backĦ I like to put my seed trays next to my heating vent on the floor. Seeds will sometimes sprout in less than ideal temperatures, but the germination period will be longer. A few, such as radish, will germinate at lower temperatures. Most annual vegetables germinate best in temperatures of 75☏ to 90☏. backĥ This creates a greenhouse effect to keep your seeds moist and warm, the key to germination. backĤ The moisture will help the seeds shed their protective coating and eventually sprout. backģ For certain varieties of plants, light will often speed up germination (the process of a plant sprouting from a seed). You do not need anything fancy seeds just need a basic mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss (or coco coir) to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings. If you’re not using homemade seed starting mix, this is a reputable brand that I like. Although peat has a very high water-holding capacity once it’s wet, it actually repels water when it’s dry. backĢ It’s easier to start with pre-moistened mix, as peat-based mixes are harder to wet down uniformly if they dry out in pots. I’ve put countless seed trays and humidity domes to the test over the years, and found these trays and domes to be the thickest and strongest on the market - they don’t bend, flex, or crack as easily as other brands, and can be reused for many seasons. If you have a healthy garden, you can skip washing your pots and simply dump out the dirt from your pots before using again. ![]() Avoid using leftover soil from the nursery container you brought home, as it might harbor weed seeds and bad bacteria. Clean pots are key and help keep damping off at bay (an untreatable fungal disease that causes seedlings to suddenly keel over and die at the soil line).ĭiscard or thoroughly wash any pots that previously housed diseased plants. Find out whether you should keep or toss your seed stash.ġ This seems obvious, but laziness gets the best of us. ![]() Some materials may contain toxic elements that could hurt your plants, so it is important to make sure any materials used are plant-safe.How old is too old? All seeds have a shelf life, but their longevity depends on the quality and condition when you bought or saved them, and how they've been stored since. ![]() Lastly, check what materials are used in the construction of your seed starting tray before purchasing it. This also ensures that your plants don’t dry out or become stressed due to changes in temperature. This will help regulate temperature and reduce moisture loss in the soil when it gets too hot or cold outside. Look for a seed starting tray that has built-in insulation. Check online retailers for discounts or sales so that you can get the best price possible on your new equipment. CostĬonsider how much money you are willing to spend on your seed starting tray before making a purchase. A heavier tray is more difficult to transport, especially if you have a large number of plants you need to move. If you plan on transporting your seed starting tray from one place to another, consider buying one that is lightweight and easy to move around. Consider whether or not you want a tray that is easily broken down and reassembled quickly. Many seed starting trays come apart at the seams for easy cleaning, while others may require more work in order to properly sanitize them after each use. This way, you don’t overcrowd the cells and stunt seed growth. It is important to choose a tray with enough cells or containers for your desired number of plants. When purchasing a seed starting tray, verify that there is enough room for all of your seeds. Check whether or not the cells are paper or fabric-lined for easy removal of the plants when they’re ready for transplanting. You want a tray with deep cells so that the roots won’t overfill them. Most seed starting trays have a grid pattern of cells, which allows for easy transplanting of individual seedlings. This ensures that your plants won’t get waterlogged and develop root rot. Verify that your seed starting tray has drainage holes or slots at the bottom and a reservoir to collect excess water. The tray should withstand regular use and cleaning without too much wear and tear. Look for seed starting trays that are made with strong and long-lasting materials. Check the dimensions of a tray before purchasing. ![]() Some trays are specially designed to fit on windowsills while others may require additional space. When choosing the size of your seed starting tray, consider the number of plants you want to grow and the space you have available for a tray. This comprehensive buying guide will explain these features and help clarify which choice is the right one for you. There are many different trays on the market, so you need to narrow down your search and examine specific key features. It’s important when searching for a seed starting tray to find one that fulfills your gardening needs.
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