Seeds contain the embryo of a plant, and under the right conditions, this seed can open up and allow a seedling to grow and another plant to see the light of day.  While many plants can be bought from nurseries as seedlings or already growing flowers, vegetables, trees, or plants, more and more gardeners want to start their gardens from scratch.  Additionally, sometimes certain gardening options require the usage of seeds, such as patching holes in your lawn, or beginning a bed of wild flowers.  Yet gardeners are sometimes not so sure how to start seeds, after all, there are many insects out there that see seeds as either a staple to their diet or a yummy addition to the menu.

Here are some simple solutions to starting your seeds that will have you gardening with your own grown plants in now time:

Seed trays are wonderful for the hobby gardener.  They come in a number of sizes and varieties and will permit you to sow one to three seeds per cup.  Some trays are so sturdy that they may be reused, while others are made of thin plastic that will need to be tossed out after using them.  Still others are made of biodegradable plant materials that can actually be put into the soil with the seedling to serve as further compost once degrading.  Fillers for the trays also vary.  Some require the purchase of potting soils or starter soils, while others already come prepackaged with little disks or squares made of peat moss and other organic fillers.  When water is added, they expand to many times their original size and allow for a seed to be planted right on top. Read the directions on the seed package to find out how many seeds to plant together to prevent crowding of the emerging seedlings, and also to find out if the seeds need the sunlight or darkness to thrive.

Individual flowerpots are a great solution for large seeds and large plants.  If you are planting a tree, it is best to start it off in an individual flowerpot, since a small seed tray would be too confining for the emerging seedling and its cluster of roots.  Additionally, the flowerpot will permit the tree’s seedling to grow strong prior to being transplanted, whereas the sowing of the seed in a smaller container may require it to be moved prior to being able to handle such as transplantation without damage to the roots. Of course, whenever using a flowerpot for your seeds, be sure to use high quality potting soil or seed starter and never, ever recycle soil from other plants that may have died in their pots.  Many fungi and plant diseases remain in the soil and will simply attack a new plant if given the chance.

Propagators are contraptions that will permit you to mimic the high temperatures and humidity found in tropical climates. If you are looking to grow some tropics plants, but your usual temperatures and overall climate do not lend itself to such a feat, then a propagator is the controlled environment you will need to ensure that your seeds have a good start.  They may be as expensive or inexpensive as you can afford, and depending on the size you desire and the budget you are working with, you will truly get what you pay for.  These mini greenhouses will help you to regulate the heat, humidity, light and darkness cycles, and even ventilation for the individual pots you place inside them.

Before planting your seeds, you will also need to decide how they will best germinate.  The back of the seed package should give you a good bit of information on the process.  In general, there are three methods of preparing seeds for being planted:

Do nothing, but simply plant your seed in an appropriate receptacle.

Soak the seeds.  Sometimes for as little as two hours, other times for as long as overnight. 

Crack the seeds, or otherwise damage them slightly to allow moisture and nutrients to enter and allow the plant embryo to begin its growth process. Sometimes a little poke with the tip of the knife is enough, while other times you may need to get out your hammer and chisel, depending on the size of the seed and the hardness of its shell.

Related posts:

1. Sowing your Seeds – A Little Know-how Goes a Long Way
2. Early Vegetable Garden Planting: Starting Seeds Indoors
3. Gardening – Starting From Seeds
4. Redefining Bonsai Seeds
5. Vegetable Garden Seeds for the Nurturing Gardener

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