Select your seeds and plan to start them in a warm area approximately six to eight weeks before the last frost date is expected in your area.
Choose containers with adequate drainage. Loosely fill containers with Potting Mix and gently tap the container to allow the mixture to settle about ½”- ¾” below rim.
Hydrate the top with a mister and/or set the containers in a shallow tray with about one litre or so of water to allow the mix to slowly absorb moisture from the bottom overnight.
Read the back of the seed package to see what depth you should sow the seeds. After the seeds have been planted, cover the container(s) with clear plastic to retain moisture. Kits are also available with fitted caps as seen here. Watering will not be necessary until plants have sprouted.
Place container in a warm area of about 18 – 23 degrees Celsius. Condensation accumulating on the inside the plastic is normal.
Check daily for signs of germination.
Once plants have germinated, remove the cover and provide light, either natural or simulated.
Seedlings generally require 12 to 14 hours of natural or simulated sunlight per day. If using simulated lighting, keep the lighting no higher than 3″ or 4″ above the seedlings or use a window with full sunlight facing south or south-west.
When to transplant will depend on the hardiness of plant you have grown. Wait until after the last expected frost for most plants and plant in the late afternoon when the sun is not so hot and the wind has died down. Water the plants with a transplanter fertilizer, 10 – 52 – 10, before and after transplanting.
Maintenance — Keep ground moist until plants become well established (showing signs of growth). Water and fertilize on a regular basis – increase water if conditions are hot and dry and refrain from fertilizing during summer’s hot spells.
