My NEW Favorite Seed Starting Method 🌱🌱🌱

[@southernyards2152]

3 years now battling cancer. In so grateful to have found you a couple years ago. Have watched many of your videos. I was grading the backyard for a Chicken house build when I got my diagnosis 12/20/20. Enjoyed seeing Matt come to see you for your chicken house. By God's Grace, I will beat cancer. Get the chickens and start that garden. I'm 60. Divorced and have 2.5 acres in near Birmingham Al. My son is 10. I'm going to leave him some good things to know how to do that I hope he'll make his Lifestyle.

[@kevinscott2258]

I will pray for you bud! Stay strong! I’m sorry your going through this. I know you can beat it!

[@aprillightcap500]

Kevin, your followers might want to check on something in their area - I live in central Fl, and here in Fl many of the local libraries have seed libraries that provide free seeds for both vegetables and for some flowers as well. The repackage the seed in small quantities more suitable for home gardeners who grow just a few crops. Here you can get up to 5 packs of seeds at each visit and each pack will have maybe 10 large seeds or more of the smaller types of seeds, but enough to grow several plants. This way everyone has a free resource if they want to try gardening. When you pick up the seed packs, you just let the librarian know as they keep up with the seed inventory and replace them when they get low. I get seeds here every Spring and I think it's a great idea.

[@GardeningWithCoffee]

Great tip!

[@beccabee94]

I live in central Florida and I had no idea! I’ll have to check it out

[@miriamrobarts]

There are seed libraries in my local public libraries in California, too.

[@balletworkout1]

I’m in southern DE, my library has a seed library. I love it!😊

[@meljordan220]

There's one in Albuquerque New Mexico also!

[@bognotes]

That seed storage though. More organized than my life.

[@epicgardening]

Honestly, samne

[@deborahandrews9728]

@@DanceswithDustBunnies I was just going to say that...lol. this is so nice that I did it myself.

[@dallasculvahouse9122]

perfect! I was just going to ask!!

[@racheljoy_z]

Got this idea from The Impatient Gardener, and have seen several other gardening channels using it recently. I'm a novice gardener and might need to get another case already. Makes me feel so professional. I got mine at amazon.ca

[@thomasb8800]

@@racheljoy_z Which one did you buy ?

[@Donna_G]

I like those trays. I have grown tomatoes from seed way back when I lived in Ohio and found a pack of seeds stapled inside of one of my mom's subscription magazines. I don't remember the magazine, maybe Good Housekeeping or Better Home and Garden. I planted them in regular old potting soil; I might have also used some dirt from my mom's flower beds. I didn't have grow lights or grow trays. But, there was a window above the kitchen sink with a good size window sill. Most of the seeds sprouted; maybe 60% or so. By the end of May, I was able to plant the tomato plants outdoors. We had a lot of tomatoes that year. My mom made a lot of canned tomatoes.

[@frankdavidson9675]

i do it the same way you do it it works i try to keep it simple i use lttle cofffe cups 2 spoons of potting soil with 2 seeds to the cup i use a balll point pen to pick up i seed use the blunt end have a damp napkin handy touch the pen to the napkin ten to 1 seed it stick to the pen place it in the cup 2 to a cup so you know if they all sprout as they add some soil this way you dont have to keep changing to diff size cup it dont disturb the roots im 87 been growing tom. many years

[@gaillam9574]

This is the real way to start a home garden. Thanks for the great story🌸

[@c.l.888]

Do seedlings need direct light or shaded light by a window

[@Donna_G]

@@c.l.888 I think it depends upon the direction the window faces and maybe how cloudy it is and what the ambient temperature is. My parents' house in Ohio had the front of the house facing west and the kitchen window faced east. The cloudy days helped to diffuse the sun. Also, mornings were usually cooler than afternoons. For some plants, a south facing window might work. Before I moved to where I'm at now, my kitchen window faced north and the houseplants that I had at the time, thrived.

[@Ladythyme]

I just use a few old dishpans in which I place small bathroom cups with holes poked into the bottoms... and fill with that year’s choice of dirt. Has worked great over the years.

[@Michele-z4k]

Yeah no need to get fashionable trays and soil. They didn’t have them back in the and my dad grew wonderful vegetables.

[@nathansquires5551]

The madman stood on the seed starting tray 😮. Also a tray I don't have to use my pinky to pop out and worry that it will break every use... and made in America... truly the best channel around.

[@kristoferholloway5851]

Did he say the name of the manufacturer?

[@nathansquires5551]

@@kristoferholloway5851 Nope, he doesn't say the manufacturer just that he sells them on his website. He has the link in his pinned comment. Have a good one.

[@kimberlysmith258]

And they are sold out!! I think Kevin sells alot of items he uses personally.

[@nathansquires5551]

@@kimberlysmith258 yes, he does. He also has a lot of followers 😁, who buy what he recommends. I am sure he will restock. Good luck!

[@bryansiepert9222]

No, of course not. Then you wouldn't have to buy from him :|

[@absurdnerd7624]

A tip for the grow lights...hang mylar sheets from the back and sides. Mylar is highly reflective. I use snack or chip bags because they are free. I used to have access to the bags from toner cartridges which are significantly larger.

[@karenr7931]

I use reflective car windshield shades. They came from $Tree.

[@tommymckiddy7872]

The industry standard 6 cell is a thermoformed polystyrene tray. What you appear to have is an injection molded polypropylene tray. It's a much sturdier design. I work at a factory that actually makes flower pots with both these processes.

[@escapefromny2012]

Yes, but the price difference is insane. Standard black plastic cells 2 cents per cell, these are 42 cents per cell.

[@doityourselflivinggardenin7986]

@@escapefromny2012 He showed the really cheap ones when he compared them. I have some inexpensive ones from 25 years ago that I am still using. I don't need to stand on my planting cells. They are nice, but too expensive to be practical. Some hydroponics stores sell good ones that are much less expensive. They also have heavier duty trays.

[@Redline131313]

How do I find these trays? Can't find them

[@kristenstocks8112]

@@Redline131313 He linked them in his comment at the top.

[@Redline131313]

@@kristenstocks8112 I went to the link but it brings me to an American site that won't let me past punching in a zip code because I'm not American and can't skip it lol. Can't find them here anywhere in Canada from what I've seen

[@debballon]

There's a moment in your life you realize: "I should have watched this video first before diving into my plant obsession." And that is me, today. huhu Thank you for the video!

[@Kalistane]

That makes two of us!

[@wdj3698]

Literally how all my new projects start!

[@ChrisPaul7]

Literally

[@sometimessnarky1642]

My phone and KZbin taunt me. I come up with an idea, take action and less than forty eight hours later KZbin recommends videos on that very thing.

[@hhiippiittyy]

Sometimes the info becomes more available and workable when you can fully grasp it's relevance and context. That's what I like to tell myself when I take too long to learn important life lessons. ;)

[@noxfox3706]

The fan is such a good idea, it's like making a little gym for the seedlings to train and get stronger!

[@ishalvarado]

Another way is to pre moisten the seed starting mix with boiling water. The hot water will kill any fungus gnats and their eggs that may be living in the seed mix. After you sow the seeds into the moist seed mix, then you can bottom water. That way you avoid moving the newly sowed seeds around and it'll help avoid a fungal/bacterial outbreak by preventing soil splatter. Happy gardening!

[@bryanjames5256]

I've recycled fruit and veggie trays for seed starting treys. Even use the plastic cover, and that extra humidity seems to help with germination. Got some organic seeds, and started some Romanesco, Texas Bird Peppers, and African Jelly Cucumbers among some other things. I work at a grocery store so I get all the goodies that they want to throw out. Your videos have been a great help the last 2 years. Thank you.

[@gopatus]

I have been indoor gardening for years to support my aspen tree breeding habit. You have taught me invaluable lessons to experiment with those sexy well-drained trays, shorter flats and pointing my fan at my plants as part of weening/hardening them off...

[@steelemicrofarms6346]

So I'm not sure if those trays will go outside or stay indoor but something I've started doing is sanitizing the soil with boiling water to kill nat eggs to avoid that issue. I have an indoor grow room and i used a store bought soil which i didn't sanitize and ended up with nats all over. Loving this containers. Also great video as usual.

[@christopherbaby3842]

The Bob Ross of Gardening. Happy Little Seeds. Please make a video for every seed tray you make!

[@denisebrady6858]

Kevin Thank You- you are the first person I have watched (over 7yrs of watching channels) that has said to sterilise your pots etc that you are going to reuse. I learnt that years ago & have done that for years. Well Done mate for bringing it to peoples attention as it is so important. Cheers Denise- Australia

[@doreenwells3903]

Been watching you for a couple of years now and have learned so much. My garden has gotten bigger and more diversified. Even grew beets and bok choi last year for the first time! Live in northern Utah so long winters but so much fun to have a garden since I’m 73 and still going strong. Thank you for your channel and knowledge.

[@cristalgreen7556]

Tomorrow I'll be starting with seeds for the very first time, so this was perfect timing for me! I've only ever grown tomatoes in the past and never started anything from seed. Your videos have been very helpful to help me prepare for the next step. Thank you! I'm even more excited to get started now.

[@jacquelinebaxter6420]

Me too

[@bosslady2002]

Me too.

[@KRscience]

Tip #1: Dump your entire bag of potting soil into a plastic tote, add some water, stir, and put the lid on. You'll have evenly moistened potting soil the next day. Tip #2: Use a normal seedling tray (the kind with lots of holes in the bottom). Fill a large plastic tote with 1-2 inches of water and dip your seedling tray into it for 10 to 20 seconds. You'll have much better control of how much water the soil absorbs with this method. Soggy wet soil is the #1 killer of seedlings.

[@ColeSpolaric]

I break so many of these rules and still have great success. I only plant 1 seed per cell since i find germination rates are usually very high. I don't use a fan because i live with someone who has a mold allergy (the kind found in soil). The biggest problem I've had is covering seed that needs light to germinate. Even when those do germinate, they don't do well. Figuring that out allowed me to have much success where i previously struggled. I'd much rather see a 10 cell tray in the future. As i saw someone else say, when do you see seeds come in packs of 72, etc.

[@ThisAbledVet]

I’m 35 years and just started diving into plants and gardening. I don’t know how it started but now I’m obsessed and want to learn it all. It’s never to late to find something you will enjoy. Wish I would of started sooner. So far I have black raven and Boston fern and man am I enjoying it. Today I plan on doing my first germination, can’t wait! Thank you so much for your knowledge just your setup alone is impressive.

[@jessicacamp3266]

Love those seed starting trays 😍 Empty strawberry containers are a favorite for starting plants they're like little mini greenhouses with great drainage

[@sylviaw.1584]

The plastic spinach containers you get in the food store work great too.

[@JamieBainbridge]

To fill your seed trays with a lot less mess, you can scoop out the bag using the seed tray 👍

[@RizuSama]

Keviiin, please put these on sale with lower quantities! Like a six or a twelve pack, please, for us small gardeners. 🥲 They look ✨ a m a z i n g ✨too, and of very incredible quality, so good job on that!!! 💕

[@MsSwitchblade13]

Yes for us apartment city dwellers who can't have that many plants 😭

[@mountaincreekhomestead]

EXACTLY!!!!! INSANE

[@JWHealing]

Agreed. Too big a commitment to just try them out, since I already have other pots too. I guess I'll look into soil blocks after all.

[@kparran79]

Just started some tomatoes in the middle of a mini blizzard, it always feels so strange when there is snow on the ground and I'm planting seeds lol

[@juliegarceau7326]

Hi Kevin! I ❤ your channel. In fact it's the only channel I'm subscribed too! Long time gardener but always learn new things from you! Thanks for all the info. Just started my peppers here in CT. Daffodils are coming up. Our first sign of spring! Can't wait to try no till raised bed method. Thanks again cutie!

[@iamzen8425]

@@juliegarceau7326 its not like we can see all the other channels your subscribed to

[@agood1]

@@iamzen8425 lmao!!!

[@Joelle9360]

What month do you usually start your tomato seedlings?

[@kparran79]

@@Joelle9360 usually late feb.(now lol) and under a grow light. But it really matters where you live, plan it so that they will be big enough to go outside when your nighttime temps are consistently above 60 degrees. Basically plan for 6-8 weeks of indoor grow time that will end right when it warms up for good in your area.

[@markm1514]

This year I've been using 3oz disposable cups with holes poked in the bottom with a small screwdriver, set in plastic kitchen drawer baskets that fit 12 of those cups without much wiggle room. It makes it easier to deal with potting up or transplanting at a small scale, and spotty germination doesn't leave your tray half full so you're not wasting space on empty cells.

[@le.c.3111]

I never start with a dry medium to start seeds in....always start them in a damp mix. The soilless mediums are very hard to moisten once they are in the cells, with the risk of displacing the seeds...

[@cheriekalel9578]

I was taught to wet my potting soil, too, as I use the trays with the wicking in them, and it keeps the water in the soil more evenly.

[@pyramidion5911]

@@cheriekalel9578 the guy in the video is always so busy telling everyone else how to do things he doesn't learn anything himself.

[@ronferraro6261]

This video is a thumbs down for not using damp soil.

[@TheRainHarvester]

Yeah I set pots in a tray, water the tray, let it sit to sprout any old seeds/weeds, then plant much later after the soil is warm.

[@cbjones2212]

@@TheRainHarvester I make my own seed raising mix with homemade compost so your tip to wait for weeds to germinate first is a great idea. Thanks!

[@kRis-rn6so]

How refreshing it is to learn about growing plants (that covers everything green) during this pandemic. 😷😊😷 Growing hope.......

[@thetomboytheory]

Officially obsessed with this channel! I only found it yesterday and the wealth of knowledge here is remarkable.

[@marceybull]

I totally understand - That happened to me last year! ... (And now I"m back for more; unfortunately behind schedule as usual : )

[@ashleys7631]

Yep after about four years of doing seedlings I discovered this method as well in addition to winter sewing these two are priceless methods

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I bought some 12-cell seed starting trays with individual watering trays and humidity domes on Amazon. They were 10 of the 12-cell trays for around $25. I ended up buying a total of 40 of the trays, so I can start 480 seedlings for about $100. Pricey, but the humidity domes are making it so I only have to water every 2-3 days instead of 2-3 times per day, and once the roots grow I can bottom water. Totally worth it for me, and they are reusable. They even come with short plant tags that fit under the domes. Increased my germination rate significantly.

[@heathermitchell4294]

Thank you, Kevin, for helping gardeners like me. I'm a newbie, but thanks to you, I think I have set up my first raised bed, a fabric one, properly!

[@CamirrasKitchen]

i think its easier to premoisten the seed starting mix in a bucket them add it to the cells. i think it is faster and more consistant.

[@judylee1860]

This is the most thorough vide on seed starting on the internet. Thank you very much.

[@dustinlight4716]

I'm really curious to see a side by side comparison of your new trays and soil blocks. I went in on a soil blocker this year to save money on trays and for the good of the environment. But I like anything that recycles and takes plastic out of the landfills as well. Those look nice and sturdy!

[@epicgardening]

Soil blocks also v. nice! Just a bit of extra effort at scale but nothing against them!

[@kristydoman3434]

Yes I dislike plastic also. But I feel a lot better about it if it is sturdy and lasts a long time and/or many uses.

[@nanatrish7771]

Kevin, I have used these 6 pack trays for several years. In my first year of gardening I bought seedlings to get started, and here in NZ most seedlings are sold in such trays. We also get seedlings in similar individual pots and I use these for larger plants. I now have a collection which I rotate constantly. For my family of two, I will even plant 2-3 different sowings that will germinate etc at the same time etc in the one tray. As the trays usually have 4 slots for labelling it is easy to label for the different plants. These two methods mean I don't have to plant on. I have also used the bottom water system. It has definitely paid off in our current summer with its current 32C degree heatwave. I keep my seeds in a 40 page flip photo album.

[@ronrover6594]

One word: SOIL BLOCKS ... ok, two words. Everything you just described is possible with soil blocks without all the plastic as well as way healthier seedlings. My experience after 5 years of commercial growing - I sold all my seedling trays. Thanks for the video, I love your work!

[@RexySmith]

what mix do you use for your blocks?

[@ronrover6594]

@@RexySmith I make my own mix using coco coir and compost

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

I love soil blocks!

[@wendyperez8714]

Soil blocks are the best thing I've ever done. I also make my own seed mix with coir and compost. No plastic trays and cells to store, better root systems, super easy to transplant fussy-root vegetables. I've never looked back.

[@evanlanam2993]

yup plastic sucks dont buy more folks

[@dinosanchez8528]

You and David the Good are my favorite gardening channels, great job thank you!

[@amynelsongreen3243]

I love using 6-packs for seed starting. I agree that it is much easier to move them around in a tray as things grow at different rates. Easy to keep faster or taller growers together, etc. Also as a home gardener I usually grower fewer numbers of more types of seeds, so it works well there too.

[@leynaabbey]

I pre-soak my seed starting mix. Place my seeds on a damp surface. Cover them with dry starting mix, and then spray the top.

[@cherylanon5791]

Better yet, pre-sprout seeds on a damp napkin (or piece of cotton/linen muslin). Check every day for germination. Plant in soil as soon as germination happens!!! Don't wait-- the little root is very delicate.

[@teecee4459]

@@cherylanon5791 that's not better, waste of time and more chance for mold or other things to go wrong. can achieve perfect germination and growth the way Leyna described. It depends on what you're growing, but for sure any leaf lettuce, spinach or mixed greens, as well as cilantro, green onions, and much more will work perfectly without adding any additional steps or procedures.

[@kylegustafson6914]

Listen I've got other youtube channels to see the dangerous stuff like standing on planting trays on top of tables! But WOW at the strength of that thing!

[@kw8532]

Thanks for introducing these trays! I’d love to know more about the first days of seed starting. You showed how to plant seeds, the first watering and introduced the idea of domes and lighting, to be used with these great flexible 6-pack trays. Can you share or post a video of what unfolds for the next week: How are you checking for water, moisture level? How are you watering and venting what you’re growing in the different trays? Why and how are you adjusting the dome, and lighting? How do you do this when working with 12 x 6-pack trays and they are sprouting and growing at very different rates with different watering needs? Would love to hear more!

[@earl-grey-milk-tea]

heads up that if you want, you can harvest kailan when it's young! baby kailan is more tender and a less vegetal/grassy taste to it, it's fantastic with scallop sauce and lots of garlic

[@mrsamvideo]

Also definitely try the stems - at least in Chinese cooking that's more sought after

[@commonlaw5400]

Just finished potting up seeds in my EPIC 6 cell trays. The quality of this product is -what's beyond EPIC?. I am very impressed. They will last me the rest of my life I'm sure. They were a pleasure to use as they are very stout and don't bend from weight when picked up. Thank you for an excellent quality product. Looking forward to bigger sized cells in the future.

[@fugueine]

An easy way to soften the bean seed coat is to pour boiling water over them, wait for the water to cool and plant! Had great results with blue lakes and lupine flower seeds.

[@nates2778]

Randomly found your channel and I am grateful I did! As a new gardener, I have found tons of vital information in your videos. I just ordered one of your books and cannot wait untill this last frost leaves our area. Thanks for your informative and inspiring videos!

[@juliasamuels7]

Cai Lan came in my order of Asian vegetable seed collection!! I ordered from a local gardener off Etsy. I’m super excited to watch it grow. The trays look boss. I will probably include it in my greenhouse of weird. Currently my jam is using plastic egg organizers from the dollar store lol. The lid and everything makes like a solid humid environment to get my seeds going. I tried with a seed cell once and the material really only worked for one round of seeds. I’m clumsy and rough so most tools need the full armor of God dealing with me.

[@ianvaldez3886]

Doing all baker creek tomatoes this year! We are super excited. Seedlings have been germinating almost 100%

[@edwardsjarje]

Who else is chomping at the bit to start our seeds? Yep, me too.

[@thames21]

I am actually waiting for some aglaonema tricolor seeds. Really hope I didn’t get ripped off, and really hope I do well!

[@clarissamiles]

Ughhh, IKR! Looking out of my window in Chicago right now watching as another 7-11 inches of snow is falling, I'm so ready for Spring!!!!

[@Yohina1989]

just did that today!

[@madhumenon]

The word is "champing", not "chomping".

[@edwardsjarje]

@@madhumenon either one can be used, depending on what you mean. I used chomping intentionally because it deals with food. #seewhatIdidthere

[@buckonono7996]

These are the trays I use and I LOVE them! Perfect in every way. I have the clear domes and and bottom trays. I have a three tier hydroponic shelf where I grow greens and mini peas in my house. To do my outside seed starts I use the Epic trays with the bottom tray and they fit beautifully in the boxes on my shelves. When they germinate I use the dome to hold them up to the light and it fits in the bottom tray securely. Everything does really well and I don't have to buy starts. The ease of popping the plants out using the holes on the bottom is efficient and the plants come out in perfect condition. Can't say enough about how well made these products are. Clearly designed by a gardener.

[@veronicag1057]

Heyy Kev, I hope you're well! You surely are helping me cultivate my green thumb, thanks to you I FINALLY got the courage to start some seeds for the first time🥳 I've got a ton of tomatoes, some cucumber, lettuce, brussel sprouts, and a few more. Very excited to see the results 😁👏🏽

[@epicgardening]

Excited for you!

[@happyheartgardening]

I Agree with you about the pea seeds. I just grew a six pack of the snow peas and all six germinated with me directly putting them in soil and no soaking. Grew under my grow lights inside and transferred out to my greenhouse after.

[@jameswoodgate6477]

Hello there

[@imjonesy5239]

Wow! I have those same storage units for my seeds!!!! I think they’re actually for photos, but they rock for seeds!!!

[@bosslady2002]

All I can say at this point is,I have spent a ton of money to start preserving and canning veggies,etc. For the 1st time.and now u have convinced me to use seeds vs. nursery plants to start my garden,this too will be my 1st time starting from seed. like I said,with all I have purchased already and what it has so far cost me in jars etc. my garden better produce.(lol).I am being positive.cant wait to purchase my seeds.however can not afford to by the trays so have been saving egg carton ,gallon jugs,etc.will drill holes in them and hope for the best.

[@nahnisjourney1406]

WOW!!! I am thoroughly IMPRESSED with the strength of those seed starting cells!!! I hope I can afford some of them. PS. Yes, I know I’m an entire year late watching this video, but it is jut finding its way to me. 😊

[@elliottpeabody1287]

Get ready for a shock! $60 for 12 - 6 cell trays!!! $5/tray

[@chrisvanderwoerd9932]

I wet the seed starting mix in a bucket and mix it with my hands before putting it in seed starting trays. Then I spray it with water to level. After planting the seeds, I spray the top with a fine mist.

[@RJRJRJ26]

00:34 exactly what I did, buying 72 cells tray was a huge mistake for me.

[@RJRJRJ26]

@Ei Dirst yup, I using it nowvlike you said but when I bought it for the first time, out of curiosity and hastiness I sowed seeds in all 72 and it was not good . You learn by doing mistakes, right

[@julieedwards380]

Yes that was my thought, the ones I’ve been buying are pretty easily separated without having to even cut them apart. The new trays look nice but with how much I’m starting that’s an investment

[@jeffcarter1641]

I started my garden with seeds for the first time this year. I wasn't able to get your trays this year as they weren't in stock, but I am looking forward to getting them for next year's garden! Thank you for the video and amazing content.

[@BrandXBabe]

Loved this!! I’m making an attempt at a garden this year and haven’t started from seed in a while. Great refresher! Thank you!!!

[@joelciardella6080]

I know this is an older video, but I'm trying out seed blocks this year. So far I'm REALLY liking them. Seems like transplanting will be so much easier too.

[@Wolf-xu1fj]

God bless the guy who came up with the double tap 10 second video forward option, I have never tapped so much in my life

[@ldg2655]

I want you to do a Vlog on your seed storage method... including what, where and how much.....super impressive!

[@FarmLifewithKids]

Kevin! I’m so excited for my 2021 garden!!!! Trying to juggle 6kids and two jobs, I WILL make it my mission to make this years garden my best yet! 😃 I ordered all my seeds from Bakers Creek and I will be documenting and filming my experience and process! Can’t wait. My seeds should be arriving tomorrow 😁! I’d mean the world if you watched and have your opinion when I do post that content next month. Anyways, thank you for the inspiration and great content! From Southern Cali Zone 8b 😉

[@joeking3057]

I’ve been saving my containers from a dispensary and I think they would do well as a makeshift seed tray. Glad I saw this video

[@anthonyshea5946]

Perfect timing, gunna be doing this in two weeks. Great pointers on lettuce and spinach, struggled with that last year and I know why now. Thank you. Awesome content!!!

[@GrowWhereYouArePlanted]

Thanks for keeping home gardeners in mind. I have been searching for reusable, durable, small seed-starting trays or plugs. I only have .25 acres, so I don't need huge nursery seed trays. I haven't found what I needed until now. I just ordered some. I can't wait for them to arrive so I can start my spinach, lettuce, celery, and flowers.

[@pd6569]

Kevin, thank you for the part of leaving the lights on for 24 hours; I was under the impression that I had to give the seedlings no more than14-18 hours. At what point do you reduce the 24 hours of light? And when you reduce it, how many hours do you reduce it to?

[@epicgardening]

I would reduce to 16 on and 8 off about a week before I planned to transfer them outside

[@toddkelsey2794]

Hi Kevin, thank you for your channel. I have been gardening on and off for years and i am still learning and your channel is awesome.

[@joanholland3438]

Here we go! Can’t wait to start my seedlings even for my 2 cats I have some seeds to grow for ther catnip.. 😆

[@kristydoman3434]

Aaaawww loved kitties. ❤️❤️❤️

[@shadowlair8261]

I grew catnip for my mums cat last year and you can guess who wasn’t interested one bit :)

[@mai6553]

I'm planting catnip for tea blends and making friends w neighborhood kitties!

[@agood1]

Im going to grow lettuce and carrot tops for my birdie. My dogs will eat the carrots!

[@madeline569]

Omg that's such a cute idea why did I never think of growing catnip before!

[@j.reneewhite915]

I just purchased the 6-cell trays. I'm so excited. I love the design. I really wanted to find something I can use year after year that I don't have to buy in bulk. Thanks for making this available.

[@matthysloedolff]

I think I just found my new favourite seed starting trays. Those trays look so sturdy and high quality that they may become family heirlooms! Haha

[@epicgardening]

That's the idea!

[@sandykincaid7576]

Where do I find those heavy seed trays

[@knighttaylor4272]

That compression test on the 6 slot seed starters was unbelievable wow

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Kevin, have you ever tried soil blocks and if so what was your experience with them?

[@heartsandmindsathome]

Not sure what's more impressive - the trays or your balance! Ordering some today 👏

[@takishasallbeautyzone]

The mom in me..."Kevin! Get down from there!"😄. Those seed starting trays look great. I wish they came in slightly bigger sizes. Maybe they will in the future. But I can see how they would be great for most seedlings.

[@kimberlyd317]

Wow! Love the methodical approach ❣️❣️❣️ I had forgotten the benefit of grow lights giving extended daylight to help fast forward seedlings

[@LaurasAura333]

Hey, Kevin what about pre-moistening the soil in a bowl so that it’s all evenly moist before putting in cells? 🤙🏼

[@malindamoore6103]

My thoughts exactly!

[@epicgardening]

Yes I would say that is probably a slightly better method

[@matlogan7501]

I do that as it almost has a water repellant quality when dry

[@LaurasAura333]

Mat Logan yesss I agree, it takes quite a while to soak up water from bone dry

[@matlogan7501]

@therealz 360z never needed to do that. How often do you find mites? What product do you use?

[@Vivacior]

New on TikTok...the seed-starter "crate" challenge! All kidding aside.... As an experienced gardener, I find this video to be excellent! Very informative for up-and-coming veggie-geeks. 2 things: 1. Once you get good at starting from seed (and it's not too hard, really - just need a good grow-stand), you are on your way to growing some great varieties. Heck, one summer I took it upon myself (living in NC) to grow tobacco, cotton, and peanuts...just to see if I could. Answer: yes i did, and yes they all produced! (cotton has beautiful flowers, btw) 2. I have never ever seen someone grow radishes in a grow-container...would love to hear the story behind that. 🤔👍 Cheers! JerBear in Charlotte

[@courtneycheek3407]

In the past couple videos, Kevin gets excited when he sees worms and I just think that’s so precious!

[@negra_cucurumbe]

I’m moving from San diego to Illinois and I want to start my own garden out there. I been watching your videos a lot lately thank you for creating this channel ❤ very helpful and instructional 😊

[@reginalai3597]

The seed tray looks REALLY nice and I would love to buy it, but even the 24 pack is way more than I need. If you sold in smaller quantities (maybe a 6 - 10 pack), I would buy it immediately! If you could sell it at smaller quantities, that would be awesome :)

[@epicgardening]

I will keep that in mind!

[@julianamorales4548]

@@epicgardening YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!

[@j.reneewhite915]

Regina, You could purchase the full 24 pk and then resell what ever you don't want to keep. They'll sell fast.

[@margaretgadwell6831]

Go to Lowe's

[@Aelanna]

I just bought some of these trays and I'm very happy with them. This year I am buying extra heavy duty versions of everything. They are pricey, but well worth it. I'm tired of the cheap trays and cheap 10x20s that fall apart quickly. I bought a set of these (2 trays worth) and Mega Heavy Duty 10x20 trays from Greenhouse Megastore, and now I'm set for years. I only bought one set to try them out but I will be getting more to fill all my trays.

[@CraigCrossley]

"My little makeshift water collection system" - Uhhh....Kevin...that is a full-sized garbage bin! Haha I love the practicality and can't wait to see the future rain collection barrels set up.

[@RizuSama]

You know what they say... someone’s garbage bin is another’s water reservoir treasure! 😂😂😂

[@michelifig6356]

@@RizuSama don't knock it, til you try it😉

[@RizuSama]

@@michelifig6356 trust me, I ain’t knocking it at all 😂💕

[@ritawahn6934]

Gardening in your slippers, a man after my own heart!

[@catharineorellana3522]

ULTIMATE work from home!!! (and he's so cute I wouldn't mind seeing him, as my neighbor, walking around his garden in the morning in nothing but jammies & carrying a mug of coffee. "Howdy, neighbor!" WOO!)

[@zainabnasir6963]

This was such a helpful video, Kevin! All of your videos are helpful, but this seemed way more pragmatic for someone who's short on space and starting seedlings indoors. Thank you for your expertise and wisdom!! Happy Gardening!

[@higgy8030]

I have learned so much in just 24 hours of binging your videos

[@traxmom]

"And voila we have our viola!" 😂

[@epicgardening]

LOL

[@jameswoodgate6477]

Hi there how are you doing today?

[@ourv9603]

Next week I am starting 16 tomato plants. 12 for me & 4 for 2 neighbor ladies. I use the double solo cup method. After 8 weeks, I'll deliver to the ladies the plant starts in their solo cups, but mine will be transplanted into growbags. I set my growbags in dishpans which I pour 2" of Miracle grow tomato food mix 18-18-21 to bottom water. !

[@StefaniStevensBand]

Hurry, tell me 🤣🤣🤣 I planted beet, radishes, lettuce and celery. The radishes and beets came up in 4 days on a heat mat and a cover. Let’s see if they survive!

[@eandrgoodwin]

I thought radishes were a direct sow seed?

[@StefaniStevensBand]

@@eandrgoodwin Anything I can get to come up now, or I’m attempting. The garden boxes are getting the 3 layers to re-fill. Last year I didn’t have much luck with direct sowing anything. I think it’s the soil 😫

[@elmerbefuddled2156]

Very helpful video. 👍 Had no idea how important root aeration is for seedling growth. Makes sense though, last year I tried root aeration in large outdoor vegetable planters & the technique created big bushy healthy plants w/lots of production. I noted below how to do it if anyone is interested. (Loosely layer bottom of planter with clean scrap plastic like crushed water bottles or crushed plastic plant pots. Along 1 planter side, insert 1 piece of 1"-2" diameter white plastic conduit pipe. Cut it to the depth of the planter sidewall, but no shorter. Cover scraps & pipe with 1 layer of landscape fabric & tuck. Fill planter with garden soil; do not cover the top of the pipe - leave a few inches exposed. This allows air to circulate down through the pipe, to the air pocket in the planter bottom & up through the rooted soil.)

[@sedrekzgadzaj9878]

I want to put my plants outside but Texas just had a crazy winter storm. SNOW IN TEXAS!

[@epicgardening]

stay warm!

[@ofpine]

I'm in texas too theres so much snow

[@Roosaurus]

*laughs in Canadian*

[@ManufacturedCrises]

Tennessee too! So bummed ☹️

[@joebobjenkins7837]

Its all that global warming.

[@tommymckiddy7872]

I'm thinking about putting my lettuce in my okra and corn rows just to provide them with some shade to stretch it out. I know that I'll eventually prune the okra where it doesn't provide enough shade, but I don't expect the lettuce to last all summer no matter what I do.

[@dawndawn6946]

Love those starter trays! I need them! I’m glad your table didn’t flip over on you when you stood on it. 😣 Almost gave me a heart attack.🤣

[@mydancinglife730]

Dude, you really are epic, greatly enjoy your presentation style AND I picked up two good tips. Like the trays, too...cheers!

[@ihopeugrow]

Can’t wait til u get your puppy!!!!

[@ne.laser_jon]

I’m up in NH and I’ve actually started using 4” pots to start my seeds and I keep them in that pot till they’re ready to go in the garden. This way I’m not risking hurting roots to move them from a cell to a bigger pot. I have a short growing season so it’s important for me to get my plants started early indoors

[@laurafedora5385]

Just started some onions today, I’m in zone 5b, so too early for most of my stuff to start. Good idea about watering from the bottom

[@NorthlandSLC]

I now only bottom water. Keeps soul flies down. If you keep one plug open in the tray you can see the water level and makes it easy to add water.

[@jfm14]

I'm in 4b/5a. Somehow I managed to never grow onions despite working on several veggie farms. I'm going for it this year with some New York Early seed. It's on this weekend's to-do list!

[@jfm14]

@@NorthlandSLC Great tip, thanks!

[@jinde75]

I can recommend the sili seedlings starting trays. It's made of silicone and it's flexible. It also has 6 cells. They have them in multiple colors. I have four now and some narural rubber trays.

[@KanyiriGrows]

Here in UK I think I started mine abit early for spring sowing..now kale and collards seedlings looking like they have already had enough of this life at 6 inch tall 🤣

[@epicgardening]

LOL

[@ttb1513]

Moistening the potting soil mix before putting it in the trays works well. The mix can be hydrophobic and harder to get evenly moist once in the tray along with the seeds.