Grow your organic garden from seeds. Seeds begin life for all plants, whether garden plants or houseplants, even weeds. They are the plants’ embryos, little miracle packets of nutrition and energy for the young plant. Seeds will provide everything the newly sprouted plant needs for the first few weeks of life—everything but the soil and water. Mother nature or you will need to provide the soil and water.
You may be wondering if growing your own food is worth the time, expense, and effort.
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Key Takeaways:
- Start Simple and Sustainable: Use recyclable household items like clamshells for mini greenhouses and shop lights with grow bulbs for seedling care. Repurpose and save on costs.
- Supplies are Essential: Key items include adjustable shelving, full-spectrum LED lights, organic seed-starting mix, and a timer for consistent lighting. These tools ensure optimal growth conditions.
- Organic Seeds and Proper Care: Organic seeds are grown without synthetic chemicals, ensuring healthier plants. Follow seed packet instructions for planting depth, light, and moisture needs.
- Transplant Timing: Once seedlings have four leaves (two cotyledons and two true leaves), they are ready for transplanting into larger containers or outdoors.
- Direct vs. Indoor Planting: Some seeds can be planted directly outdoors, while others, like tomatoes, benefit from indoor germination 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Patience and Enjoyment: Gardening from seeds takes time and care but offers the joy of nurturing plants from their earliest stages.
How to Start an Organic Garden From Seeds:
SIS Tip - Simple is Smart
SIS tip for starting your organic garden from seed. Recycle, reuse, and repurpose what you have around the house as much as possible. I repurposed some shop lights by putting full spectrum bulbs in them. I made them before the LED lights were available, but you could do the same with an LED shoplight.
I reused the plastic clamshells I purchased some berries in and they are my little mini greenhouses for starting my seedings.
I purchase some inexpensive utility shelves that a simple to set up and take apart when I am done with them. They don’t take up much storage space and I have used them every spring to start my seedings for about 20 years now.
Supplies:
- Adjustable shelving unit: The shelves may get damp, so PVC or plastic shelves are the most durable.
- Shoplight(s) with full spectrum or grow bulbs. You will need a way to adjust the height of the lights. As the plants get taller, you will need to be able to adjust the light upward. The shop lights come with chains for hanging that work well. Full spectrum LED grow lights are now more readily available. So shop around, and you may decide that something like these will work better for you.
- Power strip to plug the shop/grow lights into.
- A timer to plug the power strip into. The plants will need about 17 hours of artificial light a day.
If you have limited space, use a countertop or bookshelf. Make sure you protect it from moisture. You will only need the setup for about 6 weeks.
Save those plastic clam shells that you buy strawberries in. They make great mini greenhouses for starting your seeds. Wash them out thoroughly with a little bleach water and let them drip dry.
Purchase organic seeds from your local garden center. If you can’t find them at the local garden center, I recommend Johnny’s selected seeds. Their catalog has a lot of great information about each variety of seed they sell.
What exactly are organic seeds? Organic seeds are seeds that are grown on seed farms that don’t use any synthetic fertilizer, harsh pesticides or herbicides.
Read over the instructions for the planting of each variety of seed. Tomatoes, for example, are started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds that need dark to germinate are covered with dirt. Seeds that require light to germinate are not covered.
Fill that clamshell about half full of moistened organic seed starting mix or potting mix. Plant the seeds according to the directions on the package.
Don’t forget to write on the clamshell what is in each one. If you are planting only a few seeds, you can split the clamshell with a line across the top and then write on the top what is in each half. Just make sure the growing and light requirements are similar.
When you start your plants from seeds you can enjoy watching the miracle of growth as your seeds sprout and grow. Once they have 4 leaves (the 2 leaves they were born with and the 2 true leaves), it is time to move them to some new digs.
Once the seedlings are ready to transplant learn how at How to transplant seedlings.
Also, if you are interested in How to Grow Air Plants, check out my article.
FAQ for Growing an Organic Garden from Seed.
How long does it take from seed to garden?
The time it takes for this seed to transform into a thriving garden varies depending on various factors, such as the type of plant and the environmental conditions. Some plants, like lettuce or radishes, can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days. On the other hand, more complex plants like tomatoes or pumpkins can take anywhere from 65 to 100 days. Patience is key when it comes to gardening, as you must allow nature to take its course and nurture the plants with care.
Can you plant seeds straight in the garden?
Yes, you can absolutely plant seeds straight in the garden! While starting seeds indoors and then transplanting them is a common practice, it’s not the only option. Planting seeds directly in the garden can be a convenient and efficient way to grow plants. However, there are a few factors to consider. Make sure to prepare the soil properly by removing any weeds or debris and loosening it up. Some seeds may need to be soaked or scarified before planting to improve germination. It’s also important to water the seeds regularly and protect them from pests.
What is the easiest plant to grow from seed?
If you’re new to gardening or just want a low-maintenance plant to start with, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the easiest plants to grow from seed is the sunflower. These bright and cheerful flowers are not only visually stunning, but they also require very little effort to grow. Simply plant the seeds in well-draining soil, water regularly, and watch as they sprout and reach for the sun. Sunflowers are known for their fast growth and can reach impressive heights in just a few months. Plus, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding even more life to your garden.
Is it hard to grow from seed?
While it may seem daunting at first, especially for beginners, it is not necessarily hard to grow plants from seeds. With the right knowledge, preparation, and care, anyone can successfully grow plants from seed. The process involves providing the seeds with the right conditions, such as proper soil, sunlight, and water. It also requires patience and attention to detail, as each plant species has its own specific requirements.
What is the best way to germinate seeds?
There are various methods to germinate seeds, one of the best ways is to use the paper towel method. This simple and effective technique involves placing the seeds between damp paper towels and sealing them in a plastic bag. The moisture from the towels creates the perfect environment for the seeds to sprout. Another great way to germinate seeds is by using seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. By providing the seeds with the right amount of moisture, warmth, and light, they are encouraged to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings.
When to start planting from seeds
The ideal time to start planting from seeds depends on various factors, such as the type of plant, the climate of your region, and the specific instructions provided on the seed packet. Generally, it is recommended to start planting seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date in your area. This allows the seeds to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings before being transplanted outdoors. However, some seeds, like cold-tolerant vegetables, can be directly sown into the ground in early spring or fall.
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