10 Tips To WIN at Seed Starting!

[@ginny-p8w]

I am an 80 yr old grandmother who has been gardening for about 6 years. The last 4 years I have been starting my own seeds and growing a bigger garden than before. I have made many of the mistakes you have mentioned and even if I didn't I enjoy the reminder as I forget from year to year. Love your channel, Luke.

[@Earthy-Artist]

That's great! You remind me of my own parents! Mom 81, Dad almost 83. They're the most active people I know of, even more active than people half their age. When my husband and I vacation with them they can be challenging to keep up with, all they want to do is go-go-go! They travel, drive long distances, long beach walks, fishing, constant activity, much of it physical. I'm glad I have their genes!

[@Rocco25.6]

LUKE HAVE YOU EVER COME ACROSS ANY ONE THAT HAS USED DUCK TAPE FOR RABBIT DAMAGE ON A YOUNG APPLE TREE????

[@Earthy-Artist]

@@Rocco25.6 I'm not Luke, but IMO I don't think that type of tape would be a healthy thing for a tree, and might possibly girdle it. Perhaps put a loose-ish tree collar around the base of the tree trunk instead, which goes slightly past where the rabbits are damaging it to block them. Rabbits with a taste for trees, that's a new one I haven't heard before! Rabbits can't reach very high which is good.

[@mandy3486]

You inspire me! New hobbies in your 70s means life long learning happens. :)

[@Rocco25.6]

@@Earthy-Artist the snow was about a foot high for then to sit on and eat Leaving lots of dropping as a note of thanks to ME! LOL

[@The-Merchandise]

Write with mechanical pencil on discarded mini blinds. The graphite from the pencil won’t ever fade. As a runner of neighborhoods it’s common for me to see and scavenge a set of mini blinds. Lifetime supply of cheap labels that don’t fade!

[@lynhyslop6933]

Just be careful using mini blinds. Many cheaper ones have lead in them. When they break down from sunlight, their dust contains lead.

[@Earthy-Artist]

I do use the UV marker along w/plastic plant label tags for my own garden starts and for plants I direct sow outdoors. But when I sell starts at my garage sale, or giving away I used wooden popsicle sticks. My friends and family save them up for me throughout the year.

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

This is genius

[@katie7748]

​@lynhyslop6933 I recently learned lead isn't nearly as bad as They want us to think it is....but who knows how true that is...

[@rappermc]

I'm going to suggest that if you don't know how true it is, you didn't learn it, you heard it. Why pass around misinformation? And who is "they"?

[@elizaC3024]

I so often start 2x the amount that fit in my beds, so it allows for oops, weather, watering,or fertilizing errors. So the extras will bed held in pots as back up. Having extra food production is not a problem, it's a blessing to be shared. 😊

[@PlasBachGarden]

The great thing about gardening is that there’s always something new to learn!

[@mudpiemudpie785]

I only use a humidity dome up to germination, like a heat mat--especially for seeds that are not planted deep or covered with soil at all.

[@sociopathmercenary]

The only mistake I make is assuming that the weather is ever going to cooperate here in Ohio. 70° in February... Snow in April... Always keeps us guessing. Thanks for the videos!

[@VanillaCoke64oz]

Same up here in northern Mi

[@bhalliwell2191]

Multisowed two 72-cell trays with three onion seeds each, at least in theory (for sure there was some uneven sowing.) That's 144 cells with three seeds each or 432 onion seeds, sown three weeks ago and as of right now, there are cells which are showing *nothing.* Possibly some seeds were sown too deep or possibly I simply missed those cells as I was sowing as the sowing medium is very dark and onion seeds are small, kinda irregularly angular and black and even with glasses my eyesight isn't as keen as it used to be, but the point is, those trays have some empty spots. Very glad you've talked about humidity domes; did those *one* year, no more. And I am glad and grateful that you've mentioned starting "too many" plants: I get chastised by non-gardeners for starting far more seeds than we can plant and grow, and those people who are given the surplus starts are happy to get them. An elderly gardening neighbor on a fixed income was very pleased to have our surplus lettuce plants to put into his own garden. Other years, it's been pak choy, kohlrabi and...h'mm. Didn't record it, but I know there was another vegetable. Many thanks for all you do to promote and enhance and support food gardening! Much gardening love from Ohio! 😊💚💚💚😊

[@tristaperkins7112]

Woohoo!! The resurrection of Grow Big or Go Home!!

[@dawnbaldi2389]

Thank you for talking about the heat mat. This definitely helps!

[@ErikaLynds]

An effective mold preventative on seedling trays s to sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon right after planting the seeds. Cinnamon is a natural mold inhibitor and it won't harm the seedlings..

[@cynsationalcontainergarden4911]

Wonderful tip. Thank you

[@bearboosi]

I'm a new gardener and I'm so glad you talked about the quantity of seeds you start, like how how can't really have too many but it's easy to not have enough. This eases my anxiety about starting as many seeds as I am right now. I have a huge garden area to fill so I better get to it! also OMG the humidity domes... curse them and their hairy fungus they produce... I think I'll try not using them from now on lol

[@kimbailey742]

Wish I had seen this sooner. I have a mess 😢 4 peppers out of 72 came up. I just had to reorder seeds, and I feel defeated. I'm not sure what I did. Last year, everything did great. All new seeds, same set up. Idk. Guess that's gardening. Thanks for the tips. Super helpful.

[@artistlovepeace]

Your channel has and keeps teaching me a lot about making a better garden every year!

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

Regarding permanent markers, I found that labeling the lower portion of the tag and then burying that under the soil surface keeps the sun from fading them. Just pull the tags up a little to read them. I reuse my tags, sometimes within the same year, so I don't want the marker to be truly permanent, and this helps me control when I erase them.

[@jennifergertler2377]

I can't believe how many mistakes I make in my seed starting. I've made it harder on myself than it needed to be. I own a dozen garden books and have never seen the information presented in your videos. Thank you!!!

[@sheliaheverin8822]

Last year I grew every plant for my garden from seed except one cherry pepper plant (that was an impulse buy and I'd never grown them before) and some extra parsley for the swallowtail caterpillars (I didn't plant enough). I am going to attempt the same thing this year. So much cheaper than buying starts (even from the Amish greenhouses).

[@francestaylor9156]

Letting soil dry out was really key for my first year starting seeds. I had no idea what I was doing and because of that they were the best starts haha.

[@KevinSmith-gr3rf]

keeping a google sheets diagram of my 72 cell trays is huge for mapping my seedlings. keeps it simple.

[@jolenegatto399]

I’ve grown tons of starts but this was my first year using heat mats. I haven’t seen this info talked about in any other video and I was making the mistake of keeping them on too long. I’m so glad I saw this, you may have saved all my pepper, eggplant and fun tomato varieties. Thank you!🙏🏼🌱😊

[@martinmercerjr8615]

This is my third time asking you about heat mat, My garage is still cold, no heat. You said to take seedlings off the heating mat, as soon as they sprout up. I did that, my tomato plants looked pretty good. But my pepper plants looked like they slowed down. I don’t why! I think it is because of my garage temperature

[@daniellean5769]

He explains this in an older video about heating mats (look up heating mats and humidity domes)- different plants/veg like different temps. Maybe, plant them in separate trays so that you can keep the peppers on the tray longer. Because, you're right, they may have slowed down due to the temp. I apologize if the advice wasn't helpful. i'm learning, too. ❤😂🌱

[@nancymcmillan3890]

Try cutting strips out of plastic sour cream containers. Use a Sharpie peel-off china marker (Home Depot). They will never fade.

[@elizaC3024]

Always learning from you, and I have been gardening for over 40 years. Keep the lessons coming.

[@Boringcountrylife]

Even though I placed a huge seed order this morning.... I just went back to the webstore to grab those UV markers and a couple other items this evening.

[@the_hammstead]

Great information as always, Luke! I find a little oscillating fan also helps with seed starting indoors.

[@pattishelton3169]

Thanks for this video. I bought a heat mat and I’m so glad to know now how long to leave it on. So much great information. Some info I know some I didn’t know, love learning. Thank you!

[@lisamorris4232]

Yes I agree when you use the domes the moment one seed sprouts you pretty much have to remove them or the seedlings get leggy too!

[@dianabasinger731]

You're very encouraging Luke so that we don't give up when we make mistakes

[@wvnanaskitchenandgarden]

Second year gardening and I hate humidity domes. I always learn something new from you . Thank you

[@The_Duck_Pond]

lol … I just purchased 4 more 2” tray holders as my pepper seedlings (2.5 inches) are requiring a bit more space due to foliage. Same growth rate but I just want more airflow and even lighting. End of march I’ll be planting tomatoes and eggplants. Zone 6a

[@Jules-pu8zd]

Cool. I have been growing for years. Only doing my own seeds for a few years and have had issues with the mold and bugs so won’t use domes this year.

[@katieyungen1647]

I'd love to see a detailed video on how you set up the grow room that you are in while making this video. Perhaps I just didn't see it in the playlist? Thankyou for your videos, appreciate you!!

[@captainlonag3678]

Usually with the humidity dome, as soon as my plants germinate and start to sprout there first leaves it immediately comes off. For me it just helps quicken germination

[@LoriWingerBordessa]

Thank You!! Can't wait to get my supplies from your store including the UV marker!

[@jellybean378]

I just discovered your channel. You seem very knowledgeable and explain things well. Thank you!

[@StoneAgeDudemanGaming]

Ive found that i like to stress my tomatoe seedlings to get them nice and leggy. With careful deep transplant from my seed starter blocks to 3 inch pots about 3 weeks after initial planting, i can guarantee a strong root system since tomatoes are magic.

[@crosingstone]

Im new as well and have been enjoying your vids thanks for your time and help to the community

[@maryloublouse8578]

QUESTION ... A lot of what I want to order you are out of. When will you be getting more seeds in ? Also how do I figure out shipping on non seeds like the fertilizer & seed trays ? Thanks !! Love your videos !! 😊😊

[@Kyahsgarden]

Oops I started a lot of crops in my tray but they're outside now in Florida almost ready for transplant 😊

[@AvroChan]

The peppers I got from you 100% germination 😆 i was amazed considering they came across the border to Canada. 🤩

[@happyhobbit8450]

Why? Do they zap them or something? I got hemp seed that doesn't germinate! Going to go more local -- Vanderhoof BC area. I heard whispers but ...

[@rachelleworkman3377]

OMG - beans & squash - I always direct-sow. I made the mistake of starting indoors ONCE. :D

[@helenpenner9899]

Gonna be 3rd year trying seed starting most of my container gardening and 1 raised bed in a small rectangle fenced in space 😀

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Boy is this coming at a great time! Trying a new seed starting mix this year and have just today gone back to my old one. Every thing with the new organic store bought medium went moldy with no seeds sprouted.

[@CassandraNoyes]

I recently read a tip for starting tap root veg in toilet paper rolls then transplanting without root disturbance. Ever tried this method?

[@jenny-hamel]

This will be my third year - my first year was actually fairly successful, but last year I had a hard time with storms and very little production. I'm going to plant SO MUCH this year so I have the ability to keep the strong bebes and give up on the ones that just aren't doing anything 🤣

[@hollykrupinski6727]

Two green thumbs up. 😄

[@ammiedoering4205]

When do you turn grow lights on? After germination, or during germination?

[@michellebackus6424]

Thanks for all of the great videos! First time seed starting and I had put a loose piece of plastic wrap on my trays, no heat mat, flower seeds. After 24 hours there is a faint amount of white fuzziness on some of the cells 😮. I took off the plastic right away, and I see a few teeny seedlings. (Gomphrena seedlings) Do I need to remove the cells where I see the fuzzy or should I sprinkle cinnamon like another commenter suggested? It's 120 cells of the same plant, different colors.

[@mountainshire]

Love your videos; they are very informative and helpful!! What planting mix do you use for your green stalk planters?

[@martinjensen3087]

Bought your book and I love it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge here and in your book.

[@VickiTarsagian]

Another great video! With your help I will become a gardener in no time 😊

[@MIgardener]

You got this!!! ❤

[@dalegaa4094]

I ordered one of your mushroom kits. I've grown them from kits before but the kits always came with growing medium that was already inoculated. Since your kits don't, could you make a video on how to prepare the medium and inoculate? It would be a big help.

[@rebeccawolf3196]

Thanks! i am going to be an expert with all the info on your channel and I haven't even started gardening yet! Lol. I am soaking it all in. Stay tuned.

[@MIgardener]

You got this! Happy gardening!

[@alexanderquan5991]

Thank you so much for providing this content! Exactly what I was looking for...as of you read my mind. Ty!

[@davidisaacson9328]

I say, use the humidity domes. But once you see seedling sprouts...time to take it off. Domes help contain moisture...so you're not having to water as often.

[@cavy5300]

New gardener here. So far I’ve just grew wheatgrass for my Guinea pigs and I’m starting a Polka dot plant. I think I would like to grow some lettuce indoors next. I like the idea of growing what you eat. My indoor space is limited though mostly just got a spot here and a spot there….. got any idea for plants that love, love why to hot outside because in a couple of months outdoor space will be 100-110 F or hotter for about 2-4 months. 😿 oh, and the cool nighttime temp also way, way too hot maybe like 70-85 F

[@mercurybard9794]

Thank you so much for the knowledge. My plan this year (my second year trying) is to try to start half my plants inside and direct sow the rest.

[@MIgardener]

You can do it!

[@teresagiacomini332]

We don’t have a greenhouse and our house is quite cold (in the 50s on cold days). We don’t have central heat at the moment. I’m worried that if I take the heat mat away I’ll stunt the growth of my tomatoes & peppers. How would you handle?

[@Chief_Reux]

Starting beans indoors, thanks for sharing. 😆😅🤣😂🙃 Mistakes are fun to look back at and laugh about, not so much when you are in the middle of it though!

[@litaclayton946]

Oops!! I was watering my basil starts because dry on top just as you brought out overwatering. Checked the bottom and they are literally dripping 😢 Hope they survive 😮 Thank you for this great point ❤

[@Suky7777]

Great video as always! I have started my onion seedling a little over a month ago, they were growing fine until i trimmed them. They still grow, but the tips are turning yellow. Everything else looks good but that. What could it be?

[@joyceswansey8116]

Thank you for the heat mat information.❤

[@MIgardener]

You are so welcome!

[@jenniferhoy7544]

I always wondered about the grow big or go home vs grow bigger. I like both but why did you decide to change it? Love your channel and seeds!! 💕

[@MIgardener]

It’s just shorter and means the same thing. :)

[@patricecarter5096]

What kind of soil are you using for the starter seedlings....I use garden soil for pots but there are so many big wood junks in there...another question, I have expired Tums, aspirin and some supplements and I read I could use that for fertilizer....what do u think...thank u always enjoy your videos

[@VickiZ]

Thanks for ask these great tips! What is your opinion on the root powders or root tone? Does it work on seeds or just cuttings? TY

[@chadworkman2073]

What kind of grow lights do you use

[@maryloublouse8578]

What is the right time to pull off the humidity dome ??

[@Cocreatewithus]

When your first seeds sprout

[@Higginsangel]

Just planted geranium seeds Feb 26. Most are just popping up. So if I can see them coming up I should remove the dome?

[@thebestduofr1210]

Yes

[@rytoniowendolini2793]

Question: How long will seeds normally last? Last year, I had a horrible experience with nothing turning out even from seed. I assume if a package has been sealed and never opened it should last a long time compared to a package that was already opened? Fellow Michigander here!

[@hoosierpreppingnurse]

In 2022 I planted 4 pumpkin seeds dated 2008. Three of them grew. It depends on how seeds are stored. They should be stored in cool dry place. I believe it should be dark also. I keep the seed packets in a jar that has a tight fitting lid in my bedroom closet. I’ve had great experience with seeds starting that are 10 plus years old.

[@elizabethlane8690]

And some seeds store longer than others.

[@helenmcclellan452]

Great tip, thank you!

[@MIgardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@AmateurVegGardenersUnited]

I needed to see this today. Thank you! 😅🌱🌱

[@amandaturnbough5430]

I have kept my heat mats on because my seedlings are in the basement and it's only about 60° down there. I don't trust space heaters for heat and I know some of my plants need it above 70 °. So am I still doing wrong by keeping my heat mats on?

[@moduqueRN]

Great information. When is the right time to remove humidity dome after starting seed?

[@cendal665]

as soon as you see the first sprout

[@MIgardener]

As soon as they germinate.

[@moduqueRN]

@@MIgardener Thanks! 🙏🏻 😃🤙🏻

[@moduqueRN]

@@cendal665 Thanks!

[@skittles9970]

I would love to have some of the smaller cell size trays in a smaller size.

[@jimfalls1326]

Are grow lights special lights or are the just fluorescent 4 to 6 foot fixtures?

[@ZachSwena]

Sometimes we have had to start beans indoors, but only at the time when they would be started outdoors and transplanting them as soon as they come up. (This was due to pests eating the germinating seeds prior to emergance)

[@GainingDespair]

Growing food can be quite expensive, it's not always cost effective if you want to do it properly. Anyone can simply plant something and hope it survives, but it takes time and effort to truly make it thrive. Gardening, in my opinion, is more of a labor of love than anything else. I've never bought crop plants from stores because it can be too expensive. There are ways to reduce the cost of gardening, but it can still be challenging to make a profit from gardening unless you have enough land to make the margins work. The only plants I've ever purchased from stores are fruit trees. They make sense to me, and I don't mind spending $15-$35 on a fruit tree that requires little effort and can last for decades, compared to buying 5 fairly mature tomato plants for just one season.

[@ChristyThorington-zp6dx]

I purchased that same shirt, but for some reason the white is pink! Mustache have washed it with something red lol 😂

[@OneBrightLightTN]

When starting peppers, it says it takes 7-10 days to germinate. How many times should I water the seeds during that 7-10 days?

[@susanlockinger749]

It depends. They should always stay moist while germinating, but never wet. If you cover them they will stay moist longer. Only water right before they are going to dry out. I have a spray bottle and spray the soil with water when I see the top is going to dry out, then when they start growing I water from below.

[@The-Merchandise]

I bottom watered mine in a tray. The potting mix was super dry. I lightly sprayed the tops with water too and left the trays submerged in the tray bath for 5 days (it didn’t absorb all the water so probably had too much water) but once I removed the tray from the excess water it was about 10 days later when the peppers germinated. These were older seeds so I expected slower germination but it worked out. I actually overseed each cell and then carefully pick out the extras with a pocket knife and lift them/wedge out into other empty cells. I have more pepper plants than I know what to do with.

[@The-Merchandise]

So I didn’t water again til they started sprouting (15 days from seeding date) I only sprayed some water over them

[@christiekoch4350]

If the bottom is moist, I spray water on the top if it starts getting dry.

[@Cocreatewithus]

Peppers are super finicky in their germination and seedling phase. Peppers can take a week, or 2, or even 3 weeks, to germinate, even with a heat mat. It's very frustrating. Don't dowse them with water, just keep it pleasantly moist. Water from the bottom if possible using trays.

[@F40-c4i]

Uv marker great tip.

[@MIgardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matthewkheyfets1309]

Morning!

[@jgray7131]

Thank you❤

[@kristantaylor1087]

What's the trick to get seedlings out of the small rigid tray?

[@trishbishop3923]

My seeds are not germinating well. I have various seeds and same problem. Damp Soil, seeds, watered, dome put on and all on a heat mat, grow light above. On during day, unplugged at night. I plant 2seeds per unit and when they do come up I transplant out into larger pot and into another area with grow light. I leave rest of seeds under dome and on heat mat because they haven’t sprouted. What might I be doing wrong?

[@smhollanshead]

Try sprouting your seeds in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag on a heat mat. Then at the first sign of sprouting, transplant the seed into the soil.

[@Cocreatewithus]

Important question: what seeds are you trying to germinate right now?

[@Cocreatewithus]

Don't transplant seedlings until they have at least 4 "true" leaves. Leave them there in their cozy space, turn off the heat mat, take off the dome, and let the rest of the seeds take their silly little time. No rush. Don't disturb the soil looking around for seeds that aren't sprouting.

[@francestaylor9156]

Really depends on how long it’s been and what seeds you’re trying to grow. Check the # of germination days on the seed packets. Some seeds take weeks to sprout. My parsley took 3 weeks. They’ve only just sprouted.

[@trishbishop3923]

I’m at 1 week on eggplant seeds, 3 weeks on pepper seeds, 3 weeks on kale seeds

[@safetytraining409]

Please help!!! My baby onion seeds look like they just fell down overnight. I keep the area at about 70. I have a fan on them. A t12 grow light with good lumens and Kelvin. WHAT HAPPENED:(

[@Stankiem83]

What do you suggest if you have mice eating your seedlings in your greenhouse? So frustrating to start a flat then come back and see disturbed soil and the seedlings gone.

[@francestaylor9156]

Barn cat.

[@MirtaHernandez-f8o]

Can I start the seeds indoor without a grow light? I have the heart mats but no lights. Thank you 😊

[@thebestduofr1210]

You need light, any sunny windows?

[@sunshinensprinkles9322]

Just walked into the laundry room and took the zucchini and tomato starts that have popped up through the soil off the heat pads. Left the others. All under grow light. Thanks!

[@tommielourogers4327]

The zucchini plants are going to grow huge fast so start thinking about where you are going to put them.

[@ndbg46881]

How do you get those seedlings out of those little cells? I know you do more than the average gardener. I opt for bigger cells just so my seedlings don't get stressed.

[@angelicajinx180]

Awesome video! Took my domes off!

[@acd1235]

Our gardencenter typically have way too many plants and have to put them on sale. Because I pitied these plants I frequently end up with way too many plants in addition to those I started myself.

[@easygrowinggarden]

When can we expect the coco coir to be restocked?!

[@MIgardener]

Early March :)

[@parkerlamonica2661]

It’s a bit ironic I did the same thing with bush beans last year, learned my lesson about just sowing them directly lol

[@joyceswansey8116]

I give my extra to friends and family.

[@xJuiCYxxJaYx]

Anybody ever start carrots in peat pods and then put those in the ground outside when the weather is appropriate. I only water once when I have a dome because like he said the moisture doesn't leave

[@casual454t1]

So, Luke, what are your views on the government now stopping or fining people from home gardening now? Should we get grow lights for inside? And how will it effect businesses like yours?

[@Stacey-tb6vq]

I am growing tomatoes and I put more than one seed in my solo cup and I have to many in the cup

[@cendal665]

you can gently dig it out and put it into another cup

[@jorgecintron481]

OK Mr. perfect. What do we need to do?

[@corymonroe7343]

Yay new video! I bailed on one of Jacques videos lol

[@lynnmartin1548]

I have had issues with the use of humidity domes. One can never know if your seeds are rotting until time passes and nothing comes up. It’s a total waste of time and money.

[@rivkafountain305]

you BIG BRAIN