I’m so happy the warm weather is finally here! I’ve been gardening like crazy, and am so excited for this post. This is my first post related to gardening, so I hope you like it!
In this blog post, I am going to show you how I start seeds indoors before transitioning them to the garden outdoors with step-by-step instructions. I’ve also included a list of suggested tips at the end of this post.
In just this season, I have been able to grow squash, spinach, kale, broccoli, sunflowers, carrots, basil, and corn using this method. Hopefully they will be filling my garden here soon!
Supplies Needed:
- Paper Towel
- Small Cup
- Water
- Seeds
Step 1: First get your paper towel wet and lay it out flat. Then, place your seeds on the paper towel. Make sure to spread them out so that they’re roots don’t grow too close together and get tangled.
Step 2: Fold up the wet paper towel with the seeds inside. Make sure you fold up the paper so that it fits in the cup. I like to press down on the paper towel around the seeds so that the seeds become pressed into the paper towel.
Step 3: Place the paper towel along the inside edges of the cup. As the seeds are sprouting, make sure to keep the paper towel damp by adding water to the cup every so often. Now you’ve started your seeds!
With this summer heat I have been adding water to the cups about once or twice a day. By having water in the bottom of the cup, the paper towel will be constantly soaking up water for the seeds.
Once leaves have emerged from the seeds, you will be able to see green through the paper towel. As long as a root has emerged, you can plant the seed, but I like to wait until leaves come out. Below are some carrot seedlings that are ready to be planted.
Here are some of the seedlings once I planted them outdoors. The ones shown below are kale, sunflowers, and spinach. Where I live is very hot and dry, so I have these seedlings in a shady spot before I move them into the sunny garden, hence the small containers.
Tips for Starting Seeds:
- Make sure the seeds stay damp while they are sprouting.
- Keep the seeds spread out to prevent crowding.
- Transition seedlings outdoors gradually. Place in a shady spot first before moving to full sun.
Above I’ve listed overall tips for starting your seeds. I hope this post was helpful if your looking for tips on starting plants indoors for your garden.
Gardening is such a great way to get outside and enjoy nature! Happy gardening!
I planted a great deal of seeds this year, and I just feel like a magician when they actually sprout. 😉 My kids started some inside with seeds in a ziploc bag with a wet cotton ball in it all taped to the window. That was pretty neat too. 🙂
I feel the same way when my seeds sprout. A cotton ball and ziploc are a great idea too! 😊
I’m moving in less than a month so I wasn’t able to garden this year but I usually start my seeds inside as well! Great advice.
Thank you! Oh shoot, that’s always one of the downfalls when moving.
Great post if you every want to start container gardening you may enjoy this post
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2018/05/21/the-herbal-gardens/
Thank you! I will check out your post now, thanks for sharing 🙂
We sure were looking for tips! Thanks.
Glad I could help! 🙂
I would also recommend Dr Deno’s Book Seed Germination, Theory and Practice. It’s free on the web.
I’ll have to check it out, thanks!
I did that this year 😀 it helps so much.
Awesome! Definitely a great way to grow seeds.
GREAT IDEA!!!!!
Thanks!! 😊
Thanks for sharing the process…!
You’re welcome, thanks for commenting! 😊
Concise and informative post, thanks. We buy seedling sets but this looks easy. Great pics and we’ll written as well.
Thank you so much! This would definitely be a good alternative to seedling kits, and it could you save some money too!
Reblogged this on Survival Craftsman and commented:
Great informatio. And skillfully written.
Thank you so much for reblogging and your kind words, I really appreciate it!
Anytime.
Brilliant!
Thank you!
This trick with paper towel inside a cup is brilliant! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!