Common Mistakes Experienced in Seed Starting

Seed starting indoors can be a great way to satisfy that craving to get out into your garden before Mother Nature cooperates, however, there are some rules of thumb to follow to keep that thumb green. Read on to discover seven common mistakes on starting seeds indoors, based on great insight from Kerry Michaels as well as our own Pam Davies:   

1. No window view: Unfortunately, windows are typically not the best place for young seedlings as they can be drafty, the glass conducts cold, and nighttime temperatures can drop fast. Even that south-facing window likely is not a great option.
2. Let the Light Shine: In addition to consistent temperature, seedlings do best with consistent light. A cool, white fluorescent double-bulb hanging fixture suspended 2-3 inches above the seedling trays for 12 to 16 hours per day is ideal. One option is to purchase large fluorescent shop lights outfitted with one warm bulb and one cool bulb. Suspend the lights from chains so that you can raise the lights higher as the seedlings grow. Keep the lights as close to the seedlings as possible without touching them (2 to 3 inches). When seedlings first appear, keep the lights turned on for 12 to 16 hours per day.
3. Applying Too Much or Too Little Water: The amount of water you use is one of the biggest factors in the success of seedling growth. It is key to keep the sterile seed-starting medium damp but not wet. To increase your chances of success, you can create a mini-greenhouse to keep soil moist: cover the container with plastic until the seeds germinate. Also, water from the bottom to enable the seedlings to soak up water through the container drainage holes. Add water slowly for 10 to 30 minutes, and use your finger to touch the top of the soil to ensure that moisture has reached the top of the container. Be sure to check soil moisture at least once a day. There are also self-watering systems available. 
4. Keep it Cool, but Not Too Cool: Most seeds must be kept warm -- about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit -- to germinate. One favorite option is to place the seedlings on top of the refrigerator. Another option is seed-warming mats that are placed under the seed trays.
5. Too Much Too Soon! Be careful not to expose the seedlings to too much sun and wind when you take them outdoors for the first time. The sun in late May can be tricky as temps may still be cool but the sun is powerful and can burn even the hardiest of plants. Begin hardening in a sheltered spot in shade then dappled sun for a few hours the first few days, increasing exposure until the plants are reveling in their new environment. Also, there is no need to fertilize during the hardening off phase, but watering is a must!
6. Take the Temperature! Before planting in the garden, be sure that soil temps are warm enough to encourage root growth and to avoid shock. The warmer the better is a good rule of thumb. Your beds should be fully warmed and the soil turned to a depth of at least 8 - 12 inches, depending on what you are growing. In plant hardiness zones 3b-4b, our average last frost is May 24-30. Keep in mind when choosing seeds, especially when sowing directly into the garden bed, that our growing season here in Northwest Wisconsin is roughly 100 days. Hardy plants such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage, onions, leeks and parsley can take ground temps as cold as 40 degrees but if they have been started indoors and are not used to those temps you might want to wait until the ground warms a bit more. You can sow these seeds directly into the ground at these soil temps. Tender plants will need soil temps of at least 50 to 65 degrees. Basil, tomatoes and peppers, need the warmer soil temps. Squash, pumpkins, and sweet corn can take the cooler, while cucumber and muskmelon like the middle range.
7. Giving Up Too Soon! Starting seeds can be difficult, but it is a process filled with lessons learned that will only improve your efforts in the future. Growing plants from seeds takes dedication, attention and time, but can be extremely worthwhile.

Additional resources:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/starting-seeds-indoors#hardening-off-seedlings-1179860

Author:  Kimberly Kayler