Key aspects of healthy seedlings
Keep them warm! |
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From seed to planting, they need to be kept at a warm temperature (above 50 degrees is best). Seeds will germinate faster and better with the use of a seed mat. A seed mat applies heat to the soil which aids in seed germination. This heat mat is a 2 pack and Ben's seeds sprouted 4 days faster than seeds not on a mat. This is absolutely optional and may not be needed if you are starting seeds in a warm house.
These are the Heat Mats we recommend. |
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Use indoor lights!
You can use regular fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), LED lights, or tube shop lights. You will need to provide enough light to sustain the life of the plant. LED lights are the most efficient and provide the best cost-savings long term. With the cost savings of using LED lights and the way the price has come down, they are a good option.
These are affordable L.E.D. lights that Ben uses to start seeds indoors.
These are affordable L.E.D. lights that Ben uses to start seeds indoors.
Be consistent with the light
Keep the light on for 16 hours a day and do yourself a favor and put them on a timer. This will save you the trouble of remembering to turn them off (plants need to sleep too!) no matter what we do our lights are not as strong as our local star. So we need to make sure that the seedlings get enough light to make food so they can grow. Not to mention that using a timer will help save on the power bill!
this Outlet Timer is what we use to keep everything on a schedule.
this Outlet Timer is what we use to keep everything on a schedule.
Plants need clean air too
Air circulation is critical so we recommend adding to add a fan to provide clean air and help make your plants stronger in preparation for the outdoor elements. The wind will blow on the plants and help to build the stems stronger so they do not fall in the first light breeze they encounter outside. Air circulation will also help with keeping the soil from staying to soggy allowing for better pest control. Good air circulation is critical!
the Clip-on fans will not only clip on to a surface, but also come with a stand so you set them on a surface if desired!
the Clip-on fans will not only clip on to a surface, but also come with a stand so you set them on a surface if desired!
Water is the source of life
Do not water on a schedule instead water when the seedling is telling you it needs it. You can water from the top or the bottom. Ben does both and Batavia likes to water from the bottom. Either way, just make sure that the seedlings are not sitting in standing water or are waterlogged.
Give them a little food
After you get your first true leaves, start to feed every 7-10 days with a water-soluble fertilizer. Use a water-soluble fertilizer because it feeds the roots right away. We like to use Neptune's Harvest fish fertilizer. Just dilute it so you don't have any smell and watch your plants grow!
We highly recommend Neptunes Harvest 1 Gallon ( this is the best deal)
We highly recommend Neptunes Harvest 1 Gallon ( this is the best deal)
