Seed-Starting Basics #1: Everyone Can Grow a Garden (2021)
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Garden writer Susan Mulvihill provides you with all of the information you need on how to start seeds indoors. From Susan's in the Garden, SusansintheGarden.com.
Timeline:
1:58 Information on seed packets
3:49 Seed-starting resources
10:43 Susan's book bonus
11:47 How to test seeds for viability/Germination test
14:05 Seed-starting Q&A begins
14:23 Q. Why start seeds indoors?
16:20 Q. Soil mixes to use
17:11 Q. What to do about fungus gnats?
19:21 Q. How to prevent damping-off syndrome?
20:50 Q. When to use seedling heat mats?
22:17 Q. When do I fertilize seedlings?
22:37 Q. Lighting
24:54 Q. How to harden-off seedlings
26:59 Basic seed-starting equipment
35:08 Seed-starting step-by-step
Pre-order Susan's new book, The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, on Amazon: (www.amazon.com.... Publication date: April 2021.
Susan has much more than this UA-cam channel! Follow her on:
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Email me: Susan@SusansintheGarden.com
I simply can’t express how helpful & informative your videos are. You simply put so much knowledge & information into them in such a way that’s easy to understand for a beginner as well as a great reinforcement for a seasoned gardener. Your tone & speaking voice is also very soothing (added bonus). I love being able to share your videos with others. You are a wonderful resource & I appreciate you very much, Susan!
Wow, thank you, Stacy! I really appreciate that you took the time to let me know this. I hope you have an awesome garden season!
This is such a good video. Everything I needed in one place. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful, Luz!
I’m so happy when I see you have put up a new video. Never gets old! Thank you.
I'm so glad you enjoy them! Thanks, Julie.
Just found this wonderful info, thank you suggesting avoiding plastic when possible especially now because some of it has been found to have things like PFAS and other dangerous chemicals in it , it’s hard to figure out what to do. Maybe reusing plastic over again. Will decrease the amount of chemicals in it. If it is a type of plastic that does have chemicals, perhaps they will become flushed out. I don’t know.
Thank you Susan! can't wait to play in the dirt. 🍓🍅🌽🥕🌶
Thanks so much you have some great videos ,,so much information
Thank you, Val!
Team Zone 5b!!
Great videos!
Thank you for all your time and effort.
Wow! That was the mother of all seed starting videos! (I watch videos while I do the dishes at night, so I love longer videos like this.) Thank you so much for including that information on fungus gnats. We have an infestation that we got from outside plant material, and they’ve infested just about every potted plant in the house. My wife is going out of her mind, and is ready to throw out all the plants we have! I will have to try the product you mentioned.
Glad you liked it, even if it was mighty long!
We start beans, beets, etc indoors as well for same reasons...as well as to avoid gaps in germination in our raised beds...
I’m new to your channel and you’ve explained everything clearly…I’m excited to get my seeds started.Thank you so much for sharing 🍅🍅🍅🌶🌶🌶
Thank you, Andrea. I'm so glad the videos are helpful. You might want to check out my website as well, SusansintheGarden.com. There are a lot of resources on it (esp. under the "Guides" menu) that you'll find useful.
One of my uncles always starts his beets in the greenhouse and transplants out. This year will be my first time trying it.
What a great overall video! Very comprehensive...
Thank you! There are 2 more seed-starting videos in this series.
The Science and many plants are we learning.
Thanks Susan! Great video!
Thank you Ms. Susan. Best wishes Bob.
Thank you for this very informative video.
A little tip if you think your seeds might not be viable enough for seed starting, use them for growing microgreens. I found some old radish, pea and broccoli seeds and used them for sprouts in sandwiches, soups and pasta. No need to waste!
Great information, thank-you. I have been growing my own plants since 1993 and picked up some useful hints, thank-you.
Wonderful!
This was a great video! Thank you!
I totally agree with ALL of the reasons you give for starting your own seeds inside. Going to a nursery’s and buying plants, just doesn’t seem like gardening to me. 👍👍👍👍 Good video. I’m in Northern Maine. Zone 4a
Thanks, Dennis. Nice to meet you.
Great resource!
Thanks for the tips🌞
I am pleased to be your subscriber, thanks for the systematic information you have provided .....
Thank you for your kind comments and for subscribing.
Thanks a lot for this very useful and informative video! It answered some of my questions on seed starting.
Glad it was helpful!
Susan, I haven't purchased grow lights yet, but thanks for the helpful information on LED grow lights. ~Margie
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much I yes find the bottle water sprinkle on amazon
This is a great comprehensive review! Very helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts on “up-potting”, or transplanting seedlings into larger containers before it’s time to plant outdoors. Thanks for all the great info!
Thank you! Will do!
@@SusansInTheGarden 9
Great video!!
Thanks and I will like plants
Excellent share, My Friend.😊😊🇨🇦
I would also recommend putting the name of the seed, besides the date on the pre-germination test on your plastic baggie.
love your channel.. very informative..
Thanks so much!
Susan, Siloe from Suburban Homestead (not sure if you know his channel) is a bit of an expert on paper towel/plate germination method. One suggestion he has, which I will follow if I do end up starting some seeds on paper towels, is to use industrial-grade paper towels, (the brown ones), rather than the ones designed for home use. The industrial ones hopefully helps with the problem of roots growing into the strands of the paper towel and hard to extract.
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the great video. Wonderful info and not as mind-numbingly tedious as some. Sounds doable for all of us.
I started testing some old seeds last week so I will know what is worth the effort and which packets to toss.
(Oh, my where do they all come from hiding around my house?)
I know the feeling, Beth! Glad you enjoyed the video.
My wife and I love your channel, we appreciate your work.
Do you have any content specific to seed saving?
We just received your book too - thank you!
Hi, Ken. It's nice to meet you. I'm so glad you're enjoying my channel, and thank you for purchasing my book! I haven't done any specific videos about saving seeds, although I did one about saving bean seeds a couple of years back. I will keep that in mind for a future video topic. I'm not sure if you have visited my website, but here's a link to it: www.susansinthegarden.com/.
That germination test can be easier. Just put the seeds on top of the wet paper towel. Now, you don't have to drag them out of the bag. Just look. I do this a lot. They seem to like it on top of my desktop computer. And you can just pile the bags up. Doesn't matter.
Great information! Is a fan needed to be successful? I read that you need air circulation for strong seedlings? Thank you for the videos.
Yes, a fan is very helpful.
I've always wondered if the days to harvest number includes the days needed for germination or if you have to add the number of germination days to the number of days to harvest shown on the seed package. It could make quite a difference for those of us in colder climates with a more limited growing season.
I know what you mean. The days-to-harvest countdown starts when you either plant seeds or seedlings out in the garden.
@@SusansInTheGarden Thanks for clarifying
Great video and detailed info but can you use regular spagnum moss and perhaps grind it as that product isn’t available in Canada
Hi, Ali. I don't see why you couldn't.
Hi Susan! I am enjoying your videos and expertise! I have a question about the seed heating mat. If you are using one for germination, do you also use a light source at the same time? Also, I live in the Spokane Valley. I read that the zone is 6b. Is that correct? Thank you! 😊
Hi, Tahnee. Yes, you would also use a light source unless the seed packet says otherwise. The greater Spokane area is in USDA hardiness zone 6. If you go to the USDA hardiness zone map, you can type in your zip code to get more specific as to whether it's 6a or 6b: planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx.
@@SusansInTheGarden Thank you Susan 😊
Hello Susan. I want to grow seeds and vegetables in my backyard shed. The shed has 2 x skylight panels. If I grow these plants under an adequate grow light setup inside this shed, will the plants still yearn to seek the dispersed sunlight coming through those skylight panels and become leggy?
It probably won't be enough light for them if there aren't windows on the sides of the structure as well.
@@SusansInTheGarden thanks - even if I have dedicated grow lights setup inside the shed?
@@Camh1968 I missed the part about your grow lights. They will probably be OK, you'll just have to experiment and see how they do.
Hi.
Do you put a single seed in each portion of the tray?
If more than 1 seed, why ?
Cameron
Hi, Cameron. I usually put a single seed in each cell. If I'm growing something that is harder to germinate, or using older seeds, then I might put 2-3 seeds in a cell, but that's the exception to the rule.
@@SusansInTheGarden thank you Susan.
Can I ask how deep (high) your dome cover is?
Do you need to have the light always on 24/7 until the seeds start to germinate?
How important is it to have adjustable shelving height for seed germination?
Cameron
@@Camh1968 I have 2 different humidity domes. One is about 2 1/2" high and the other is about 6" high. We put our light on a timer, so it runs from about 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It's important to keep the light about 2" above the soil surface (until the seeds germinate) and then about 2" above the tops of the seedlings. You don't necessarily have to have adjustable shelving: you can just put something under the seedling flats to raise them up higher. Or you can have your grow light on a chain set-up so you can adjust its location. I hope this helps!
@@SusansInTheGarden many thanks Susan.
What are the reasons for different height domes?
I don’t understand how you can achieve light 2” above the soil surface as the light would shine throughout - irrespective where the soil sits?
Wouldn’t the height of the dome dictate / control the height of light setting above the soil?
Thanks
Cameron
@@Camh1968 I don't recall why I also purchased the taller domes, to be honest! Because you always want to remove them once the majority of the seeds have germinated. Anyway, you don't want seedlings to stretch for the light, so you want the light to be about 2" above the SEEDLINGS, not the soil. The closer the light is to the seedlings, the more intense it is. You don't want the seedlings to get "leggy" by having to reach up for the light. And yes, the height of the dome initially dictates the placement of the light. But I'm primarily referring to the light placement when the seedlings have germinated and are growing. Sorry for any confusion.
Hey hi,quick question went starting zinnia, cosmo,marigold do they need heat mat or yes put than under growing light
Hello. I have never used a heat mat for those flower seeds.
@@SusansInTheGarden oh ok so yes leave It under grow light or leave it an a warm place
I keep hitting the “pre order now” button on Amazon but it won’t go to the cart to buy???
Hi, Della. That is so odd. I just tried it and it worked for me. Do you mind trying again? Please let me know if you continue to have problems because I can have the publisher contact Amazon.
Hi Susan.
What are your thoughts on using electric propagatori s to ensure seed growth ?
Cameron
Hi, Cameron. Do you mean the seedling heat mats? If so, we only use them for seeds that really benefit from a warm environment, primarily peppers. They do work well and are pretty reasonably priced.
@@SusansInTheGarden hi Susan. I understand heat mats are part of these propagator kits. In addition, electirified / heated cords are run through a bottom substrate and then controlled via an auto regulated thermostat - to ensure optimal and specific seeding temperature all the time.
This heated soil substrate is laid in sized tub with dome containers placed on top of this substrate within this filled tub.
For example, I understand chilli seeds need 28 deg C to germinate. An electrified propagator can be set at 28 deg C to ensure optimal and growth in a timely manner.
This link below shows a person making their own propagating kit to provide clearer perspective on this topic.
ua-cam.com/video/DNaxbTd8IF8/v-deo.html
Cameron
@@Camh1968 You can use a heated seedling mat with a thermostat to really dial in the temperature more precisely for specific vegetables. Those 2 things are the only special equipment we use, just to keep things simple! And they work really well.
@@SusansInTheGarden thanks Susan. Given this option exists as the thermostat regulated heat mat, what advantages would a seed propagating setup (per link shown in previous post) have?
@@SusansInTheGarden Hi Susan.
I am in a bit of quandy - paradox like.
Is less likely to produce leggy weak seedlings without lights because they won't stretch in trying to source light?
But, then - on the other hand - i always read that it is important to use lights...
Cameron
Hi Susan I pre ordered your book when it first came out i sent my confirmation but have not recieved my link to your extra info.
Hi, Grace. I just checked through my list of requests and didn't see your name anywhere. Please send me another email, Susan@susansinthegarden.com. I definitely want to send the bonus material to you!
Hello can you please tell me what website do you use for your last frost date.🙂
Hi, Yvencia. You can find out from your local Master Gardener program. If you're not familiar with them, here's a way to find the program in your county: mastergardener.extension.org/contact-us/find-a-program/.
Also, the Farmer's Almanac has an interesting tool tool on their website, where you input your zip code and it gives you the average last frost date: www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates#. I just tried it and it was remarkably accurate!
Thank you very much 😊
Hi Susan. Do you keep honeybees?
Hi, Noelle. Not anymore. We had so many problems with mites, predators (skunks), and colony collapse, that we gave up. Add to that the skyrocketing cost of purchasing new bees, and that was that. But we do everything we can to promote native bees through pollinator gardens, diverse plantings and avoiding the use of pesticides.