Easiest way to start seeds

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What containers we used to start our seeds this year

Most types of seed are similar when it comes to planting them but some differ. However, all of the seeds that we have planted, have done well in these amazing seed starter trays!!! https://ebay.us/nyTUcH These can be used year after year And they are dishwasher safe. The plant comes out so easily. They work the exact same way as the traditional black tray. These are just 100 × better and reusable! The bottom is silicone. It can be mashed in, to get the roots out in one piece and without crushing/damaging the tray. Making it reusable year after year!! The tray underneath is plastic also. Helping the roots and plants stay moist!!

Type of potting mix

Premium Organic Natural Garden Potting Soil Mix https://ebay.us/gFPLTf

we used different types of soil in different ones and didn't notice a difference in growth. So, I say just fill them with your favorite mixture. Plant the seeds according to how the seed needs planted.

There are many options when it comes to potting soil here are some ideas of some types:

Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Soil Mix- https://ebay.us/nyTUcH

Soil sunrise all Natural Seed Starting Potting Mix, No Additives https://ebay.us/AW4XHU

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix, All Natural Potting Mixhttps://ebay.us/mcrvpo

Seeds planted this year

Lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, celery, carrots, cucumbers, jalapeno peppers, sweet peppers, basil, oregano, cilantro, lemon balm, dill.

How to plant lettuce seeds:

Plant lettuce seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Just lightly covered with dirt is all lettuce seeds need and watered daily. lettuce can be direct sow or start it in seed trays and transplant. Either way when the seedlings start sprouting make sure to thin out or transplant them 4 inches apart for leaf lettuce, and 6-8 inches apart for Romaine and butterhead lettuce. Crisphead (iceberg) lettuce: should be 16 inches apart. Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable, thriving in temperatures between 45°F and 80°F. Plant in early spring or fall, avoiding the heat of summer. Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

How to plant tomato seeds:

Moisten your seed-starting mix thoroughly before filling containers. Then Fill the seed trays with the moistened mix, leaving some space at the top.
Firm the mix gently, but don't compact it.
Place 2-3 tomato seeds in each cell
Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of the soil then
Gently firm the soil over the seeds.
Water the top layer of soil to ensure good seed to soil contact, but don't soak the soil.
You can use a plant mister or gently dribble water over the top.

How to plant cabbage seed:

Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and after transplanting. Use mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cabbage needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Cabbage is a heavy feeder, so apply a balanced fertilizer regularly, especially during the early stages of growth. Thin seedlings once they have their first set of true leaves, leaving only the strongest plants. Before transplanting, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions (hardening off).

How to plant cucumber seeds:

Starting cucumber seeds inside

Start cucumber seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost.
Containers: Use small pots or seed-starting trays filled with seed-starting mix.
Planting: Plant 2-3 seeds per container, covering them lightly with soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors.

Starting cucumber seeds outside

Soak cucumber seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours before planting to help with germination.Cucumbers prefer warm soil, so Plant 4-6 seeds directly in the garden when the soil is warm. Rows of cucumbers Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 3-5 feet apart.for Hills/Mounds: Create small hills (1-2 feet in diameter) and plant 2-3 seeds per hill, spaced 1-2 feet apart.Plant the seeds with the pointed end facing down, as this is where the root emerges. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 12-18 inches apart (or 3-4 plants per hill). Water consistently, especially during dry periods, to prevent misshapen cucumbers. Cucumbers need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Provide support for vining cucumbers by using a trellis or tomato cage. Apply a layer of mulch (like straw or chopped leaves) around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Jalapeno peppers from seed:

Begin planting jalapeno seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. soaking the pepper seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them can encourage faster germination. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell and cover about 1/4 inch deep with the seed-starting mix. Make sure to Maintain a soil temperature of 75-85°F for optimal germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Jalapenos do best with sun and heat so place seedlings under grow lights or in a bright, sunny window. Jalapeno seeds usually take between 7 to 21 days to germinate, though this can vary depending on soil temperature, humidity, and seed age.

How to plant celery seeds:

Celery seeds take a long time to germinate and grow into seedlings. They can take up to 3 weeks to germinate, so be patient. Start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. It is recommended to soak them overnight in warm water for the seeds to germinate faster. However, we did not soak ours at all and plenty of plants sprouted!! Celery prefers rich, moist soil with a neutral pH (around 6.0-6.5). Celery seeds need light to germinate, so plant them on the surface of the soil. Celery seeds are very small, so sow them thinly. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, during germination. Celery seeds need gentle warmth to germinate around 60°F. You can use a propagator, cover with a clear plastic bag, or place the tray in a warm, bright location.

How to plant carrot seeds:

Carrot seeds are best sown directly into wherever they are being grown as transplanting can damage the roots easily. Plant carrot seeds in the spring, 3-5 weeks before the last frost date. Ensure the soil is at least 8 inches deep, as carrots have long taproots. Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained, and fertile soil. Carrot seeds are small and don't always have a high germination rate, so planting a few seeds per hole increases the chances of successful growth. Carrots need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plant carrot seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Space carrot seeds about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to encourage germination.Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained, and fertile soil. Consider planting chives, garlic, onions, leeks, or shallots near carrots, as these plants can help keep away pests like carrot flies. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to the recommended spacing listed above to prevent overcrowding.

How to plant sweet pepper seeds :

Start pepper seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Soak seeds in warm water for up to 24 hours to soften the seed coat and encourage faster germination. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep. Space seeds about 1/4 inch apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Pepper seeds germinate best in warm soil, ideally between 80°F and 90°F. Provide bright, indirect light or grow lights once the seeds have germinated. Germination can take 2-5 weeks.

How to plant basil seeds :

Plant your basil seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch. Sow 3 or 4 basil seeds per cell. Basil will grow well together as a clump of 3 or 4 seedlings.Soaking basil seeds for 12 hours before planting can improve germination rates. Be careful not to cover basil seeds too deeply, as they require light to germinate. Sow basil seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds about 8 inches apart or more, depending on the variety. After the seedlings emerge, thin them to 3-4 inches apart, leaving the strongest plants. Water the soil gently after planting, ensuring it stays moist but not soggy. Basil benefits from regular fertilization, especially when growing in pots or pinching back for more leaf growth. Use an all-purpose soluble fertilizer.

How to plant oregano seeds:

Start oregano seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Fill seed trays or small pots with the soil, and lightly moisten the soil.
Oregano seeds are tiny, so don't bury them deeply; just gently press them into the soil.
You can also sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of fine vermiculite. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, until the seeds germinate. Oregano seeds need light to germinate, so place the seed tray in a sunny location or under grow lights. Maintain a soil temperature between 65°F and 70°F

How to plant cilantro seeds:

Sow cilantro seeds directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Sow seeds 1/2 inch apart in rows spaced about 6-8 inches apart. Cilantro is best grown by directly sowing seeds in the garden, as it doesn't transplant well. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination, but avoid overwatering.
Side-dress cilantro with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early summer to encourage growth. Cilantro is prone to bolting (going to seed) in hot weather, but also thrives in sunlight. so, plant it in a location that receives some shade in the afternoon. Cilantro can also be grown in containers, but ensure they have good drainage and are watered regularly.

How to plant lemon balm seeds:

Direct sowing outside: Sow seeds 1-2 weeks after your average last frost date, or up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Don't cover the seeds, just barely cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 0.5 cm deep.
Water gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil. Sow seeds 4-6 inches apart.
Thin seedlings so that mature plants are 18-24 inches apart.

Planting indoors: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds on the surface and gently scratch them into the soil.
Ensure the seeds are just lightly pressed into the soil, as they need light to germinate.
Water gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil. Provide a grow light or place the seedlings in a bright location. Seeds should sprout in 10-20 days. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

How to plant dill seeds:

Plant dill seeds into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, as dill doesn't transplant well. Make sure to plant the seeds where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. sow seeds every few weeks until midsummer for a continuous harvest. Plant 1/4 inch deep, and 6 inches apart within the rows. With rows being at least 2 feet apart. Dill seeds require light to germinate, so lightly cover them. Making sure to continuously water them.