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Seed Starting FAQs

It’s that time of year again!  Even if the temperatures are in the single digits, or there are snowflakes fluttering by your window, it’s not too early to be thinking about and planning your summer garden.  'Cause before you know it, spring will be upon us!


So first, if you haven’t yet, you should first place your seed order.  Consider your available garden space, past successes and losses, and any leftover seeds you may have from last year, and place your seed order soon. You don’t want your plans derailed because your favorite varieties are sold out!


There are tons of places you can order seeds from. Here are a few of my favorites:


Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds-- so many different unique varieties!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds-- a wealth of information available on their website!


And if you're local, check out Firefly Farm and Mercantile in Cashton!


(I strongly advise you to avoid Amazon and Etsy for seed purchases. Sometimes it works out, but many times it doesn't.)


Once you have your seeds in hand, check out the recommendations printed on the seed package (or in the seed description on the website).  There, you should find information regarding the best way to spring your seeds to life. 


Despite detailed directions on seed packets, questions always seem to arise this time of year. Below you will find three frequently-asked questions I often hear-- and my responses.


Here’s to a successful 2025 growing season!





  1. Can I start seeds without grow lights?


Well, you can, but I wouldn’t advise it. 


Some people (my former self included!) set newly sown seeds by a bright window and figure that the sunshine will be plenty.  The truth is that baby seedlings need a bright source of light directly (and closely) above them for optimal growth.  In a sunny window, things will start out fine, but eventually, those seedings will be stretching for the light and will begin to grow too tall too fast, leaning to one side.  You can temporarily remedy this by flipping the container around every day, but ultimately, you will end up with seedlings that have extra long stems for their age, thus making them weaker at the time of transplant.  


TIP:  While it’s true that bright, overhead lights are necessary for a healthy seedlings, what many people don’t realize is that you don't need to invest in expensive grow lights. Plain old shop lights work just fine!



  1. Is there a way to avoid using a bunch of plastic pots for seed starting?  They take up so much space!


YES!  Years ago I discovered soil blocking, which forever changed my seed starting procedure.  A soil blocker is a device which forms the soil into “blocks” which can then be set on a tray.  You sow your seeds into the blocks just like you would into pots or cell packs, but without all that extra plastic to wash later, and also without all that extra soil.  There are different sized soil blocks available, but I particularly like the small blocker, which forms 20 blocks in about a 4x4-inch space.  Using this blocker, I can fit 300 seedlings into a standard sized 1020 tray.



Interested in soil blocking?  Johnny’s has them for sale too!




  1. Do I have to start seeds indoors?  Can’t I just plant the seeds directly outside in the ground?


Some seeds are easy-- and can easily be direct sown outside (sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos). Others will do better if they are given a chance to start in a controlled environment, AKA indoors (celosia, snapdragons, strawflowers).  Refer to the seed packet for specific information, and go for it! You got this :)



Looking for more information about growing?

Here's my free guide for you, with complete information about growing and harvesting three foolproof cut flowers, even for beginners:



Happy growing! If you have any questions, please reach out-- I'm always happy to chat all things flowers and gardening.


Take care,

Traci

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