I've been researching and learning more about flower-growing this year, so I'm curious to see how it goes. In the meantime, I know I've had a million conversations with friends about seed-starting and gardening lately, so I thought I'd share a big list of some great tips, tricks and info related to seed starting in case any one else is getting seeds going for planting this spring! So, I present...
To start: two incredibly helpful Seed Starting 101 Guides. They both cover everything you'll need to know with lots of tips based on experience thrown in along the way:
This E-book covers everything from start to finish: Tips, tricks, supplies, seeds, soil, lights, watering, workflow suggestions, problem-solving, transplanting - you name it and she's addressed it thoroughly and in terms that will make complete sense to you whether you're brand new to gardening or an old pro!
My favorite tip from the Chiot's Run guide: "You must also temper your excitement and: DON’T START SEEDS TOO EARLY. You want to time your seedlings so that you can plant them outside when they’re big enough to survive, but not too big as to be too shocked from the transplant "
Seed Starting 101: How to Start Plants From Seeds from Empress of Dirt
What better place to get seed starting advice than from someone who opens the post with, "What began as a means to save money turned into one of my most enjoyable hobbies as well." Melissa covers seed starting (with handy quick links to each section for reference!) and includes some fantastic links, including info on her own DIY grow lights and seed starting setup.
My favorite tip from Melissa's guide: "A seed’s size is often the best hint about how deep to plant it. Tiny seeds simply sit on the surface of the soil (needing light to germinate), larger ones get planted about 2-3 times as deep as they are wide (no light required)."
Some more specific guides, resources and projects that might help you along the way (get ready - there are a boatload of great links below!):
More Upcycled (and Low Cost!) Container Ideas for starting your seeds:
Seed Testing to make sure your seeds are good and how well they'll germinate:
Printable Garden Notebook
The Lazy Gardener's Seed Starting Chart
Seed Starting Chart by Temperature
Great Tips on Personalizing Your Seed Starting Calendar
Victory Seeds' List of Last Frost Dates by State
Free Printable Seed Starting Log and Garden Journal
Seed Starting Mixes in case you'd like to mix your own:
DIY Grow Lights and Stands (for so much less than buying them!):
Cold Frames and DIY Greenhouses if you'd rather work outside:
Seed Sources now that you're ready to get started:
Awesome list! Thanks for including my seed starting log and Garden Journal. Happy gardening! :)
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