Seed Starting 101: How and Why I Start Seeds The Way I Do!

This is part one of a multi part series on how to start seeds and care for seedlings. In this section I will be going over how to make your own soil mix, fill trays, sow seeds, and water them. I also talk about some general seed starting tips throughout the video and talk about where and when to do it!
TIMESTAMPS
00:27 - Seedling Soil Prep
05:05 - Filling Seed Trays
07:05 - Seed Sowing Techniques
13:52 - Watering Seedlings
19:20 - Seeding Table Placement
IN THIS VIDEO
→ Epic Seed Starting Trays: bit.ly/3G7Ss8g
→ Artline Markers: amzn.to/3EPqj4V
→ Hoselink (use code KEVINSENTME: glnk.io/z7rx/epicgardening
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Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: www.epicgardening.com/disclai...

[@PepperExcentrique]

Seed starting videos never get old for me because its honestly the most fun part of gardening in my opinion. In the days after starting seeds I check my trays every 5 minutes to see if something happened lol 😅

[@joshuahouse682]

My fiance and I do the same thing.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's a very meditative process, fun and relaxing but I am always surprised how long the whole process takes!

[@dougknowlesjr7942]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who does that....hahaha!

[@lauralongoria5121]

It’s the closest we get to a miracle!!

[@Zizzyyzz]

@@jacquesinthegarden Yup!

[@marcuspowell2510]

I’ll be honest, I passed over this video several times thinking “why would I watch another seed starting demo. I’ve been pretty successful starting seeds for the past 3 years and all these videos are the same.” I’m very glad I took the time to watch this. It seems to have all that the others and more. Truly a complete seed starting video. Can’t wait for help with my seedlings.

[@nickmarkman6385]

Jacques! Loving the increased frequency of your content and the longer form, in depth pieces. Looking forward to this series, man. Keep it up!

[@vandthebees9249]

Thank you for explaining why it’s good to use small cells for small seeds! And great idea on writing the date of both seeding and transplanting.

[@irenesilva744]

Excellent tips, Jacques. I love my garden marker. I had three whole flats of mystery seedlings one year because I used a sharpie. D’oh!

[@Carmen-ok]

This is going to be an astounding series. A lot of great tips for new gardeners and for the experienced gardeners also. You did very well detailing the process. Looking forward to the following video 😊👏🏼

[@carolynjenkins1557]

I finally solved (at least for a year so far) the problem of plastic labels and sharpies that fade over time. I use plain old wooden popsicle sticks. They are super easy to get from craft stores or online and some seed companies sell them also. I also found a Sharpie pen that is labeled "industrial super permanent ink". I don't know about permanent, but the labels I used last year are still legible and I am rid of plastic labels!

[@jaredmond916]

This is the perfect series for me. I stoped buying plants from home depot about bought my first few packs of seeds. I started seeds yesterday outside and left the humidity dome on. Smh I removed it immediately hopefully no damage was done overnight but i'll start more to be safe.

[@wizel10]

Long time backyard grower and this video is one of the best I've seen. Well done.

[@irisjames1]

Thank you, Jacque, for doing this video. I am new to gardening. Unfortunately, most of the videos I have seen are for gardeners in the east or Midwest areas. I live in Los Angeles, and the way to start seedlings is different; an example is that we can begin outdoors. I want to follow a gardener that knows our zone and is knowledgeable, and that’s you!

[@PeacefulPlanting-Sydnee]

This was way more helpful than I expected 😯 yes pls do a seedling care video! Thank you!

[@craigtobias1404]

This is not only one of the most informative videos I have ever watched. Excellent video. Not too wordy, you stayed on subject and explained perfectly why you did everything. Thank you! I am more knowledgeable after watching this video.

[@xiaoshuanghu4490]

I came here after watching epic gardening for a while. Damn, I had no idea how informative and useful your videos would be. It’s like you’re answering every question I had rattling around in my brain. Thank you ❤

[@xiaoshuanghu4490]

Actually… I think I will save this video and rewatch it every time I seed, haha.

[@patcox8745]

Great video, Jacques! You really addressed so much and in great detail. How long, approximately, to keep water in the trays for bottom watering, how to place your seeds in the pots, and where to put your seed table, etc. For brand new gardeners, these are the little questions that no one seems to answer. I would really like to see a video on how to make your potting soil sifter, please! Thank you all the helpful info. God bless!

[@basanteena]

Love how you take us through from the start to finish and really break it down and give us the whys behind what you do. So well thought out and put together. I've been starting my seeds for a while and still learned some new techniques from you. There's something so soothing and peaceful about the way you present your material!

[@ellenkuang8853]

Labeled like a proper scientist. Lol. My garden is the exact opposite of how well I keep my stuff labeled in my chem research lab. 😅

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha I can say that my samples may or may not have been labeled this well

[@ellenkuang8853]

@@jacquesinthegarden it's ok. My excuse is it's more important that I know what the clear liquid in my glassware are compared to my plants that actually are physically different. 🤣

[@joshuahouse682]

I use old potting mix and try to get the big stuff out, then add sand and compost.

[@FernGully420]

I needed this video more than you know! Thanks Garden Hermit! 💕👨🏻‍🌾🪴🫶🏼

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@youcanask2980]

I’m stoked! I planted pepper seeds from a store bought bell pepper, froze it, defrosted them and then germinated in an egg carton. I got one strong double and 4 singles so far! Im also doing pineapple, garlic and onion from store bought food too. Garlic is the easiest thing ever. Happy gardening!

[@FarmerJayne]

Thanks Jacques. The Epic cells are amazing! You could stand on them and they don’t cave! They’ll last me forever. Great suggestion to sift the soil. I love how detailed your tutorials are. Been gardening veg for 25 years and I never tire of watching others grow food.

[@cbdcdiva6872]

I had this video playing 2 weeks ago when I started my 1st seeds! Based on how happy my seeds are and the high germination rate overall? Very happy gardener, here! You have no idea what you can find in some of these "fine seed starting" mixes. I found enough to pave a road in mine! Definitely will be making my own mix going forward! Thanks Jacques!

[@umiluv]

Just wanted to say thanks so much for this video. Your tip about adding more perlite after sifting and how to sow really tiny seeds in vermiculite has made such a HUGE difference! Thanks so much!

[@ronanmagee7557]

Love how active you are on this channel recently Jacques. Love your DIY style and that garden is such a dream 🐚

[@bethsands7665]

Good job in getting important seed-starting joy to get the season off on the right foot. It is a learning experience and I know that you saved gardeners precious time and added happiness to the mix, thank you.

[@SaraHubbardAskingMe]

Im brand new to gardening and I’m sure I’m going to make mistakes. But your videos have been so helpful! I think I already made some mistakes but that’s the beauty of gardening!

[@rebeccawaddell5114]

I've started using wooden/bamboo utensils or popsicle sticks for labels. Completely eliminates the plastic waste

[@la1163]

Last year after I planted all my tomatoes seeds. label them and they all sprouted and where getting big and strong and I was getting ready to plant them. Well low and behold as I was moving them to the area where I was going to plant, my cat trip me and they flew all over the place. I wanted to cry! So this year I had her under house arrest. I wasn't taking any chances with her. Happy gardening Jacque.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha that's unfortunate but also hilarious, those pesky cats...

[@la1163]

@@jacquesinthegarden Lol I know my hubs was laughing so hard and telling our cat " Run Tooty run"'. I couldn't be mad at her, she's a tough fur baby, she'll be 15 yrs old in October.

[@vesperholly8285]

Perfect timing, been seeding and now am very aware of the mistakes I’ve been making and why I’ve had such low rates of success. Doh!🤦🏽‍♀️ Thanks, Jacques, I needed this lesson.

[@melissalang6848]

I found your channel from watching you guys over on Epic Gardening...big fan of both! I really am loving your in-depth content though, I'm learning so much. Please keep it up! TY :)

[@Deanned24]

Wow i have learned so much, especially what ive done wrong. No wonder why i can't get sucessful germination. Thanks Jacques!!

[@scottolson6201]

Although I've been gardening for many years I always pick up a few valuable nuggets from your videos. Thanks for the in depth presentations.

[@lynneblow1447]

Perfect! So glad you decided to do this series for us newbies!!

[@pamici1]

Thank you for how thorough this is!!

[@heidibartle2241]

I’ve watched a lot of seed starting videos. Nobody else has ever mentioned keeping the trays level and the reason for doing so. Also nobody else has mentioned coming back after 20 minutes to dump excessive water. Nobody!!! Well done!

[@goducks20101]

I'm stunned, Jacques. Thank you so much!

[@roberttillotson6861]

Very impressed with details and mixture

[@aileenbell6750]

One of the best seed starting videos I have watched. THANK YOU!

[@midei]

Excellent explanation, Jacques. Than you!

[@italiana626sc]

So much great info here!! Seriously, great tips. Thanks so much!

[@Gotchapic]

As always…super great video!👏👏👏

[@averqueveo]

Great informative video. I've been having trouble with seed starting, with all my seedlings dying off😢. Can't wait to put these tips to good use!

[@Mars21681]

Great tips, thank you Jac!

[@conniemcgehee2851]

Great video! Good practical, clear information

[@aurostar2005]

Learned a lot, very simple and straightforward. Loved it.

[@PurpleSunshine23]

Wonderful video. So helpful!! Thank you!

[@geomax3465]

Excelent and clear video. Thank you Very Much!

[@andrewmiadavila6342]

I'm loving your detailed content for a newbie like me. You're giving me the confidence to try new things. I've never started anything from seed!

[@julesx2171]

Very informative -- appreciate knowing not just what to do but also why.

[@bonnieharris5916]

You are such an excellent teacher. I have been gardening for 40 years I have learned so much from you and the epic gang.

[@muahlakaparak]

nice tips and idea how to start your plant..👍👍

[@PatriciasPrimerJardin]

Very helpful video, thanks.

[@mr.fancipants6639]

Thank you Jacques. We love your channel in this house.

[@luffingsails7542]

This was a fantastic video. I'm a beginner gardener and need all the help I can get. This video hit just the right tone. So well presented!!!

[@daisyblooms4813]

Thanks Jacques! Great tips. I thought it might be too late to start poppies but I'm gonna give it a try.

[@maritahyde4489]

Thank you for this video learned a lot

[@moomoocho1196]

Nice video Jacques! Very detailed…loved it! Let’s get to planting seeds 👍

[@joannthompson765]

thanks you filled in some holes I had in my seed starting game

[@veronicac660]

I love your videos. I'm at the stage in gardening where I know most of the rules but not when/how to safely break them and I find your videos are very total beginner friendly without spending so much time on stuff some of us already know as to get boring. Keep it up!

[@carenharris863]

A very good video. A lot of helpful tips.

[@yarnstead]

Lots of good info, thank you, Jacques! I’ve had mixed luck starting seeds over the years but now I learned some stuff to help!

[@wdsjrmd1]

excellent timely video. i love your teaching style. thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@Keyboardje]

After watching only ten minutes of this video I - a total and anxious beginner - have learned more about seeds and sowing them, than I have learned after months of searching YT for actual practical info! Thank you so much! Subbed!

[@Dylan-fc6mr]

Just bought some MiracleGro seed start mix for extra money and it was full of large chunks anyways. Will be doing this from now on!

[@ctviera]

This was great! Lots of little nuances I did not know that will help bring my seed starting to next level. Really engaging and helpful. Looking forward to the next video in the series! Thanks, Jacques!

[@a.l.a.7847]

Hi Jacques -- love the whole vibe of your videos! Really down-to-earth (haha) in the way you present the info keeps it real for all of us aspiring to up our gardening skills. And I especially love how you explain WHY certain things are important to do/not do. Keep up the awesome work!

[@sarahjohnston1576]

Thanks for this video! So glad you have your own channel now. After watching numerous seed starting videos over the years, you gave me info. Regarding water management as it relates to seed size and cell size. It totally made sense. Most videos don’t give that educational stuff. Thank you!

[@majoyap3403]

I've done that mistake of watering from above and it really made my seed starting bonkers especially those tiny seeds.. Thanks for the tips. And I love the frequency of the uploads of new videos.

[@wandakelly2173]

Thank you talking about the right sized seedling container. I know there is a difference but I’ve never heard anyone articulate the reason as well as you just did. I know you’re right because I killed some small flower seedlings this year as a result of the size if the container vs. water held.

[@treehouse3240]

Thankyou Jacques, the information on the Poppy seeding has helped. Ont. Can.

[@semperflight1642]

Thanks for the vid it's very helpful, you rock

[@drewsenthused6079]

Great info! I was wondering why only one poppy sprouted!

[@stephenluna7932]

that is awesome to know about vermiculite letting light through, that is a game changer for me, hopefully my flower seed starts will be better with that, thank you.

[@paulgazzola]

Thanks so much Jacques 💚 So many great tips for me. I’m definitely going to sift my seed mix next time I sow, and try to bottom water as well. I just started sowing for the first time and basically used ‘ready to go’ seed mix off the shelf (which I’ve realised is filled with some nasty chunky bark pieces etc) and have only been purely top watering (albeit with a spray bottle). I will try some things different next time and compare. Can’t wait for the second vid around transplanting cause that was my next question 😂specifically the right time to do it! I’m enjoying learning gardening and it’s awesome to get some valuable advice from guys like yourself! 😁☀️💦🌱🫶🏼

[@patrickdaniel4953]

I've been growing ornamental and other herbs from seed for about 8 years now and love this hobby so much !! Sometimes, I lay a paper towel or coffee filter over freshly sown seeds and gently pour water over if I don't have access to anything easier. Excellent information here, sharing this video with my cousin now and have subscribed also. Can't wait to see your other videos !! Thank you !! Patrick Daniel~

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

Great tips, Jacques. I have a bit of a confession for you and Kevin-- I found a 3D model of a seed starting tray online that was quite similar to the 6-cell tray, so I downloaded and 3D printed it. It's pretty good, although the plastic I used (PLA) warped from being left out in the sun. Obviously not a problem for the Epic tray, and perhaps next time I'll use a less heat-sensitive plastic like PETG. There's a different model that uses bottom watering that I'd like to try next.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Our first prototypes were 3d printed and suffered the same fate!

[@rickytorres9089]

So much interesting about screening your own mixes to make a seeding mix just like that, the verctlie and so forth. :)

[@christinebyrnes3164]

Perfect timing, really wanted to get some tips on this! Thanks 💚

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Perfect!

[@christinebyrnes3164]

@@jacquesinthegarden thanks! By the way, do you have any advice- I had seedlings germinate quickly but since then they have been very slow to grow. I live in Australia and it is getting a little colder here but no where near freezing

[@wormulous]

Commenting just for the algorithm and to see if you check comments on old videos as well as new. Thanks for letting me know about this one!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Sometimes I do 👀 glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisalkire2882]

Hi Jacques, we are loving your content. We saw you talking about your seed table on wheels. Do you have details on that or video to reference. I’d like to build something asap. You are inspiring me! Thanks!

[@janetneill2660]

Thank you! I always learn something new when watching seed starting videos. I appreciated seeing how you make your own seed starting mix, I want to do that from now on. This year the bags of seed starting mix I bought had chunks of wood and stones in it! I was a bit surprised that you don't premoisten your seed starting mix? I've personally found that to be very useful. Thanks again!! 😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

As long as the soil has some moisture to it I prefer to leave it like that. If I pre-wet it I find it very messy and sticky to deal with and as long as it has some moisture to start it will wick up water no problem. I know a lot of people prefer to pre moisten their starter mix though!

[@cristinasagardia5958]

I loved this. Thank you so much! I’m doing my first garden and I am on the struggle bus!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's worth it just keep trying until you find out what works for you!

[@cristinasagardia5958]

@@jacquesinthegarden omg I can’t believe you replied to this. Totally fan girdling. 🤣Thanks for the kindness. Though the journey has been harder than I expected it’s been super fun!!

[@pattip7422]

Jacques I love your videos. I’m glad you are making them more frequently. Keep up the good work.

[@freakygardener8033]

It was kinda funny when you mentioned about not having a specific amount of the additives. Another KZbinr I like, always says that there are 3 amounts. Not enough, more than enough, and just enough. And this here is just enough.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

🤷‍♂️ I think people get too intense and realistically it's not going to be that big of a difference

[@GardeningWarrior]

I wish I had watched your easy way to get a small amount of small seeds planted BEFORE I over broadcast my kale seeds this weekend..lol. I will be trying this

[@Islandlife488]

Some more great tips 👌

[@jgrady9553]

well done!

[@bennyhana3556]

The cover is also for winter when hybernating forexample japanese maple seeds.

[@sagessedantan]

I've been planting my squash seeds upside down for 3 years... 🤦🏻‍♀ As always, thank you for the great info Jacques!

[@j.reneewhite915]

I live in Aurora, Oregon. Zone 8b. We still have very cold temps. However I have a lot of transplants that are ready to go into the garden and are able to do well in the cold. As I was dislodging them out of my 6 cell units i found that my thumb became stuck in the bottom of the container. I started laughing but it literally took 3 to 5 minutes to get my thumb back out. lol. Live and learn

[@francesbatycki404]

Smart move on the seed starting mix. I bought a couple inexpensive bags and swore the whole time because I had to sieve out rocks, little traces of plastic, and sticks! I now do what you do. I went to a potting mix that is ten times better. I still sieve but it doesn’t have the added chunkery!

[@lisawiebe4639]

If I don’t have vermiculite on hand, would perlite do pretty much the same thing for the poppy seeds? Thank you for this wonderful and thorough video, so helpful!

[@treasuretreereynolds1764]

Like an infomercial. Lol, Jacque! Anyway, I learned something new today. So, I thank you! 💜🌸💜

[@jacintabrowne8314]

Haha I just learnt a lot. Thank you

[@lilikoi1010]

Do you have a video on how to make the sifter?

[@tylerdenning9396]

Haa!! I was going to call you out on not labeling the seeds right away, but you caught it!

[@onesweetworld9]

You think of everything!

[@vimondireksri8820]

I've watched dozens of seed starting videos. Never heard anyone mention why to use little seed trays. I could never get tiny seeds to germinate. I always used fist sized pots. Thinking I wouldn't have to water as much. I've always had terrible luck. Thanks for this advice.

[@joshfogelson8531]

what do you think of selfwicking matts for constant moisture vs filling up trays then dumping each day?

[@Inloveofteags]

Love your method of starting poppies and very curious what kind of poppies as well as how you transplant them, since almost every thing I've read recommends to direct sow. I've wasted so many seed packets to get a few plants with direct sowing.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

This year I have started Hungarian bread seed poppies, Shirley mix, and amazing grey. I pot up once they get their first leaves and they tend to shoot up after that. It's tricky because they are so tiny but if you handle them carefully the initial pot up really makes them explode in growth

[@Inloveofteags]

@@jacquesinthegarden You have no idea how glad I'm to hear this. I've been trying to grow somniferum for three years now, there's hope for me yet! Looking forward to watching this series. Thank you! Edit: PS no pressure - lol

[@GrowingOrganicTvShow]

Nice sifter Jacques. I met you at Walter Anderson’s a while back with Kevin. Good to see your channel growing fast. You passed my subscribers count and almost to 30k!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Hey! I remember running into you as well! It has been growing very fast which has been interesting!