Why start seeds indoors 
-Starting seeds indoors will extend the growing season in cooler climates. Some plants for example tomatoes, eggplant, basil and parsley require a longer growing season and need a head start.
-Small flower seeds germinate and grow better if started indoors in perfect growing conditions rather than the hostile outdoor environment.
-Starting your own seeds, gives you a choice of a large variety of plants that may not be available at nurseries and garden centers.
Check seed viability
If you saved seeds from previous years, you may want to check to see if they are still viable. Put 10 seeds on a moist paper towel, cover and place in a plastic bag. Periodically check the seeds. If 5 of 10 seeds germinate, then you should expect 1/2 of the planted seeds to germinate.
When to sow seeds
Generally, seeds should be started 6-8 weeks prior to planting. Some plants may take as long as 12 weeks. For example peppers can be started 8 weeks before planting outdoors and tomatoes 5-6 weeks. Check the back of the seed packet for timing recommendation and track back so that the plants are ready at planting time.
Germination
For good germination seeds need warmth, moisture and some require light. Some seeds germinate best with bottom heat. Warm weather crops such as peppers and eggplant need 78-80F degrees. Germination temperature and time varies for different seeds. To provide warmth, set your container on top of a refrigerator or on a heating mat. When using a heating mat make sure you control the temperature so as not to “cook” your seeds. Remove the mat when seedling are 1-2 inches tall. Water seeds by soaking the soil from the bottom. This keeps the seeds from floating in the soil.
When the first leaves (cotyledons) appear, remove the plastic and move the container to a bright, sunny window. If you cannot provide enough light add a grow light or fluorescent shop fixture for additional light (14-16 hrs a day). The lights should be placed 2-3″ above the seedlings and adjusted as they continue to grow. Not enough light can result in leggy and spindly plants.
Transplant
Plant seedlings into individual pots when they are about 2″ tall. Bury them down to the first set of true leaves for stockier plants. Water in well and provide even moisture; do not overwater or keep the soil soggy or you will have fungal problems (Botrytis). If you let the seedlings dry, they will die. Once established start to fertilize lightly with a seed starter or fish emulsion.
Harden off
Before you set your plants in the garden, they need to “harden off”. When temperatures reach 60F degrees, move your seedling outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time with each subsequent day. This will toughen up your plants and make planting into the garden an easier transition.
Garden tip: If you would like to sterilize your own potting soil mix, place soil in an oven proof container and cover with aluminum foil bake @180 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Be sure to open the windows as this will have a disagreeable odor.
more info..
From the reader archive
Useful reader questions
I am trying to start Mandevilla from seed. My question is…Does the seed come from the end of the stem at the base of the bloom ? Is it a single seed or a cluster of 8 or 10 seeds? If it…
Read Howard S. discussionWhere, when, and how deep do I need to plant the ripened iris seeds? Growing iris from seeds can be a complex and long process. Plant the seeds in Oct in a peaty seed compost. Cover seed with a 1/4 inch of…
Read Debra Grover discussionHOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A LANTANA TO GERMINATE? I HAVE HAD SOME IN A POT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THERE IS NO SIGNE OF GROWTH. I USED THE BERRIES AS SEEDS. Warm weather plants such as lantana require warmer temperatures…
Read Jeff discussionA while back my friend gave me a plant that grows little yellow egg shaped fruit? It is called the egg plant and I have no information on them the fruit? has grown and it is is healthy but you are supposed…
Read Mary Y. discussion
I got 3 long pods of a Trumpet vine. What do I do with them. I do not know when to plant or how. Some one said to put them under a rock. And forget them tell spring. Do I take the seeds out or plant the pod seeds and all. Need help
Thank You Sue
I have a question. For my school science fair im doing a project that involves the germination of seeds. I would like to know how long it takes to germinate pumpkin seeds
Pumpkins seeds take 7-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 70-95 degrees. They like it warm but will germinate at temperatures as low as 60 degrees but it will take longer to germinate. More pumpkin info
A while back my friend gave me a plant that grows little yellow egg shaped fruit? It is called the egg plant and I have no information on them the fruit? has grown and it is is healthy but you are supposed to be able to eat them any info would be nice thank you
When is the best time to sow the seeds? I have some, but do not know if I should plant them in the fall or spring. Please help!
Thanks. I am referring to the hardy hybiscus.
do the hardy hibiscus seeds need to be striated or scoriated?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A LANTANA TO GERMINATE? I HAVE HAD SOME IN A POT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THERE IS NO SIGNE OF GROWTH. I USED THE BERRIES AS SEEDS.
I want to start growing Gerbera Daisies from seed. I have some Daisies now, but don’t know how or where or when to obtain the seeds from the flower. Can someone explain this to me? Thanks
2007-5-5 jill
I live in Pa and I am getting married this Fall 07 I wanted to grow my own Gerbera dasies for my wedding. I bought some seeds off the internet. I have read that they are very hard to grow and require specialization and a steril environment. Also, I have found varying directions on how to care for them(ie keep soil moist between waterings vs let the soil dry between waterings. Please help me!
I am trying to start Mandevilla from seed. My question is…Does the seed come from the end of the stem at the base of the bloom ? Is it a single seed or a cluster of 8 or 10 seeds? If it is 8 or 10 tiny pin head size seeds, that have a hair-like tail, do I leave the tail on when I plant the seeds. OR…Do the seeds grow seperatly in a stalk-like pod ?
Thank you, Howard
My grandson picked several pods from my wisteria last week. Now the pods are popping.Can I plant these seeds & how do I go about it?
Where, when, and how deep do I need to plant the ripened iris seeds?
pic: Starting Seeds