry out too much.
- You can place a plastic sheet on top of the container to keep moisture out.
- Don't water the container too much so the seeds don't get too wet. The seeds should be damp, but not too wet.
Step 4. Keep the seeds healthy
Once the seeds sprout, you will see green shoots on the medium. If the container hasn't been stored in a sunny location, make sure you move it out of the sun. Keep the shoots moist and make sure the temperature doesn't drop below the recommended temperature.
Step 5. Remove weak shoots
After 2-3 weeks, remove the weak-looking shoots so that the stronger ones have room to grow. Leave 2-3 buds per container.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Shoots
Step 1. Plan to remove the shoots after the last frost
If you plan your planting correctly, the shoots will have mature leaves and be ready to transplant early in the growing season, which begins after the last frost of the year. These dates vary depending on where you live. If you are not sure about the date, contact your nearest plant store.
Step 2. Move the container of shoots to a closed outdoor area
A few days before you are ready to plant your shoots, transfer them to an outdoor shed or shed to allow them to acclimate to the outdoor climate before planting. If you do not do this step, the shoots will not be able to adjust and will have difficulty growing.
- If you don't have an enclosed outdoor area, you can place the shoots outside and build a temporary place. Leave the shoots out in the sun during the day, and cover them with a cardboard box to protect them from the night wind.
- You can also lower your room temperature so that the temperature in the shoot storage room is the same as the outdoor temperature.
Step 3. Prepare the land according to the needs of the plant
The land should be in an area that is exposed to sunlight and shade according to the needs of the plant. The soil must also have an adequate pH balance and the required nutrient composition. Make sure the soil is also dry enough.
Step 4. Plant the seeds in the ground
Dig a hole in the soil to the depth recommended on the seed pack. Make sure the holes are spaced enough apart so the plants can grow well. Gently remove the shoot from the container, gently separate the root ball, and place the shoot into the hole. Water the shoots, and apply fertilizer. After that, don't forget to keep the environmental conditions in line with the ideal environment for the plant.
