🌱 How to Start Your Seeds - A Simple Guide from The Seed Vault 🌱

Starting seeds is a rewarding way to grow strong, healthy plants right from the beginning. Follow these
steps for the best success.

CHOOSE YOUR SEEDS WISELY
🔹 Select seeds suited to your climate and season.
🔹 Check the packet for best planting times.

USE THE RIGHT GROWING MEDIUM
🔹 Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix such as: coco coir & perlite, or compost & sand.
🔹 Moisten the mix before planting—damp, not soaking wet.

PICK THE RIGHT CONTAINERS
🔹 Seed trays, small pots, or recycled containers work well.
🔹 Ensure they have drainage holes to prevent rot.

SOWING SEEDS
🔹 Follow the depth instructions on the seed packet.
🔹 Generally, plant seeds 2-3 times as deep as their size.
🔹 Gently press soil over the seeds and mist with water.

WATERING
🔹 Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
🔹 Use a spray bottle or watering can with a fine spout.
🔹 Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

LIGHT & TEMPERATURE
🔹 Most seeds need warmth (18-25°C) to germinate.
🔹 Place near a bright window or use grow lights.
🔹 Some seeds need darkness to sprout—check the packet.
🔹 TIP: Use a heat mat for warmth & a humidity dome for steady moisture.

SUN REQUIREMENTS
🌞 Full Sun: Needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.
⛅ Part Sun/Part Shade: Prefers 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
🌿 Shade: Thrives with less than 3 hours of direct sunlight per day.

PLANT LIFE CYCLES
🌱 Annuals: Complete their life cycle in one season (e.g., tomatoes, basil).
🌿 Biennials: Grow leaves the first year, flower & seed the second year (e.g., carrots, foxgloves).
🌳 Perennials: Live for multiple years, flowering yearly (e.g., rosemary, lavender).

PLANT HARDINESS & FROST TOLERANCE
❄ Hardy Plants: Withstand frost (e.g., kale, pansies).
🌿 Half-Hardy: Tolerate cool weather but may be damaged by frost (e.g., lettuce, coriander).
🔥 Frost-Tender: Cannot survive frost, needs warmth (e.g., tomatoes, peppers).

VENTILATION & HUMIDITY
🔹 Cover trays with plastic or humidity domes to maintain moisture.
🔹 Remove covers once seeds sprout to prevent mold.
🔹 Ensure good airflow to strengthen seedlings.

THINNING & TRANSPLANTING
🔹 Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, thin them to the strongest ones.
🔹 Handle seedlings gently when transplanting to larger pots or the garden.

HARDENING OFF (BEFORE MOVING OUTDOORS)
🔹 Gradually introduce plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
🔹 Start with a few hours in shade, increasing time outside daily.

COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS
❌ Leggy Seedlings? – More light needed.
❌ Moldy Soil? – Improve airflow & reduce watering.
❌ Seeds Not Sprouting? – Check temperature, moisture & viability.
❌ Damping Off? – Use sterile soil, improve ventilation, avoid overwatering.
❌ Yellowing Leaves? – Could be overwatering or nutrient issue.
❌ Seedlings Wilting? – Check for temperature changes or dry soil.
❌ Burnt Leaves? – Too much sun; move to part shade.

QUICK SEED-STARTING CHECKLIST ✅
☑ Fresh, quality seeds
☑ Seed-starting mix
☑ Containers with drainage
☑ Watering method
☑ Light source
☑ Warmth for germination
☑ Airflow & humidity control
☑ Hardening off before planting out

Happy Growing! 🌱
The Seed Vault