What month should I start seeds indoors?
Mid-March is the best time to start many vegetables and annual flowers indoors for transplanting outside once the threat of frost has passed. As a general rule, seeds are started indoors about 6 weeks prior to your last frost date.starting seeds indoors vs winter sowing for those with limited indoor space, it’s not ideal to crowd your surfaces with growing trays and grow lights for weeks or months during the winter. Winter sowing frees up your indoor space while providing the same end result come spring.
What is the best temperature for starting seeds indoors?
Temperatures should be maintained at a constant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage solid germination. The closer the temperature is to the optimum, the quicker germination will occur. Most seeds germinate when the soil temperature is between 68° and 86°F.The planted seeds will germinate in the garden soil under natural circumstances, but if you want to know how to germinate seeds quickly, this is it: Add seeds to a cup of warm water. Make sure the water is warm, not hot). Soak them for 8-16 hours right before planting.Wait at least 8 hours, but 24 is even better, but make sure to keep it moist the whole time. You can do this with larger seeds, but for really large seeds, I worry that the paper towel is not enough to soak it, and I prefer to soak them in a bowl, before putting them on paper towel.Successful Germination Several factors must be met to begin the germination process. These include good seed-to-soil contact, soil temperatures of 50 degrees or higher and trending warmer, and seeds absorbing enough water to reach 30-percent moisture content.
How many hours a day should seedlings be on a heat mat?
For consistent warmth, leave the mat on 24 hours a day until the seeds sprout, rather than shutting it off at night. Do not turn it off. Seeds beneath the soil do not need nighttime cooling; they need constant warmth to sprout. Seeds germinated on a heat mat in flats will get off to a particularly fast start.
Which seeds need a heat mat?
You will need a heat mat to start your seeds if. If you are going to germinate heat-loving crops like zinnias or chili peppers, using a heat mat can give you a significant jump on the growing season. These crops frequently take 7-14 days to germinate if left to their own devices. The warmer the environment, the faster the germination. The best average temperature to grow your plants is 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F). Usually, it takes around 1 to 2 weeks to germinate. Some plants (for instance mini tomato, chili pepper and rosemary) may take up to 3 weeks.