Why start seeds indoors?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening is starting seeds indoors and watching them grow into healthy plants. There are several reasons why this is a good idea. First, starting seeds indoors allows gardeners to get a jump on the growing season. In many parts of Australia, the outdoor growing season is quite short, so starting seeds indoors extends the amount of time that plants have to mature. Second, starting seeds indoors protects young plants from harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rains, and damaging frost. By keeping seedlings indoors until they are well-established, gardeners can significantly increase the chances of their survival. Finally, starting seeds indoors gives gardeners more control over the growth environment.
By controlling factors such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, indoor growers can ensure that their plants have everything they need to thrive. In addition, starting seeds indoors can help to protect young plants from pests and diseases. For all these reasons, starting seeds indoors is a great way to get the most out of your garden.
1. Choose your seedling tray & punnets
When it comes to choosing a seedling tray and punnets, there are a few things to keep in mind.
One is the material. Polypropylene is a durable choice that will last for many seasons. Seed Raising trays made from this material are also easy to clean and disinfect. Another thing to consider is the cell size. Propagation cells come in a variety of sizes, from small plugs to large pots. The size you choose will depend on the type of plant you are growing and the space you have available. Finally, you may want to consider using coir pellets instead of soil. Coir is a sustainable option that offers excellent drainage and aeration, two important factors in successful seed germination. With these considerations in mind, you can choose the seedling tray and punnets that will best suit your needs.
2. Fill your containers with seed raising potting mix
For the best results, fill your seed trays with premium seed raising mix. This premium mix includes river sand, vermiculite, coir, worm castings, and fine-textured compost. The river sand helps to improve drainage, while the vermiculite and coir help to retain moisture. The worm castings provide essential nutrients for young plants, and the fine-textured compost helps to keep the roots protected. By using this premium mix, you will give your seeds the best possible chance of germinating and developing into healthy plants.
3. Sow your seeds
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden started, and one of the most important steps is choosing the right seeds. With so many varieties available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to plant. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you make the best decision for your garden.
First, consider what type of plants you want to grow. Do you want flowers, vegetables, or both? Once you have decided on the type of plants you want to grow, research the best varieties for your climate and soil type. The last thing you want is to end up with a failed crop because you did not choose the right seeds. Once you have selected the perfect seeds for your garden, it is time to sow them. Many seeds need to be started indoors before they can be transplanted outside. This allows them to germinate and get a head start on the growing season. Be sure to provide plenty of light and water, and keep an eye on the temperature. Once your seedlings are ready to transplant, be careful not to damage their roots. With a little time and effort, you will be rewarded with a beautiful garden that you can enjoy all season long.
4. Water your seeds / seedlings
Seeds need moisture in order to germinate, and once they have germinated, they continue to need water in order to grow. The best way to water at this stage is with a fine spray from a watering can or hose, making sure to keep the seedlings themselves dry. However, it is important to not over-water your seeds. Too much water can damage the seed coat, causing the seed to rot. Once the seed has germinated, it is also important to not let the soil dry out for long. If the soil becomes too dry, it can cause the roots of the plant to die. As a result, adequate watering is essential for growing healthy plants.
5. Place your seedling tray & punnets in a warm, bright spot
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your seedlings get off to a good start is to place them in a warm, bright spot. Ideally, the temperature should be between 21Β°C and 24Β°C. If your seedlings are located in a cool or drafty area, they may become leggy and weaker. To avoid these problems, place your tray near a north-facing window or under grow lights.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that your seedlings have access to plenty of sunlight. If they are kept in too dark of an environment, they will become etiolated and thin. However, if they are placed in direct sunlight, they may become overheated and dry out. If you cannot provide these conditions yourself, you can always purchase a heat mat specifically designed forseedlings. Just be sure to keep an eye on your seedlings, as they will need to be watered more frequently if they are kept warm. With a little care and attention, you will be well on your way to a successful gardening season.6. Keep an eye on your seedlings
When you have taken the time to plant your garden, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your seedlings have the best chance of surviving and thriving. One important step is to keep an eye on them, checking regularly for signs of stress or disease. If you notice any problems, take action immediately to correct the issue. For example, if your seedlings are wilting, they may need more water. On the other hand, if they are turning yellow or brown, they may be getting too much water. Provide plenty of light for your seedlings by placing them in a sunny spot or using grow lights. Once they have grown their first set of true leaves, you can thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest plants remain. By monitoring your seedlings closely, you can head off problems before they have a chance to take root. In doing so, you will give your garden the best possible chance of flourishing.
7. Reap the rewards of starting your own seeds indoors
Starting your own seeds indoors has many benefits. Not only can you save money, but you can also get a head start on the growing season. In addition, you have greater control over the growing environment, which can result in healthier plants. With a little planning and care, you can reap the rewards of starting your own seeds indoors.
When to start seeds indoors, by climate zone
Indoor sowing exists to buy time against the cold, so how useful it is depends entirely on how long your cold season runs.
- Cool and alpine (Tasmania, Ballarat in Victoria, Orange and the southern tablelands in New South Wales, Canberra and the ACT): this is where starting indoors matters most. Sow warm-season crops from late winter, and plant out only once the last frost has passed, often November.
- Temperate (Sydney and coastal New South Wales, Melbourne and coastal Victoria): start tomatoes, capsicum, chilli and eggplant from late winter into early spring, and plant out from about October.
- Mediterranean (Perth and southern Western Australia, Adelaide in South Australia): much the same timing as temperate, though spring warms earlier, so an August sowing is often planted out by late September.
- Subtropical (Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Queensland, northern New South Wales): a shorter indoor season. Start in mid to late winter for a jump on spring, and sow many crops direct from September.
- Tropical (Darwin in the Northern Territory, Cairns and Townsville in Queensland): cold is rarely the constraint, so indoor starting is seldom needed. Sow into the dry season and manage heat and humidity instead.
- Arid and semi-arid (Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Mildura in Victoria, Broken Hill in New South Wales, Kalgoorlie in Western Australia): start indoors in late winter, plant out after the last frost, and shelter young plants from drying wind in their first fortnight.
Related growing guides
- Stop planting seedlings straight from the windowsill
- Growing Tomatoes in Pots and Containers: The Australian Guide
- The Flowers That Bring The Bees Your Zucchini Needs
Ready to plant? Browse our Vegetable Seeds.
1 comment
Karen Armstrong
Hi guys
When growing herbs inside, are there any herbs that donβt like to grow next to each other?
Thanks in advance.