Indoor Seeding
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Seeding indoors not only saves you money, but is an easy and enjoyable way to enjoy just a bit of spring during the long winter months. Greenland carries everything you need to get started; from soil mix and hundreds of seed varieties to seed trays and grow lights. View the informative seeding tips below, or visit our seed experts in store to get growing. |
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Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
Though seeds are easy to grow, some first-time 'seeders' may experience less than perfect results. So, before you get growing indoors, here are some informative tips to get you started.
Most seeds that you start indoors from seed will need to be started approximately 8-10 weeks prior to planting out. Alberta gardeners generally strive to set transplants outdoors Victoria Day Long Weekend. Therefore, most seeds can be sown indoors approximately early to mid–March. Starting seeds too early can mean long, leggy plants if sufficient lighting is not provided. For specific information on when to start certain seeds, click here.
Starting Seeds: |
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For easy transplanting, start with a seeding ‘cell tray’ (a long tray divided into individual ‘cells’), a soil mix pertinent to seeding and a clear dome lid. Larger plants such as tomatoes or perennials can be started in individual pots (4”). |
Fill cell tray with soil mix. Place one seed in each cell – if you oops and get too many, don’t worry, you can thin them out later. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds, then water them in with a mixture of water and No Damp. This fungicide is an excellent way to prevent damping off - a common affliction of seedlings grown indoors. Place the clear dome on top to keep humidity in.
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Germination times will vary with different plants, but normally you should start to see sprouting within 7 days of seeding. The dome can now be removed. Once you see signs of growth, you will need to ensure you are providing the emerging growth with sufficient light and water. For best results, place your seed tray under a fluorescent light fixture. Alternatively, a brightly lit window will suffice.
Check for water once or twice daily; use a watering can with a fine sprinkle, or a spray bottle (large amounts of water can drown seedlings).
In May, when weather warms, you can place the seed tray outside to acclimatize them to our weather. As long as the daytime temperature is above 4ºC, the seedlings can be left outside (if nighttime temperatures are still cool, simply bring them in for the night). Once evening temperatures are consistently over 4ºC plants can be transplanted into containers or vegetable gardens for the season. |
We want you to have seeding success! Click here for valuable information on common errors first time seeders may experience. |
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