3 Biggest Mistakes When Starting Seeds Indoors or Outdoors // How to Avoid or Fix Them!

[@farmerchick3040]

For treating a fungus nat infestation you can water with diluted hydrogen peroxide. It bubbles up and kills all the larvae. They plants seem to benefit as well from the oxygen. It works great for treating lots of soil problems like bacteria fungi or bugs.

[@dougbas3980]

So, details please. What is the mix ratio? Spray on or bottom water? Thanks

[@Marice51]

What concentration?

[@farmerchick3040]

Saturate the soil with a 2% solution. If you spray the leaves for fungus you have to dilute it 50% with water.

[@mpineyro77]

Mix ratio please

[@karenreaves3650]

@@farmerchick3040 Thank you.

[@evieporter2500]

One tip I use is to plant my seeds in clear 5 or 9 oz. cups, I can see exactly how much moisture is in each cup! I Start with the 5 oz. cups then replant in the 9 oz cups after two or more true leaves develop. This enables me to keep an eye on root growth and moisture. From there it’s just a matter of the size of plant moving onto whatever size cup or pot you desire, or out into the garden after hardening off. I also sprinkle a little cinnamon on the soil surface as I am planting my seeds to keep down fungus gnats. HAPPY GARDENING!

[@gretchengrow213]

I like the clear cup idea about being able to see the roots and moisture I'm going to try it

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

I am mainly using 16 oz and 24 oz clear cups and using 9 oz clear cups for a few types of plants.

[@ouch2925]

I do the same but I use a clear cup in a red solo cup to keep it dark in the root zone

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

@@ouch2925 I have not heard that the artificial light will hurt the roots. Do you have any sources that indicate that the light is bad for the roots? Or are you just being extra careful?

[@bayswampkennels6386]

@@Well_I_am_just_saying I transplanted some pepper plants from 72 seed cell flat into plastic cups some red solo some clear. Ones in clear cups noticably started growing slower and also leaves developed a lighter shade of green.

[@lukejo45]

I'm glad you made this video seems nobody else really discusses this topic. This is by far the hardest part of gardening.

[@alicelaber2068]

Is hardening off discussed in one of the videos?

[@lubavukadinovic5752]

Deep gratitude for these tips, it is a crucial ⚠️ problem. Price is dramatically increased. I was surprised that nobody else was paying attention. God bless you for sharing

[@Sense2024]

I slept through it

[@MelbaSee]

@@Sense2024 Your loss 🤣

[@Sense2024]

@@MelbaSee

[@MaZEEZaM]

I have to say. It’s very hard to stop watching these videos, I learn so much from them.

[@veronicaallmaras6290]

I use sand on top of the potting soil to prevent fungus/mold from getting a start.

[@FrugalAggie]

Wow! Never thought of that! Thank you! I will try the sand.

[@ericaredline2960]

You are my hero! I’m totally going to use this!

[@FrugalAggie]

Most places that sell sand only have it in 50 lb bags which is WAY more than what I need. I found on Amazon a 5 lb bag called Mosser Lee ML 1110 Desert Sand Soil Cover. Price $4.98 if you have an Amazon Prime subscription.

[@Karen-mb4ko]

About how much sand do you use on each plant?

[@FrugalAggie]

@@Karen-mb4ko What I read is enough to cover the top of the soil. I just started a couple of days ago. Took awhile for the sand I ordered from Amazon to arrive.

[@donaldhagen1173]

For the gardeners that have the problem with when to know when to water. I use clear dixie cups and that makes it so easy to when soil is dry and also how the roots are developing. Really enjoy the videos.

[@RealEstateReps]

Do you poke holes in the bottom for drainage?

[@Fg4e]

I live in apartment so I do what my kids used to do, egg carton and a old bread bag lol put it on top of the fridge and it's good. I check on every now and then. I also use a craft/popsicle stick or and old pencil to check the moisture.

[@Ali-nx8gh]

I'm going to try that! Better than spending money on equipment my first go-around. Thanks for the tip.🌱😊

[@charcounsel4432]

This was my first year of indoor seedling starting. I learned: 1. I over water. 2. I waited too long to transplant to a bigger pot. 3. Beans started inside don't like to go outside. 😅

[@Sg4809]

You can start beans inside, I've done it but what ive learned is make sure you wait until its warm enough outside and move them in and out of the sun from the very start! They will like moving outside with no problem, also make sure you use the biggest starting pods you can get because they grow super fast !

[@OWK000]

Beans are really a summer thing

[@Zinnias2go]

charcounsel don’t give up! It’s a learning curve..greens beans can be direct sow. Try some outside 👍🌱🌱🌱

[@SIERRAnBC]

Beans (or anything that doesn't like to be transplanted) - start them in tp rolls (make 3 or 4 small cuts on one end and fold in to make a bottom), fill with dirt & plant the seed. Stand them in a bigger pot so they don't all fall over, & when it's time to plant them outside, unfold the bottom flaps, peel the cardboard up a bit to loosen it, and plunk it into a hole in the ground. Just don't start them too early because they grow fast.

[@jiaunmew878]

Yep, I noticed that bean are one stubborn plant.

[@adsoclasally8684]

You can also use a toothpick to check the moisture level, like you're checking a cake with a butter knife, if it's a tiny container or big fingers 🤷‍♀️

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great idea!

[@curiouscat3384]

oh I like this suggestion!

[@JasonOfTGA]

Most of the factors there can identify with from trial and error over the last few years of my noobiness. Great to see someone putting forth information to try help others get past the frustration hump.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@naomisims7230]

I started gardening 3 yrs ago & knew absolutely NOTHING. I've learned more from my mistakes than my successes, but give all the credit to the successes to Bryan's videos. I've experienced increasing success each year. It really is a good thing not to become discouraged. My first year, I lost every tomato seedling I bought to fungus disease before any blooms formed. I thought it was my fault, but later, after studying up on it, & a call to the place I bought them from, I found out the bought seedlings were already infected with a fungus disease before I bought them. The seller admitted he had received many calls such as mine & offered a refund. So EVERYTHING isn't always your fault! I HATE to lose even one plant. I almost feel like a mother to my "babies", & I'll do everything I can to not give up on a plant. I even HATE pulling up plants that have made finished their time of production! Keep on keeping on! Thank you "Next Level Gardening"!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Wow. Thank you. That means alot!

[@gmvalentine626]

"I feel like a mother to my babies" LOL, I can totally relate. I don't even like to thin seedlings by plucking some out.

[@ssmy5701]

Thank you. I tried seed starting 2 yrs ago with no luck but I didn't have any grow lights, place to put them in enough light or etc. SOOO, last year hubby bought me some shelving, grow lights, heat mats etc and everything I tried to start germinated. It was a hugh success, Every morning when I got up, I checked on my babies to see how they were doing and if they needed anything. Actually, I started too many seeds and ended up throwing them away... boohoo I still have tons of snow on the ground but seed planting is coming soon unless mother nature gives us some surprises.

[@axeldread2979]

I have listened to many seed starting videos this spring and yours by far was the most complete. Thanks for sharing your tips especially on when to plant. I am in zone 3 and your info on seed starting 4-6 weeks for certain plants was spot on by my experience. Thank you for stating the obvious as not all information is obvious when it comes to getting a good start to gardening!

[@countryroads190]

1 teaspoon Neem oil and a few drops of dish soap to a sprayer, then spray on the soil for fungus gnats is the best idea I ever heard. I started my seeds just yesterday - last frost around 4/12 for my area. Fungus gnats are the 😈 for me, though. I have sticky paper and will soon mix a quart sprayer with Neem to deal with the gnats! Thank you!

[@tonymeluzio2346]

I also use Chamomile tea as an antifungal that has worked pretty good. Brew I cup and put it in a squirt bottle, fill bottle with water and mist.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Nice!

[@nanarose3496]

Tony Meluzio do you mist the soil or plant?

[@leorickt.9604]

@@nanarose3496 soil

[@tonymeluzio2346]

@Nana Rose349 yes the top of the soil with a spray bottle. Sprinkling Cinnamon on top of soil is another alternative.

[@samwillis7265]

Will this work for the little white gnats?

[@beachday4439]

I like putting a little black kow compost in the bottom 1/4 of the seed trays and the neutral starter mix on top. So at first it's sterile and good for starting seeds and then when the roots reach the bottom they get some nice nutrients to keep going.

[@ah7438]

I reckon you should have been a teacher, you sure know how to put over your subject in an inspirational way. thanks a lot Bryan.

[@joanbrown1377]

Thanks for the good info. Especially about fungus gnats. 👍

[@jennhoff03]

On how I wish I had watched this one sooner! He just summed up my last few years' struggle with damping off and fungus gnats and overwatering, even with just my houseplants. Wow!

[@thumper347]

Great info. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I have 39 out of 45 seedlings going now and they are almost 6" tall with nice thick stems. This is the first time I've been able to get them this far without dying off. Thank you again for all the great info.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Awesome!!!

[@rronaldreagan]

California Garden TV can you adress the opposite problem we have in southern countries/regions? Leaving seedlings in direct sunlight kills them in 30min. They start to bend until they are comoletely horizontal on the floor. Mind you its sunny and warm here (25°C on the shade, 32°C on the sunlight)

[@jennhoff03]

@@rronaldreagan I live in Houston and I totally know what you mean! All the books say they want full sun, but those little guys can't handle the scorching, direct sun of the south. There's a process called "hardening off" where you start bringing them out in bits. I'd put them out in the shade for an hour a day and slowly get them used to the heat. Also, I'm not an expert on this, but I noticed that almost every website says "full sun- 6 hours." Where my family had been planting was actual full sun, like 12 hours. So this year I put them in partial shade that gets 6 hours of really hot sun but then shade the rest of the day. And they're doing pretty well so far! Fingers crossed! The south is just a different kind of climate than most of the guides online.

[@maggidull1952]

@@jennhoff03 I believe you meant "hardening off" not damping. Yes?

[@jennhoff03]

@@maggidull1952 Yes, thank you!

[@iammamasan]

When I first starting pepper seeds indoors, I didnt know about lumens and Kelvin Temps, but I did know that leggy seedlings came about due to red light and leaf production was enhanced by blue light. So I used blue lights and I ended my leggy seedling problems.

[@24-Card]

Can’t overemphasis the importance of the fan! Thank You!

[@mikeshusterman6018]

Great Videos, and easy to understand. I too realized I was over-watering in my greenhouse. You never stop learning with gardening.

[@sherryhelling2446]

I like that he explains simple things like how to see if you are over or under water by using examples. Most experts say don’t over or under water but do not explain how and why. Thanks

[@stu53jp]

My tomatoes damped off in the greenhouse. I’ve been gardening for years but must have been getting by on luck. It’s about time I learnt something and I really like your videos for that.

[@ocwhiteguy85]

Peat moss and vermiculite work well to start seeds too

[@JC-cu4ek]

I'm in southern Ontario (Canada) and my melons are already in the ground - covered at night. I found that putting my covered seedling tray in front of or on the heating vent keeps the soil nice and warm and allows for a great selection of seedlings.

[@audreyyoung6133]

I luv your needed advice,may God continue to bless you!

[@judelainegazes]

I recently came across your channel. Thank you...still learning here at 71!

[@jacquelineanthony881]

I learn something new every single time I watch your videos. You are amazing. The way you explain things is so professional.

[@christina1336]

I just started some seeds inside this past week and I am hoping and praying and talking to them that they'll germinate. This is my first year of trying anything. I still have time to buy pre-started plants if mine don't grow but I REALLY want mine to grow.

[@markdodd9777]

I'm so glad I found your KZbin channel. This is my first year planting a bigger garden and taking it serious. I've had small gardens years ago that did so-so. I just threw the plants in the dirt and hoped for the best. This year I'm doing a garden with 350 plants and after watching just a few of your videos I've learned so much! I know this will be a great year. Thank you!!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Wow! That's great!

[@BaloosCluesOriginal]

Brian is awesome. Season after season I rewatch many of his videos. His journey has been amazing to watch.

[@ptcreations8947]

Wow! I am trying to do more than tomatoes and green beans this year. 😊

[@PaquiCamus]

Same here. Just throw the seeds and hope for the best. Total failure. Then I started paying more attention to time zones in Australia. November and December, no germination at all! This year I have paid. more attention to zones and I had success in planting and getting coriander, Bok choy, pak choy, and tatsoi. Success about 70%.

[@earlwallis2067]

I've gardened for years, followingadvice instructions, forget the others. Brian instructs in layman terms. go-to gardener.

[@ABamaGardener]

I catch myself doing this all the time. I call it OVER MOTHERING LOL "Oh are you thirsty, Oh are you hungry. Here ya go little one. UGH. Now I try to catch myself and be like the Huggies commercial with 1st kid and 2nd kid. Oh the plant looks thin I guess I better feed it. Just that type of thought process saved many of young seedlings. Just think 2nd kid.

[@jennhoff03]

That's brilliant! I'm doing vegetables for the first time this year and I keep going outside just to stare at them lovingly. ;'D I did it for like 20 minutes today, just examining them to see if I could find a problem to treat. ;'D

[@ABamaGardener]

@@jennhoff03 Hi Jenn, So glad that this is your 1st veggie garden. It's a beautiful thing to watch something grow that you place there yourself. If I can advise 1 thing is to not think of issues as a problem that needs to be "killed". Rather think of it as an "indicator" that something is not right with your SOIL.. Plants have been growing for billions of years, they know how to do it. Feed the soil and the plants will take care of themselves. Enjoy the ride. Check out my soil biology playlist for help.

[@Ali-nx8gh]

I've done the same......with plants & kids.🤱😂

[@LiliAquinas]

@@ABamaGardener just subscribed to your channel. You have a lot of great stuff! Thanks!

[@ABamaGardener]

@@LiliAquinas Thank you very much. This means a lot to me. I can't video but I hope I've created go-to playlists of all the wonderful channels being created. I try to keep it current, updated, and full of information that makes sense and that I have found to work.

[@dopapier]

So clear, so fluent, so intelligent. Thanks.

[@raydel5732]

Brian , You are an answer to my prayers. Two / three weeks ago you stated in one of your videos coffee grinds can stunt our plants. Well !!! 4 weeks before this video I started all 60 or so vegetable seeds in my home made potting soil (Peat moss, perlite and vermiculite -- "And were off" -- Every body was doing well 'till I remembered used coffee grinds are a good source of nitrogen therefore I mixed into the growing plants (and more new starts) plenty of coffee grinds. -- Yup you guessed it . That is when I asked The Father " Heavenly Father, why are my plant stunted. -- You, Brian gave me the answer --Thank you, thank you, thank you. -- The following day I replanted all my plants into fresh soil (without coffee grinds) and , wa-la --- Everyone is strong and healthy just waiting to go in to the garden in three weeks . --Thank you much. --Also , I hope and pray all is well with your health. --Ray Sussex NJ USA

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great! Sorry bout the first batch though!

[@PaquiCamus]

I have been watching a lot of videos about starting seeds indoors. Your best and most helpful were "6 hours exposure to the sun" and "over-watering". I have just started my trial in seeding=>germinating=> prickling => transplanting. My first attempt: chilli, beans, coriander and basil. 80% success. My second attempt would be lettuce, cucumber, amaranth and Chinese vegetables. I have never done any seedling. I would just try growing directly on the plot, not much attention to zones. I live on the Eastern coast of NSW Australia. usually, most gardeners start planting in Spring(September-October-November). I found out the "hardway" that November is already too hot. My success rate is less than 20%. I am a terrible and hopeless gardener! I certainly, will keep watching your videos to improve my techniques. Thank you.

[@linbat6148]

Didn't know about the cinnamon! Great hint! Thanks!!!

[@MrSkipper13]

Mine happened exactly as he said in this video-I started my very first indoor garden, with my very first seedlings, and as predicted, I failed to do my homework first. Alas, i'm on a monthly budget, and have to wait till next month for the lamp, and then later for the heat mat. Also need to remember the plastic tote. It appears that can help as well with warmth and moisture ( miniaturized greenhouse).

[@champagneshore5256]

You’re awesome! I’m a SD gardener so I am so happy I found your California gardening channel.

[@MyTi824]

Can’t wait to start but I know I have to I’m zone 5. I’ve been gardening longer than you’ve been alive, but your never too old to learn new tricks, and I did. Thank you. Glad to find your channel.

[@laurazavala7409]

Hi Brian! Thank you so much for your tips. I started new pepper seedlings about a week ago because half of my first batch did not germinate😞. I was sad but I remembered that for me this year is all a test on everything. I must learn how plants behave, their needs. I repotted my zucchinis, beans and big success none died so happy for the plants👍🤗 oh, oh my 2 blueberry plants are fruit now so excited. Blessing to you and family🍓

[@wandawillman5951]

I just want to add my positive vibes to your program. I am sure you have gone thru your medical situation by now but still I just want you to know I am praying for you. God has your answers. God Bless you!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you so much! Yes!❤

[@lauriea8502]

My seedings always damped off. This is the first video I’ve seen that really explained watering. Thank you! I can’t wait to try seeds indoors again.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Good luck!

[@Muffinadventures123]

My seedlings have been thriving because of your videos. Thank you!

[@stevemcnaughton-kb3jc96]

Thanks for the video, I thought I had to enclose the seed tray in aluminum foil with the lights at first, ended up cooking about 1/2 the tomato plants. I did add one of the CFL bulbs above the seed tray, it's a lot brighter then what I had there before, I hope that helps these little guys! I've added the fan to move the air around them now. It's still pretty crappy here in NW PA, but I did take them out for a bit of sun the other day, they all enjoyed the field trip.

[@codycopeland7527]

Thank you for being so clear and articulate. It can be quite confusing the way some people gloss over the how and why these things happen.

[@MontalbanoShow]

You CAN save leggy seedlings! If your seedlings stretch too far and fall over simply tie them to a bamboo skewer with dental floss or string and then place them directly under a grow light. Keep the light about 6-12 inches from the top of the seedlings depending on the intensity of light. There’s also bendable wire specifically for plants if you cant find a place that sells bamboo skewers.

[@karricompton]

I am the poster child for saving leggy seedlings. I did it this year with my tomatoes.

[@ptcreations8947]

Thank You for that.... I had so many beans do that last year. 😢

[@karricompton]

Also with my broccoli!

[@mikkileon6380]

I’m starting seeds for my entire garden this year for the first time. I’m not planning on buying any plants. Over the fall & winter I’ve been buying , studying & researching. I have all my seeds, ingredients & recipes to create my own super soil this year, I’ve purchased well researched grow lights and much more. This video was just what I needed as I’m preparing to start my seeds. Thank You so very much 😍.

[@collard2013]

Good Luck! I did this last year and had tremendous results. Make sure you test the ph of your soil and amend accordingly.

[@lindas9638]

As always, awesome information! We are in central west Florida, well past starting indoors, and garden such as it is this year is underway. Best in there is a big cluster of volunteer cherry tomatoes that came up late last fall which we covered on our several nights of below freezing. We now have already gotten a couple hundred tomatoes! Thank you and God Bless!

[@carolburger7252]

Yup I'm too excited to start from seed and it's way too early where I live. In Pittsburgh we have had huge snow storms the beginning of May! I bought 2 grow lights and they have helped my houseplants get off to a good "re-start". Now I want to start all my plants annuals and perennials. Thanks I'd hate to lose them by nor learning some new hacks!

[@OWK000]

Thanks for the video--good hints. They only year I had good starts was when I took them outside during the day where I made a homemade plastic greenhouse/hothouse situation with just sheet plastic and the frame of an old chair. I brought them in at night at first and if it was really cold but just left them wrapped in plastic at night once they got bigger and under plastic on colder days, unwrapped on warmer days. I had the nicest healthiest stockiest starts ever. That UV light is so powerful and really kills fungus that is damping off. I took them outside even before the seeds popped up, because I wanted that UV light to kill any fungus on the soil. The corner with windows in two directions that I used to use would just relentlessly cause damping off: just like the fungus was jumping off the window sills.

[@LittleOrla]

Oh my gosh. I'm a new seedling mama, first time, and noticed some worrying signs when I checked them this morning. This video couldn't have been more on target. Thank you. ☺️

[@uniquefotos]

Thank you!!! You're a life-saver!!! It's nice to find a community which gives you information and help you through especially when you're a first time gardener. Leggy, fungus, damping off. I have all those problems at the same time. I started long beans in a tray because I am just so excited to buy my first seeds even if my raised bed is not ready yet. In 48hours, 8 out of 10 sprouted. Half died coz of damping off and fungus. The rest ended up leggy. I put them in a shade because here in the Philippines, it is just sooo hot. 30-36°C. It's late when I learned they don't want to be transplanted too but they made it through and 3ft.tall now. BTW, I am using cinnamon from now on.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Great. Thank you Prim!

[@uniquefotos]

@@NextLevelGardening No, thank you!!!!!!

[@karlbyrne1111]

What does the cinnamon do

[@susanbigham2428]

Just have to say. Im in Saskatchewan Canada. I always use my huge south facing window. Since I have to start most things before last frost. I have no issues with this method. My only problem is my tomatoes are going to be planted in their permanent containers tomorrow and i still have 5 weeks before they go outside. Yes I was a little to eager to start this year. BTW cabbage, cauliflower, Kale and 15 different flowers are taking up my livingroom and kitchen.

[@StevePatak]

I started my seedlings in peat pellets on March 12th. I set-up 3 2000 Lumen, 5000K Cree LED bulbs in reflector housings and placed everything on a shelf in my server closet to keep it all warm. I had to transplant all the tomotoes, basil and a few flowers 3 weeks ago and now I am concerned that due to lingering winter weather in the northeast (it snowed/sleeted yesterday) that we are getting close to danger time for them all if the weather doesn't start escaping overnight frost temps soon. Also the gnats are real. Thankfully no damage to any plants yet.

[@melodyclark4347]

Can you try container gardening? I'm in AR and we've had late frosts as well. Fortunately I got things covered and only lost one tomato plant. Cheers.

[@lisagray5712]

I have been gardening for 30 years but I still learned a few things. The right light bulbs, nats, moss growing on top. Thanks.

[@whoisjules.design]

This might be a little over kill, but my grandfather taught me to add boiling water to the seed starting mix. Mix well with a shovel and wait for it to cool before planting, of course. Seed Starting Mix 1/2 - Sphagnum Peat Moss 1/2 - Vermiculite

[@jennhoff03]

Interesting!!

[@LiliAquinas]

My grandfather told me this same thing. He said it was to kill off undesirables in the seed starting mix. Now that it's easy to purchase sterilized potting mixes, I don't think adding the boiling water is necessary, unless you just prefer to DIY, so you know exactly what is in your own mix. 🌱🌱💚💚

[@resarm5007]

You can add boiling water to ANY potting mix/soil to kill undesirables. Other people also heat it in an oven to sterilize. That's how old timers reuse old soil. But if you don't know what you're doing it is best to just start with fresh sterile soil.

[@sweetdoll1pr]

Glad I found someone that help ,I honestly think you have every video when it needed it ,thank you for all your help and I love you share all links to find the supply ❤

[@panterita1177]

Thank You so much for the tip on the gnats. I am having an issue with them and didn’t know how to get rid of them without harming my plants. I have a mosquito zapper and was having a little fun with that but they keep coming back for more 😆

[@cappgunn2426]

We have 100 pepper sprouts, started from seeds. No fatalities so far. All have transferred beautifully!

[@jimmydemetriou7847]

Hello Brian, great video about starting seeds. Very clear advice and the main problems I often have are starting too early (itching to grow stuff) and geting the watering right. Liked and subbed! Thanks XX

[@deborahembry7292]

Last year I used my incubator I use to incubate and hatch eggs to start my peppers, with a light overhead during the day . I am off grid with limited solar power and hate to run a generator, at night I moved them near the wood stove. I couldn’t plant them out, so I overwinter them on the sunniest window sill near the wood stove and getting ready to repot and fertilize this Spring.

[@michelemares8247]

I really enjoyed watching this video. I’m glad that I was able to get some great advice prior to getting my planting started. I’m super excited. I’m growing jalapeños, cilantro, tomatoes, bunching onions, watermelon, and squash! Things my family and I enjoy to eat and cook with. I will continue to watch your videos and I am looking forward to learning much more from you! Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@waynechien-vovietchongmy9724]

Success? Ill bet you rocked it

[@mikemeadows8427]

I appreciate all the help have a hard time getting peppers,just about everything to come up in my basement especially beets.

[@eSheeep]

The recipe for the potting mix is just good for starting seeds (2 parts coir/peat 1 part vermiculite). You'll have to transplant them to a more substantial mix containing nutrients at some point (i. e. adding compost to the mix) or start feeding with a liquid fertilizer. Of course you could always buy high quality compost or liquid fertilizer for that purpose, but it's absolutely no issue to make and use your own HQ compost to save some money. And it honestly isn't that much trouble to sterilize it yourself. I also do my own liquid fertilizers with a vermicompost system, which I use (diluted) on my seedlings, no problem. Just my point of view, as I try to make my garden as self sufficient as possible.

[@Mimeh53]

I started my seeds indoor under lights and with a heat mat, at the end of March and beginning of April. They'll probably go outside by mid May, but our weather is testy in western WA at this time of year so I bought a cover for my 2x4 planter and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will provide adequate protection. This is my first time growing only from seeds, and I'm very excited! There's something about watching the little things grow, and now I understand why my mom got so carried away with her seedling babies. 👶🏼

[@norileewilliamson685]

I have learned so much from your videos. I have always planted plants from Walmart but wanted to try planting from seed. So glad that your health issues are much better now. Thank you so much and keep those videos coming!

[@DianeHasHopeInChrist]

Hi Brian! I watched this video a year ago, as I had problems with over damp soil that would never dry. I tried everything, including a fan. Nothing worked, until I drilled holes into the SIDES of the containers, about 2-3" up from the bottom. That finally worked to "aerate" the soil and provide some Oxygen to the roots. I never had any issues with soil coming out of those side holes. Heck, when I plant any type plant, I put rocks on the bottom to facilitate drainage, and it prevents mold growth too. But the drilled side holes finally worked and in doing that, it saved a lot of Tomato and Mini Sweet Bell Pepper plants. As I live in SE Idaho, on the border of Utah & Wyoming, we are in the west side of the Rockies, at 6600' elevation, thin air, lower Oxygen. Which means, as I live at a high elevation, the sun is closer and burns my tomatoes and Pepper plants, severely. Thank goodness I kept an old pair of white sheer curtains, which I tented over my Tomatoes and all Pepper plants. Heck, Summer of 21', my Sweet Bell Peppers were Purple....dark Purple. But they were awesome and delicious. The Idaho Department of Agriculture told me that the Growing season, here, has shortened by 3 weeks, as our Longitude/Latitude has shifted 5.3 miles to the NW, since volcanic and earthquake activity has increased, worldwide. And is why the weather patterns have become so severe and unstable. All the Ranchers & Farmers were made aware, thus, they've actually had to re-orient their livestock to different times of pasturing, etc. And they have had to change how and when they sow and reap crops.

[@andonemore8077]

that's fascinating, I don't think that common knowledge just farmers and ranchers have been made aware of it but I haven't heard anything about this in the news.

[@DianeHasHopeInChrist]

@@andonemore8077 The "news"? Heck....this fake news media refuses to tell any truth. You should see what is REALLY going on at the border......and all along the west coast. Ironic how east of the Mississippi River is clueless about what is truly happening west of the Mississippi River.....and vice versa. I refuse to watch any American news, as I have been getting truthful American news from Australia, India, England, Germany, France.....well, all of the European news, for a decade. Seems we Americans choose to be ignorant to truth. Any Demoncrap owned news media is paid to squash news that affects Demoncrap politicians. That is why I chose to watch news from overseas, as they are non-biased and truthful. If people only knew......they might grow a brain. But.....alas....the Obama dumbed down era serms to enjoy being ignorant and in denial. God bless you, and stay safe!

[@lizsummers6818]

Though I live in the deep south, I've had problems for years trying to get my okra seedlings started outside despite good weather and soil. This year I started them inside under a grow light and they came up beautifully. It got cold again outside and I wasn't able to transplant them so I had to keep them in their growing cups. They got tall, but I eventually was able to plant them deep into the soil (like you can tomatoes) and left about 2 inches of stem and leaves on top. They seem to love it and are putting on new leaves and all are looking very good. I find that okra is temperamental when started outside. I appreciate your great seedling tips especially about how to water them. Thanks!

[@SanKissJuice]

liz Summers I’m growing some okras in my outdoor garden in Malaysia so it is tropical. Maybe it likes a lot of sunlight and water? It has been raining a lot here and I notice the little plants are growing bigger. I did have to add more fertilizers in the beginning because they were turning a bit yellow.

[@lizsummers6818]

@@SanKissJuice Glad to know your okras are doing well. Unfortunately, we got several cold and very windy days in a row and now my okras are very sick and looking bad. I will probably have to start over with new seedlings.

[@Mona-fd5kf]

Thanks for this info. I learned about the type of soil to use and how to avoid over watering.

[@KeyClavis]

Thank you for the info about the cinnamon. It makes sense since cinnamon is both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, but I hadn't thought about how you could use it in the garden. Wonder how it works against slugs....

[@NPC2_4_U]

I went LED tubes this year- 6500K. Wow, what a difference. I had almost 100% success in every pot. I use 12 0z. solo cups with a hole drilled in it.

[@purrrrson]

I found that I had fungus gnats almost every time I repotted some plants. After some research I discovered that MiracleGro products are often full of gnats and/or their larvae.

[@highstandards6226]

Try taking fresh mix,place it in a pie plate, place pie plate in your oven as its heating up, or cooling down before or after use, for 15 minutes, to kill off those eggs or larvae. Then place each batch of bewly steriled soil into a separate container or bag..easy way to salvage potting soil that *always* costs toomuch to simply chuck every second bag because its contaminated!🙄😎

[@highstandards6226]

Ground CLOVES! *Nothing* can stand those!

[@lilbrit1811]

I just made the mistake of using miracle grow potting soil. I started my seeds, watered them in and covered with plastic wrap. A few hrs later I went in my bathroom and looked. There were nasty tiny bugs allllllll over the plastic wrap! 😳🙄 i took off all the plastic wrap hopefully squishing all of them but then had to put the pots outside which I’m sure is going to make it so they don’t germinate. Stupid miracle grow!

[@dreamweaver8210]

A peroxide solution will kill bugs and purify (clean) your soil. Look up the right ratio of peroxide and water so you don’t use too much and damage your seedlings.

[@lilbrit1811]

@@dreamweaver8210 thank you! I did this and my lettuce and arugula are growing perfectly! So glad they aren’t a loss, I was worried the hydrogen peroxide would kill them but it didn’t. I have another bag of miracle grow that I now know to treat before hand

[@mehrnooshmonabbati5061]

I,M VERY GLAD AND APPRECIATED FOR YOUR VERY USEFUL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION.I ACTUALLY WAS FACING WITH DROPPING OFF AND NOTHING TO KNOW ABOUT IT, IT SEEMS THE RELATING VIDEO I HAVE EVRE SEEN.THANKS AGAIN

[@karenlatham4053]

Great tips! I agree. I really like to read the comments. Sometimes I find good information down in the comments. Being a new gardener, I'm looking for every bit of information I can find lol.

[@imjanies1]

Karen Latham , me too! I grew a few veggies a few years back, but, never got back into gardening until this quarantine. I’m calling it emergency gardening; due to the possible food shortage in the future. My biggest problem that I’m facing is planting the seedlings too early outside and they die off. It literally IS trial and error. But, the one piece of advice I can give you is this: save all of your water bottles. Then, cut them in half, plant your seedlings in the cup with some good soil. Then, cover with plastic wrap. Next, if you have a heating pad, put those seedlings on the heating pad in a semi dark place. Within about 7-10 days, instant stem! This has helped me grow A LOT of veggies!! I didn’t have a heat mat for the seeds and I didn’t have the peat pods from the store, so, I improvised. I had my whole family saving water bottles, 2 liter bottles, to go trays, butter containers and any containers that I could put them in to let them absorb water from the bottom. Happy gardening to you and good luck with the garden. :)

[@cherylhale5755]

This is the year i am experimenting with different ways of growing, since i am still quarantining here in zone 6a. The final results arent in yet, of course, but i have started seeds in potting soil under grow lights, in seed starting mix under grow lights, and winter sowing outside in the snow, in potting mix, inside jugs. I have a mix of super healthy tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings and failed seedlings. I am documenting what works and will report back.

[@SqueaksUofA]

Lots of good tips here. To prevent overwatering, I use the weight method for seedlings so I'm not disturbing the limited soil with my finger. I also use capillary watering from underneath unless I'm feeding. Glad I found your channel, I'll be checking out all your videos soon. Take care brother!

[@punkynoodle9370]

I paused your video and ran to raise my seedlings so that they are 1 to 2 inches under the grow lights (they were much lower...) Just in time! Thanks for the information!

[@grannygct]

Thank you for an informative show on how to start seedlings. I had some issues this Fall but now I know why it happened. Love to watch more of your gardening episodes. Happy Gardening!

[@jeannedesautels475]

Love your tips, new gardener. Did container growing last year, this year raised bed and container growing. I live in Rhode Island, NorthEast. Last year successful with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Basil, Sweet Potatoes. Tomatoes: Many had brown rot at bottom of tomato fruit added bone meal to top of soil and sprayed Brown Spot Spray, helped somewhat...

[@leemullally8774]

Thanks Bryan, this video was very informative and addresses why I have been been having issues with starting seeds. Hopefully I will be able to get some of my seedlings in the garden or it means starting over. Keep sharing the informative videos.

[@paulcullen7794]

Superb presentation thank you especially in Jan/Feb in England when lots of enthusiasts go mental and are crying out for your advice. Will SHARE on the veg growing sites that I am a member.

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

Thanks for all the great info!! I’ve saved this video to watch again next year when I start my own seeds indoors. No more buying starts at the nursery!! Also, I hope your MRI results were positive in a good way.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@markkulyas2418]

Finally found a video that covered everything especially about watering, thank you!

[@barbaraannewer6320]

exactly what I was having problems with! I'm using a tray with a water reservoir underneath I got the seed starting mix that you recommended but I started having algae grow on them pretty quickly. So I will try the cinnamon!

[@karenhart4442]

Thank you. You were a good help. I have had every single issue. I am new at this so my lights suck.... I over water... and on and on. Thanks for all the information!

[@cindypetri7711]

Now I know my failed seedlings were over watered! This video came at the right time. I have a few vegetables in an east facing flower bed and had planned to water again tomorrow before we leave but now will not. We also put up a 2’ clear plastic wind block on the east side and a piece of plywood on north and south side to block some of the strong gusty winds blowing 17- 30-35mph that we’ve been having from the southeast. Supposed be stronger tomorrow. Is this a bad idea to put up this wind block? There is still plenty of air going in there but am I keeping the plant from gaining it’s best strength with this wind block? The tomato seedlings are about 1 1/2-2” tall.

[@maryanneslater9675]

The tip about the fan explains why my drafty porch seems to be a good place to start seedlings. A bit too cool on cloudy days, but I've only once had algae trouble.

[@joanies6778]

Thanks for the tip on the fan. 😊 I went down to the basement and turned the air purifier fan towards my trays. I recently bought my lights at Walmart for $23 each, 4ft wide, 5000 lumens, color temp 5oook. They have worked great! I purchased organic seed starter mix for

[@NextLevelGardening]

Perfect!

[@suzibarlow3611]

Good idea. It is the water getting hot, not the microwanves that sterilize. Smart.

[@jnineneuorpe8841]

Recently? Wow, that's awesome... Was the light LED? I just paid $99 at Home Depot for Black Magic LED grow lights.

[@thomasd.crawford409]

The best instruction video I've ever seen. Answered many problems I have had in the past.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you

[@adrianabshire]

Love the videos! We are learning so much from you - thanks for doing this!

[@vaniad555]

Thank you, I just got my first tomato growing too tall as you mentioned and glad I saw your video, will make sure I give it direct sunlight.

[@CMEly65]

This was great information for me. You answered questions I didn't even know I had, lol.:)

[@BigMeechBurns]

Thanks for the help buddy I don't think I can fix my peppers but now I know what NOT to do! I really appreciate this video

[@juneshannon8074]

Love the music from the movie from “Psycho” when looking at the new seedlings, lol.

[@NextLevelGardening]

🤣🤣

[@mirandab0807]

Right lol 😂

[@sabrinapulley8049]

Lol It got my dog to cock her ears back and forth😂

[@billcat1840]

My cats jumped up wide eyed when the Psycho music played 🤣

[@ZilrenNana]

I bought a seed starter tray with cells/fake dirt at DG. I decided to take out their dirt. I sat the container outside so the rain will water all the cells well, b4 I plant. The dirt NEVER absorbed the water. I dumped out all the dirt and used my own mix of starter plus potting soil and regular garden dirt. I will let it set awhile b4 using and allow the dirt temp to rise to my inside temps. I started alot of seeds with positive and negative results over the years. Starters need a grow lamp, definitely.

[@AVoice2Remember]

Just found you on KZbin and I’m in love. Thank you so much for clear, concise and very informative information (on growing tomatoes, starting from seed). I’ve been a veggie gardener for a bazillion years - you can teach an ole gal a few new ticks 👍. I grow (from Baker Creek) all my veggies and donate out full gardens to organizations and people who love to garden, but might not have resources. This year, I’m teaching and donating out edible flowers too. Question if I may, what and how often do I feed my fruit trees - apples, pears, cherry, and nuts - almonds & walnuts and lastly artichokes ? All were pruned last month and need to be fed now. Suggestions ? I’ve always purchased from: Cottage Farms which has 3 different food bases: an acid base food for citrus, berries etc; a Rose base for all rose bushes; and a general food for others - butterfly buzzes, lavender. Please, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Gabrielle Napa / Sonoma, CA

[@debbiealexander1376]

I’m new to gardening and I learned somethings new from your video. I have bush beans growing and a few other vegetables. I see cabbage and sage being attacked by some type of insect. I’m using Neem oil on the foliage. I look forward to watching more of your videos. I really want to do well with growing my own food.

[@farmerbob4554]

I’ve been using “Jiffy” brand seed starting mix for years and swear by it. It’s sterile and screened to be very fine. Only issue is it dries out pretty quickly compared to other potting mixes.

[@terrielvwl]

And the drying out quickly is a benefit for most of us.

[@ahmirasaunders8062]

This is the best gardening video, wish I found it last year but at least it’ll help me this year 🌱