Organic Seed - How to Save Money by Starting Your Own Seeded Plants

 

Buying seeds and potted plants are one of the biggest investments for organic gardeners.

I know plenty of gardeners who drop wild amounts of money into buying plants. Now I'm not here to say that's a bad thing, but there is another way that won't break your wallet... start your own organic seeds!

If you know what you're doing - and you will because you're reading this article! :) - not only will you save money on seeds/plants but you'll know the exact quality of the plant!

Another benefit to starting your own seeds: you can plant much more just because of the money you'll save!

The First Thing You Must Consider...

Will you start your seeds indoors our outside?

I recommend indoors if at all possible... they have a much higher survival rate!

How To Start New Seeds From Indoors

First, you need to make sure your pots or containers have good drainage!

For years I was purchasing and using these nice, new pots until I realized an option that was not only free, but it works even better as a container for seeds than many pots... an egg carton!

Great container tip for starting seeds: An egg carton is by far the best container to use.

Next you'll need a sterile potting soil that drains fast but still holds moisture.

I recommend using a soil-less mix containing vermiculite, perlite or peat moss.

Don't forget to moisten the mix before filling the containers with it... it should be damp and not wet! (And be sure not to pack the containers too tight!)

Place one or two seeds on top of the mix and cover lightly with more mix.

All you have to do next is mist your soil and cover it with clear plastic... make sure your containers have plenty of light and warmth. (I've found that a heat mat works very well!)

Next comes the fun part: your seeds will start sprouting! (Remove the plastic when this happens.)

When you start to see some leaves, you should fertilize with a half strength solution every other week.

You'll start to notice your seedlings outgrowing their container... make sure you have larger containers so you can transfer them when it's time.

You'll know when it's time to plant them outdoors because you'll notice they've "hardened". (It's more of a qualitative judgment... just look & feel them for it!)

How To Start New Seeds Outside

I know I already said this but it's worth repeating: it's *much* better to start your seeded plants indoors.

That being said, if you must start them outside you should first read instructions on the packet. This will tell you what time of year to plant, how deep to sow the seeds, how much space to leave between seeds, etc.

The best thing you can do to ensure survival outdoors is make sure you follow the packet instructions to a tee!

After planting your seeds, cover loosely with soil and dampen the soil lightly on top - be careful not to wash away any seeds!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Costas_Peppas/228233