The MOST DIFFICULT Seeds to Start!

[@jeannefoguth2339]

In case you're interested, a 'scrap' of old vinyl tablecloth under the flat that is being filled will catch whatever spills over, then picking up the corners is simple to pour the dirt back into the bin.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

It’s just not a big deal to me ☺️

[@ArtByKarenEHaley]

That's a good idea, I'm not a fan of sweeping up haha

[@diannevaldez8670]

@jeannefoguth, I know, for me this is a good idea. I would be tracking, even a little on the floor, all over the house.

[@jeannefoguth2339]

@@diannevaldez8670 My potting area is outside (we live in Florida, so don't need a heated area), but my 'assistants' are 2 snoopy cats and if I took the time to sweep up, they'd have my mess everywhere, including tracked into the house, by the time I grabbed my dustpan, which is how I dealt with this issue prior to figuring out using a scrap of vinyl..

[@jeannefoguth2339]

@@ArtByKarenEHaley Me, either!. I also use flexible cutting boards in the kitchen, for the same basic reason.

[@danharmer2511]

Long time viewer. Just bought your seed starting cheat sheets. I've made something more basic over the years but these are great. I encourage every viewer to buy these. Very inexpensive considering the amount of time needed to put them together. Very useful. Come on people. Support the channel. Buy the cheat sheets. Dan from Canada.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thank you ☺️

[@marcialittle7893]

Bought them last year.

[@sandee0243]

Unable to find the cheat sheets to order😢

[@47retta]

I couldn't find them.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

@@sandee0243 www.livingtraditionshomestead.com/product-page/2023-seed-starting-cheat-sheets-for-vegetables-herbs-flowers-printable-pdf

[@tennisisme222]

MIGardener gave some great information on lighting: Minimum 2000 Lumens (the more the better) and Minimum 5000 Kelvins (ideal 6500k). I found a shop light at Walmart for $14 that met those requirements. :)

[@denisemusicnut]

Something that a stratification requirement tells me is that the seeds can be winter sown. I use the method that Luke from MIgardener demonstrated with plastic milk/water jugs, and it has been a game changer for my seed starting success!

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

LOL! If nasturtiums needed stratification I wouldn't be pulling up hundreds of volunteer sprouts in my CA garden. 😅

[@lindaglijnis5105]

I use croissant boxes as domes and small yoghurt cups to start seeds. I use a sharp knife to poke some holes in the cups and it works real good. I use a plastic syringe to water every day.

[@AngelaM-y4e]

Good morning, well i did not know a lot of the information you gave! This is why we need people like you and your family to give us hands on information. Thank you

[@tbone9194]

Sarah, you could get a plastic concrete tray and place your 1020 trays in it to fill, and you WILL NEVER have to sweep the soil from the floor.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Not a big deal to me.

[@myberryownhomestead764]

I use a big tote!

[@tbone9194]

@@myberryownhomestead764 Great idea, I try to work wisely. Time is a precious gift!

[@BaughbeSauce]

I just have an old 40g Tupperware that I mix my soil in and just fill the trays IN it. 🤷‍♀️ any spillage or ovrrflow just goes right back in the bin.

[@jackieow]

You can make humidity frames (e.g. to replace broken plastic domes) out of quarter or half inch hardware cloth. Cover with saran wrap, and glue down saran wrap at the edges with water film out of a spray bottle.

[@annswarmfuzzies]

I had an idea for a dibble tool for your seed trays! Cut a piece of 1/4 inch plywood to the size of the seed start trays, mark the plywood so there’s a grid to guide, then screw in a short screw leaving 1/4 inch proud of the board (either poking through the back, or on the screw-in side), one at the center of each cell. Then when you have dibble time, you set the tool over the tray, give a little wiggle, then all 72 are done! If you use round head screws, you could have one side 1/4 inch and the other side a shallow dent for herbs that need a shallower sow for sprouting.

[@diannevaldez8670]

Great idea.

[@schex9]

I need a video of this

[@paularamdeo]

My prayers are with your family

[@diannemiller4754]

Thanks Sarah, I bought your cheat sheet and I am so ready to start my seeds😊 I still have a while before I can. Its maple syrup time and I am tapping trees and cooking down sap😊

[@nancyholston6746]

With all your responsibilities of animals, garden and home, you still take the time or make the time to compile these seed starting sheets which I greatly appreciate. I had the old sheets and just purchased your new ones.

[@lastoeck]

You used to be big proponents of Baker Creek seeds and I don’t think I’ve heard you mention them at all this year. I believe you even toured their facility.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I think they might have had a falling out with them.

[@lastoeck]

@@cynthiafisher9907 😮

[@whitestone4401]

I started my herbs here in Michigan. The past week, the beautiful, warm sunshine we’ve had has really helped things sprout. Thank you for sharing your seed cheat sheet.

[@tammymarple5347]

Good morning Sarah!🙏😊. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos and learn from you. I tried starting some seeds last year but I didn’t have good results. I’m going to give it a try again. Thank you Have a blessed week 🙏

[@nancyfahey7518]

I have the bottom trays that I can add water. I never water from the top. But I may get the humidity tray. I don't know, I'm in Florida.

[@stephmoore22]

I bought the cheat sheet last year and completely forgot until this video. Printing it now. Thank you for offering this!

[@KimGordon.married.motherto5]

I watch every video. I even go back to watch urll videos for info when we had bunnies. Thanks for your help even tho you don't know it. ❤

[@79PoisonBreaker]

Rosemary takes a really long time to grow in my experience, I saved 1 to over winter inside and am rooting cuttings now.

[@mindycollier9087]

Burpee seeds are great but I love the Ferry Morse seeds from Lowes and Walmart...excellent germination and cheaper than Burpee!! I've also had some good results with cheap knock off brand seeds from the dollar store!! That little seed handbag is very cute!! Blessings 😊😊

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

They were on sale for a great price

[@leonalisa9163]

The DS ones are Ferry Morse re-branded

[@cynthiafed]

Sarah, Thank you so much for sharing this helpful tutorial! All the information you shared will help me. You look so happy planting your seeds!

[@susanhansen4453]

I’m getting my hands back in the dirt this year. Your videos are so helpful. I purchased the pdf’s and they are life savers for me. I’ve got my first trays started! It’s so fun seeing them sprout and grow! Thanks for all you do! ❤️🌱

[@lorenstribling6096]

I start just a few herbs for my apartment balcony each spring. I use the clear plastic clam shells from my local deli. They are free and just the right size to start three or four of each plant. Easy to bring in if the night will be cold.

[@saddleridge4364]

I use those clear trays from family size chicken also, they make great under trays for any drainage.

[@missljc13]

I got your seed cheat sheets last year, it has been the most helpful tool in my garden planning! Thank you for doing these, now if you could make the rest of my life this easier 🤭

[@nancynolton6079]

I've found it handy to get a large low plastic tray to set the seedling flats into when filling with potting mix. Saves a lot of clean up and any spillage into the low tray can be added back into the potting soil bucket.

[@schex9]

I know -- any sort of plastic sheeting under the tray would make cleanup so much easier

[@lauragreen8266]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for doing all this work on the cheat sheets for us!!! I went and purchased and printed immediately, before I even finished watching the video!! This is going to make planting so much more convenient and quicker for me. I hated having to pick seeds, look up the info ( seed pkgs don't help as much as they should ) and plant for every single pkg. You made all the notes for me !!!!!!!! I'm so excited to use this!!

[@bennym1956]

Great video and great advice. Now, I have bought packets of different veggies that have never done well. One thing that seems to work better for me is that I use the seeds from something I bought from grocery store and done well. Plus the seeds are free ! Throw them in starting bed and bam !

[@z144000]

Thank you dear Sister Sarah. God Bless you all in Love. Prayers. Maranatha ! ( shared to f/b )

[@patricecarter5096]

I'm first -time viewer, and I learned a lot from this video...now I know why my herb seeds didn't sprout. Thank u for your time...

[@SimplyJanHomestead]

I bought the Salvaterra tomato seeds and they are already coming up! I will be planting a large variety of herbs this year. I’m so excited to have them! @Living Traditions Homestead

[@umiluv]

I recommend a small tarp to use under tray when you put in soil. I just bought one and it’s so awesome for clean up lol.

[@kathytaylor7648]

You need to put down a small tarp under your trays to make clean up much easier. I enjoy your channel so much.

[@nancyplank1651]

Love you seed starting sheets, and thank you so much for your wonderful teaching and! God Bless!

[@potpourrioflife]

It is great to watch and learn. I also purchased many of my seeds from MIGardner and started my seeds last weekend. I had germination within 4 days with some of the seeds. I don't have an out-building to start my seeds, so I invested in some shelving units with lights to help, and along with the blended seed starting mix, I am thrilled with how things are coming along. Some seeds are reaching the top of the plastic, and it is not even a week. Until we can go outside into the greenhouse (NH) our house will look ALIVE!! Plus, w/prayer and work, all things have the potential to thrive. Blessings!!

[@coverscornersurburbanhomes6235]

Thanks for sharing! I'm heading over to grab those cheat sheets! Even though I've been growing for many years, I'm always learning new things. I started my herbs a little early here in Maryland. I was just feeling like I needed to do something. I'm looking forward to this season! Happy Gardening! ~ Stephanie

[@umiluv]

Thanks for the tip on the humidity domes. I think that was the big difference in my success my first year gardening vs last year.

[@jerseygirlvet]

That bag is cute. Liked this video. Can’t wait for the farmer’s market. I will be buying those sheets, I have a spreadsheet but I like the info you put on yours.

[@kathyheil29]

I watched this video yesterday, then went to start some seeds today, lol I just downloaded your Cheat Sheets, and I am so excited to have the help. Thank you for all you do for the gardeners.

[@sarahroach2008]

I really enjoy your videos. Your information has helped me with my garden. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@budj13]

Excellent video and very helpful information on herbs. I bought you cheat sheet!

[@rebeccazody1278]

Love seeing the Sprout home complete with sign.

[@Link380090]

Herb seeds are tiny and difficult to start for sure. I make a cornstarch slurry pour into Ziploc add seeds..then I make my rows or growing medium..then cut a hole in the corner of the bag and squeeze out the seeds as i go and then cover..soil contact is crucial. Great job Sarah ❤ additional tip: water your soil down before adding your seeds fill your trays with water THEN add seeds.

[@carolynstreet5325]

I use your "cheat sheet" frequently. Thank you for putting it together.

[@justiceleague1146]

I just purchased your cheat sheet! This will be a time saver for sure!

[@tessmick3]

Thanks for the great info! I just downloaded my cheat sheets, and will add your info to mine ... starting many things from seed this year!

[@belieftransformation]

Great instructions; thanks for sharing! Blessings to all 🤗🇨🇦

[@fionaworrell4535]

I planted 30 rows of herb seeds this week,carefully labelling each row..covered them with frost barrier to stop my turkey poults who currently go to bed in the greehouse from getting at them..next day..not one single label was left in the trays 😅 theyd pulled every label ..its going to be fun trying to work out what is what when they germinate!

[@debbieperkins7098]

Hi, I am so glad I found this video, just because you live in SW Missouri, as I do. I know that you are growing in the same hardiness zone. I am working on new garden plans, which include a greenhouse, and more raised beds. There are a lot of great teachers of gardening out there, but it makes a difference when you live close to one.

[@soniamarshall9293]

I mark with white out correction fluid a dab of it at one corner of the edge of the tray cells not the bottom As my starting #1 like to use the five cell for same plant seeds. Then I write that # 1 in a memo book, the same for # 2 cell ect. and correspondent name of seed in the rows. This eliminates for writings on the trays. Though I would need to write #1 tray #2 ect. If more trays are used. Love your way of the sheet or cheat plan. Will order the set. Thank you so much for all your sharing. God bless.

[@DavidSmith-bw3bk]

Thank you Sarah-- I planted my herb seeds today. I used my " cheat sheet" which made planting very easy.

[@marthasullivan7521]

More, More, More!!! Always helps me to SEE just how easy a task is. Talk is cheap.Thanks! I just ordered the PDF for your cheat sheets. And I must second the suggestion for you to find a retangular container for filling your 1020s. Perhaps a storage bin lid? (That's what I use.) They are about the right size and easy to store later on.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

No biggie! ☺️

[@thewhitehorsefarm]

I bought it also! Great info, and great video. Keep doing great things, you’ll be at 1 MIllion subs soon!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tinatarr]

Sara, I found this video helpful. I love watch you all and get great information from your channel. I did purchase your cheat sheets today. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@dorothyallen3614]

Great information Sarah, thanks, be well and safe, much love to all ❤

[@cynthiafisher9907]

You’re doing a great job, Sarah! It’s hard to believe some of these comments.

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

Thank you for reminding me that I purchased your wonderful seed starting sheets! I live further north than you, but this is a great reminder to get organized so that when the time is right, everything is ready to go.

[@julierowdon3631]

I noticed the last 2 years that milkweed is the only one i have problems with germination without cold stratification. Im trying to cold stratisfy them this year AND ive planted some in starting mix. Its an experiment. ❤ I agree with you on what you are saying. Never had a problem with the others.😍

[@nancypparsons2818]

Sarah, would LOVE to hear how you propagate comfrey. I finally found seeds and direct sowed them but no luck.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Comfrey is best propagated by root cuttings.

[@teenadamron7654]

Sara i have tried to grow comfrey 3 years in a row…no luck Then i ordered some from Etsy and they looked awful when they got here and they died. any help would be appreciated❤️

[@par4451]

​@@teenadamron7654hi i brought comfrey seeds from Amazon last year , the reviews were not the great but I followed the instructions and my seeds did great, it said to soak the seeds in water and put into the refrigerator for 24 hours. So I just put the seeds in a bottle of water in the refrigerator. Good luck.

[@DrofJustice]

Thanks for sharing, Sarah! I grow vicariously through you! Moving from MN to Louisiana has completely thrown me off, and excessive traveling has made growing hard. Hoping to get some direct sowing done soon in my vertical gardens. I love watching your seedling grow up almost as much as I enjoy coming along for animal chores. ❤

[@rhondatrumier5530]

I got her cheat sheet. Well worth it. Buy it if you haven’t already.

[@k.p.1139]

I LOVE the seed bags! Great video. Thanks, Sarah.

[@seekersees693]

I found Stevia to be the most difficult to grow out of all of the ones you listed. I finally decided to start it in coir only and it germinated under the hanging grow lights. Stevia has a low germination rate. Once it popped, I used some fish emulsion, and it grew 1.5 inches and stopped for growing for about 2 weeks. If it grew, I didn't see it. I mixed some fine soil with cow manure, and it took off. It now about 12 inches and still growing. I'm going to take cuttings to start more. I don't water it much, but I do monitor the moisture with a gauge. It was my first time growing it. I can't wait to try it which will also be new for me. I'm going to start Chamomile and St. John's wart. I also got mine from MIGardener.

[@rhondahensley9649]

Best seed starting video and I’ve watched a lot!! Just ordered your cheat sheets and I love them. Thank you!!

[@lindasuerussell4398]

I just purchased your seed starting cheat sheet. I have been enjoying fresh yogurt everyday since you told us an easy efficient way to make it. Thank you.

[@vandygreatjobwatchingmahon7420]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@sharonhenson9011]

Hi Sarah I always have trouble growing herbs don't care what I tried to grow in Earth they just will not grow I grow anything else except for that thank you for sharing your tips on how to grow herbs

[@leslieabell1320]

Great video. Thank you for selling your cheat sheets.

[@alorastewart7091]

I just started almost all of these just last night lol I also started dill but my seed is pretty old so it's more for a germination test than actual planting. My first year getting these started early enough

[@beverlyboyce1041]

I keep a small bottle of water on my heat mats to watrr my seed trays so im not pouring cold water on my seeds when they need watering plus warm water absorbs easier.

[@nantanlupan2046]

Hi Miss Sarah. I use mudding trays I got from Tractor Supply to add the soil to planting trays. I don't have to sweat cleaning up afterward. I use a grain scoop to spread the soil over the trays, making a small assembly line. I find it goes faster and saves cleanup. When you are approaching 3/4 of a century you look for shortcuts. I enjoy your videos, and I'm with Kevin on the tomatoes, they disappear between the garden and the house. God Bless. AS IRON SHARPENS IRON...

[@karenlovelace3269]

Ordered my copy today thank you this will help me a lot. Started my seed planting last weekend.

[@julieschossow9315]

Those cheat sheets have helped me a lot over the years!

[@snookles77]

Thanks for being so helpful and to the point! Great content! You guys really seem to want to help others and teach so we can all understand.

[@julieannbailey9505]

I just bought your cheat sheets! They are great! I know I will be relying on them for my herbs and flowers this year for sure, and for years to come!

[@mistycarter9809]

I am also starting all those goodies right now, thank you for the tips! Have a blessed day ❤

[@junewrogg6137]

Love this time of year and watching you seed start. Such good info. Love the cheat sheets!

[@briangoodman1581]

Our tomato seeds germinated great still waiting on the peppers. Going to Branson on vacation last week of April hope to pass thru Ava. Thanks for the great information as always.

[@farmerandadeleacres2726]

I purchased your seed starting charts some time ago… great reference! I highly recommend Thank you. 💕~Cheryl~💕

[@lizkellett6700]

i bought my cheat sheet last year,its fantastic so easy to follow,i am a long term watcher of the homestead brilliant always great videos thanks.

[@iartistdotme]

Great video! Thanks. I have my cheat sheet and thanks again!

[@debrajohnston1790]

I love the little seed packet. I'm going to use some to store small embroidery projects. God bless and stay safe.

[@courtneydahlgaard3797]

Thank you for the cheat sheets! That is so helpful!

[@charleeghee7195]

I just purchased your seed starting cheat sheets - Love Them! Thank you!

[@godsgreenacreshomestead708]

Sarah, thanks for all the information! Being new to this area, I am watching closely at what you do. I don't have consistent electricity to start seeds like you do, so for some things, like stevia, I will be a customer for sure! Happy gardening, and many blessings. Texas Deb ❤️

[@BaughbeSauce]

Love the idea of the cheat sheet! I have a similar thing kinda in a big notebook. It can get dizzying trying to keep them all straight. 🥴 I want to do a similar thing of having a farm stand where i can sell plant starts, fresh produce, eggs, sheep dairy products, and herbs. However, i don't think I'd ever sell St. John's Wort to the public without a specific request. We just have a lot of seniors in our local community and St. John's Wort has soooooo many contraindications with common medications that I'd worry for the consumers. Most people DON'T do the research for contraindications or interactions.

[@Ullainuk2012]

Thank you for the brilliant Starting Seeds Cheat Sheet. It will make life easier than looking up individual seeds as I sometimes throw away packets. Ulla from England

[@dhansonranch]

Good information. The only one out of your list that have better luck germinating if stratified is the lavender. Those tiny seeds are such a pain with big hands I just tap out of the packets and hope for the best and transplant later..lol. Good info and great video.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

I use painters tape instead of masking tape to mark trays, I just like to use different colors to help seperate the starts, I use 1 color for cold hardy things for example. I love the sprayer idea to water seeds in and stole it from you a few years ago and never looked back

[@thegardnersgarden]

I never remember year to year how each seed needs to be started. That cheatsheet sounds useful.

[@YamIa3gypsy]

Oh happy times! I bought your cheat sheet and it is worth every penny. Going to start some herbs. Thank you for the reminder, knowledge and inspiration. Very cool seed bag BTW.

[@marciakosnik6481]

Great teaching job - as always. Love watching your channel. I'll be ordering your cheat sheet for certain.

[@shirlydejarnette]

Perfect timing since I'm starting seeds this weekend in zone 7.

[@babyroot3479]

I bought your cheat sheets long ago from your etsy shop. I use them every year. Such a great resource! I'm looking for a seed starting mix and brand that ships to your home. We live far from any major city.

[@johnblount1347]

Went ahead and got the sheets. Hope to do my first sprouts this year!

[@denisedonaldson5825]

Just ordered cheat sheet and 2 seed bags🤗

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thank you!!

[@carriecreates1207]

You are a very good teacher!! Thank you! I am starting my first garden this month/year!!

[@jesus.maryandjoseph8880]

We love all of your videos, and this is no exception! Do you have a list of items that we would need to purchase to have a set up of one of your shelving systems like you have (links to lights, chains, power bars, etc)? Do you have a video that shows exactly how you put the set-up together? Thanks!

[@tamararobinson2069]

Love the cheat sheets!! Thank You!! I really enjoy all of the videos you guys do - This one was really nice💚

[@lajohnson1967]

Former professional grower here and here’s some additional information about stratification. Very few seeds need to be exposed to freezing or below temperatures to trigger dormancy naturally. Stratification is the act of placing seeds in a period dormancy that IS required for some seeds before they can successfully germinate. Just the act of drying and properly storing seeds in a cool dry place for the winter season is enough to put them in their dormant state. Freezing seeds is only necessary for common seeds if you want to plant earlier and they haven’t had their period or dormancy. The notion is that the very cold temps will “trick” seeds into believing they have been dormant more time than they actually were. For the home gardener you generally would not need to ever worry about doing this.

[@charleeghee7195]

Excellent tips for starting herbs. I have had problems with these. I'm going to order your awesome sounding cheat sheets. Thank you!