7 Pro Seed Starting Tips

Its Seed Starting Season! Collectively around the world (Northern Hemisphere) gardeners are emerging from their winter slumbers with renewed enthusiasm to get the season started! And for many of us, that means starting our warm weather crops (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis, etc) early indoors to get a head start on planting.
Well today is all about that process. I've got 7 tips to really maximize your success with seed starting and make this annual ritual both easier, and more fun. Happy growing!
2022 is the Year of the Garden! We deserve it after the last little while, and growing our own food and self sufficiency is just the reward we need to get back on track!
For more information on all your gardening questions, check out my other videos!:
Direct Seeding vs Starter Plant: • Direct Seeding Vs Star... ​​
100% Germination?: • Seed Germination - 5 R... ​​​
Seed Starting Soil: • How To Make Your Own S... ​​​
Seed Starting 101, The Basics!: • How To Start Vegetable... ​​​
Starting Tomato Seeds: • How To Grow Tomatoes P... ​​​
Starting Pepper Seeds: • Growing Peppers Part 1...
Starting Cucumber Seeds: • Video
Starting Zucchini Seeds: • Growing Zucchini Part ...
Starting Corn Seeds: • Growing Corn - Part 1 ... ​​​
Starting Pumpkin Seeds: • How To Grow Pumpkins -... ​​​
DIY Ultimate Potting Mix: • Make Your Own Potting ... ​
If you're just starting out gardening in 2022, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening!
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#gardening #seeds #germination

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2022, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/3EiUNeF Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

What I really need are those long reptile heat mats you use...

[@bee-pies-greens]

I live in South Africa and we're on the opposite sides of the equator. But I'm addicted to your awesome videos! I love watching Americans throughout the year as I learn so much from your successes and failures. I am blessed to have very mild winters, but watching what you guys come up with tips and tricks to manipulate your growing conditions teaches me so much! Especially because this will be my second winter growing under grow lights. I don't need to do this at all, but it teaches me so much about how to grow microgreens this way. Well done on freaking awesome videos! Lots of love from a Saffa(nickname for South African)gardener!❤🌱🥰

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So awesome Bernadette, love that you're joining us from the other side of the world in a different hemisphere!!

[@roberttillotson6861]

Watching many of your videos, I’d say this one was best and most important, allowing the viewers a successful year if followed correctly from start.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Robert! Its so true. What we do now affects the rest of the season!

[@purplethumb7887]

I planted some seeds from a couple of rotting tomatoes eight days ago just for the heck of it. I didn't expect anything at all, but so far nine out of thirteen sprouted. The gasp of surprise and satisfaction derived are just crazy. 🤣🤪

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That's what its all about! Nurture that life into food and you'll 5x that satisfaction! 🙂

[@purplethumb7887]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms For sure! I grew scallions from scraps, and my first harvest for dinner was ridiculously satisfying. I think it made the meal more delicious! 😬 AND I'm proud to say that what I've grown looks better than when I bought them from the grocery store. I mean my scallions are FAT! 😀

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@purplethumb7887 100%!! That's always the case. If it doesn't have to travel hundreds (thousands) of miles to get to your plate... It's ALWAYS going to taste better!

[@AJWGBFX]

Wow! Everybody starting to grow their own plants should watch this (2 or 3 times!)

[@99thmonkeyresonance66]

That "pulling the hair straight up in the air, rubbing your/my temples, sorting/resorting, etc" is so very relatable & on point! (I think this is even mkre so, true for those who have been at this for so long & are now, having to rethink the ways they have been doing things & with the Synthetic chemical concoctions.) At least, with the few I have spoken with & been in contact with, over the last decade- are collectively, coming to this conclusion.. more so now, with the past couple of years & the events that have occurred, since. Gary @TheRustedGarden, is doing some amazing work these last couple of years as well! Keep going, your value in content, integrity in the content your provide & the BIGGEST thing is keeping it that way in the way you present the value, through content! You're doing phenomenal, in ways you may not see yourself.. YET!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that! I'm definitely just scratching the surface here. I want to document everything I know or that I have experience with, then flip it and start working on the infinite amount of things I know nothing about! Cheers! :-)

[@K-Zone]

I just started my tomato and pepper seeds last week, and the tomato is finally coming up! I've grown from transplants, but this is my first time starting seeds.

[@jacquiemouton9053]

Informative as always. Our summer is nearly over (South Africa) and it was such a good one for me. Enjoy all your new babies and I hope they produce abundantly for you whilst I take a well deserved rest 🥰

[@dandavatsdasa8345]

Really nice effort to touch on essentials for new gardeners and slow learners! There is a a number of points that may need greater focus and studies. Radish seems easy to grow in some areas. Certain herbs, certain greens, and certain cruciferous vegetables seem easier to grow. An expensive soil test kit has to be used before the test chemicals go bad. Pine needles by themselves may not increase soil acidity. Shredded pine bark may serve as a substitute for perlite, but may increase soil acidity. Leaves can be converted into leaf mold more quickly if shredded. Some seeds probably need very careful handling as well as being nursed round the clock. Thank you for sharing helpful videos!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Great points!! Each one of those could easily be a video to help growers!

[@carmellayates2503]

This presentation is excellent for beginners and also as a refresher .

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Carmella, appreciate that! 🙂

[@joj1252]

Great video Jeff. I’m saving this one to watch EVERY spring. Can’t go wrong with this advice. It will be super helpful with great tips & reminders. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@VaultDwellerGal]

Great video! I was feeling the stress of starting too late, and your video put me at ease. Thanks a million!!!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Vanessa....plenty of time! 🙂

[@southerngardenesse]

Encouraging and packed with gardening tips. Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No, thank you for the kind words and for watching! 🙂

[@nicholasnarcowich9163]

I am so happy, I had planted some tomato plant seeds & as they started to come up, I watched my little cat Nini bite them :-( so I planted more with some Mint, & They are all starting to come up :-) Mint is so small!!! & I seeded a lot. They are so cute. I even got sprouts from a store bought tomato. This is the first time for that. I may have lots of Tomato, we shall see... thinking of where to plant them all. I love the smell of mint, and the garden in general. The plants have a lovely smell. Well, I hope you are having a wonderful day, Thank you for all your advice,

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Nicholas......cheers to your bountiful year coming up!!

[@Mybvllsyourchin]

Dude I love that I found you. Your videos are great!!!! I been messing around for two years and the intro had my laughing!!! So true.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on!! Glad to have you aboard and wish you all the success this year! 🙂

[@suzycowan5072]

I have to smile... You had me stuck on imbibition, and I had to look it up, which of course took me down a rabbit hole of information on the germination of a seed,. This would be an awesome and informative subject for a video. Thanks so much, there is so much you have taught me, or lead me on to do my own research. Really interesting stuff and very detailed information which I eventually had to send links to my messenger to read later so that I could finish your video. Blessings to you always and happy gardening.

[@suzycowan5072]

P.S. I need a video for starting green beans, please. Both bush and pole green beans.

[@growingwithpanda6935]

Brother I do have to say that this is by far one of your best videos absolutely 💯 amazing great job.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much, that means a lot!!

[@donphillips6797]

I really like that wish I was younger I'm trying to do way too much but I'm learning your great I love to watch thankyou

[@suzi_in_zone6B]

Does anyone make garden goals each season? I make a list of 3-5 main goals. One of mine this season is to direct sow more (flowers as well). I’ll always start my must haves indoors, but I want to know I can grow without them. I’ve also winter sown 27+ varieties of flowers in jugs. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 Caught flower fever halfway through last season, but I’m unwilling to give up precious space under my lights to have them. Love the comprehensive videos! This is one we should share with anyone wanting to start! Your videos have an ease, but your passion still comes through. 8:52 had me cracking up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much Suzi!! I hope everyone sows flowers too.....they are also so important! 🙂

[@myrustygarden]

I always look at gardening as fun my motto well 2 really 😂😂 grow what you eat and eat what you grow plus gardening should be fun don’t make it a chore 🥰 thank you for sharing Jeff 🐝 safe keep growing 🥰

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Totally agree Ali! 🙂

[@italianjjs550]

honestly great video man.subbed.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey thanks so much! Appreciated!

[@Paul-xz3hw]

Done and done thanks to your videos! 👍👍👍

[@j.reneewhite915]

Hey, You left me in suspense. 😊 At the 3:45 mark you said you'd tag a video about when to direct sow vs. transplant and then I couldn't find the link. No worries. I'll search your archived videos myself. Have a wonderful Spring. Today I'm celebrating the Spring Equinox!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

It auto pops up in the right hand corner Renee.... On mobile it doesn't always happen though. It's this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGq8aIpvd7ypmpY

[@christinebrooks6364]

Thanks for sharing and take care 🙂

[@wedtokerhimrarib3123]

Very useful important tips.Thanks Jeff.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much! 🙂

[@RickyVicky29]

So I might of made a mistake letting my little one help start the tomato seedlings. They have sprouted and are already about 3” but the thing is they have multiple in the little container space. Now should I separate them and add to bigger container or should I wait till they have the first real leaf then separate them? Trying to eliminate as much root shock as possible. 💚

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Wait until they are more established, then separate. Tomatoes are VERY forgiving in this respect. More than any other plant.

[@johnjude2685]

My tomatoes are some 3th set of leaves and I testing just 3 plants to see if they all produce at the same time or if early pays off at harvest time. Thanks Jeff love your website Growing Better, it's great help

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on John, you're ahead of me right now! 🙂

[@joanmoise5885]

Ok I'll let me know .l

[@louiseahrens5575]

Well, this is a timely video! Thanks.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Louise, thanks for watching!

[@annettemarie2076]

Great video

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Annette! :-)

[@johnjude2685]

Always more to learn, From Ohio USA 🇺🇸, good day to garden and thanks for your teaching Sir

[@DOTHEROARRRRR]

I live in PA, we have the same zone!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on John, hope the weather is treating you well buddy.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@DOTHEROARRRRR sweet Pogger, is that Zone 6? Still cold there?

[@DOTHEROARRRRR]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms yea, but the part I live in is zone 7

[@johnjude2685]

@@DOTHEROARRRRR Columbus is zone 6 also

[@annettemarie2076]

Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

🙂

[@melanieallen3655]

Great video!!!

[@kemplelabis6188]

there are tomatoes that I direct sowed last year while the heat of the sun was hitting them.I did not know that when they get 1-2 sets uf true leaves they have to be protected away from strong sunshine but they are right now ok and producing lots of tomatoes in the warm climate of the Philippines.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on, sounds like it worked out ok!

[@jameswillison2220]

Brilliant thanks

[@michaelmorgan5714]

I really enjoy your videos I'm 69 now and have been gardening for 40 of those years. Even still I was able to get some use out of these videos. I have a request. Can you recommend someone who knows how to get turmeric to flower? I've been growing it for 3 years now and though it grows well it has never flowered. I have asked around my garden club and it turns out I'm not alone. I live in Maryland around 10 miles east of Washington D.C. Thanks for any help or reference you may be able to supply. I purchased the roots from Vermont Seed and Beans three a years ago I have let some of them rest a few months and also let a very few this past year continue to grow through the winter in the house. Mike

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey michael, I have a super short growing season here and the only way I can get Turmeric to flower is phosphorus and playing with the light levels. Its a LONG crop. It has to be started indoors in like December because it takes at least 8-10 months until you'll see a bloom.

[@Robay8]

Thanks for the tips. I think my starter seeds need more water. I've only been spraying the top and the lid with a spray bottle. Good thing it's only been 2 days. Your soil looks soaked throughout at first glance while mine did not. New gardener from southern Ontario and it took a little to find someone with an end goal similar to mine in a similar climate.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely skip the spraying from above. Soak from below every other week or so. It'll encourage bigger, deeper root systems. Best of luck! 🙂

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Jeff, I don’t start my own seeds, but I watch anyway. I never know when you might ‘slide’ some info in there for me. Proseed

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Heh heh, and I always appreciate it Jim...;-)

[@brandywvstrong9673]

Wow our last frost date is May 1 this year. I have time but time is ticking. 😆 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

LOTS of time Brandy...but on the other hand, with THAT short of a growing season, you also want to be on top of it. You got this though!

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

I'm shocked, Jeff, that you, The Ripe Tomato Farms, are just now starting tomatoes 6 weeks late. 😂 J/K, I know yours will turn out great as always. In all my years of gardening I think this is the first time ever that I'm 100% on my game plan with seed starting and other garden prep. It's really weird to not feel behind the 8-ball.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Awesome man!! What is the list of plants? And how are they all doing?

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms 10 varieties of peppers ranging from sweet to super-hot, including reapers, started in early Feb & looking fantastic. Six types of tomatoes started a month ago, looking very good. Brassicas almost ready to plant out, just need to harden them off. Garlic(planted last Fall) is already 10" tall. I overwintered some onions which are doing really good & the next batch of onion starts are almost ready to plant outside. I think I might be getting the hang of this gardening thing, lol.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@Jeff-rd6hb Holy smokes, you're going to do amazing this year! Keep me updated!

[@sylviayvette]

Love it thank you for sharing 😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

You are so welcome, thanks for watching!

[@BlogTVisraelTracert]

Hello, jeff! you are the best and i love you so much please be my friend forever❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Sure, why not.

[@johnjude2685]

Oops I need to cut the electric from my germination heat mats soon, Thanks for that remark in this video

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely....the cool nights really help them bulk and toughen up and produce better roots as well!

[@johnjude2685]

Like again learning every video you make Sir Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@johnjude2685 No problem, buddy!

[@morningwoodfarms713]

Time to spill your magical beans, Jeff.😁 I just watched a video on powdery mildew on the Fraser Valley Rose channel, and Jason held up a 2lb. bag of sulfer that had your channel name and logo on it.💥😍 How can I and others get your products?🤔🙏💖

[@suecorrea]

I grow my seedlings on my back screen porch. Indirect sunlight and pretty warm temps. (Florida) They usually do ok, until they start to get the second set of leaves. You say we should lower the temp. I don't have grow lights. Would it help for me to take them inside for the hottest part of the day perhaps? Would that give them enough light?

[@devonchubey902]

Once you have seedlings do you recommend watering the same way from the bottom? For the same amount of time, roughly a couple hours? Just curious how you water once the plants are up and established in these plugs. Great video again

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hi Devon, the seedlings can DEFINITELY be watered from the bottom the same way...you can even add liquid nutrients to the water that way and feed them as well! Its perfect because the soil will soak up what it can hold, nothing more. You'll get an idea after a couple of times how much to add. 🙂

[@michaelmorgan5714]

I have also left an empty space in my 10x20 trays to allow me to water them without lifting them up. This does take a little more time, but I am retired .

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@michaelmorgan5714 super smart! Just leave a couple cells empty and water from there.... Love it!

[@sunshineinfla222]

Pour out all water that doesn't soak up after 15 to 30 minutes.

[@timothyshanley1132]

My lettuce started wilting under grow lights they are a little over a month, should I get them in the ground, I'm on long island NY

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Depends on your temperatures outside?

[@timothyshanley1132]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms they needed water perked right up, my temp high 50 days low 40 night, gonna wait n see what the weekend brings, before I put outside

[@conniesmokegearsphotograph4829]

Do you have your zucchini and cucumbers started already? I don't have a greenhouse to transition to I would like to get them started earlier this year.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, even without a greenhouse Connie, you can start them 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Planting time! 🙂

[@conniesmokegearsphotograph4829]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you! will be getting them going then. :)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@conniesmokegearsphotograph4829 Best of luck with the season!

[@LittleWitchDelight]

New to starting plants from seeds. I'm in NYC, Zone 7B. 2 Questions: - Whats your favorite seed starting mix and why? - Does you add Diatomaceous Earth to your seed starting mix (and how) or know of a mix that contains It? I am going to be starting In my apt before moving outside and have been reading a lot about gnats. Would like to avoid bugs In the house. Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Jillian, I tend to make my own mixes due to those dreaded fungus gnats. Every time I use store bought mixes I get them! So here's what I use most of the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ2veXaqfa5pgLs I've never added DE to the soil itself, only sprinkled it on afterwards. I've always wondered how effective it would be mixed in.

[@LittleWitchDelight]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thanks, I really want to do it right. Do you have any links to your recipe/ingredients and measurements? I used some of ur other affiliate links

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@LittleWitchDelight the base is always the same.... 50% coconut fiber and 50% compost..... Add in a tiny bit (5%) of vermiculite or perlite and that's really all you need for seeds. For a general potting mix, I'll get you some links to all the amendments. USA or Canada?

[@LittleWitchDelight]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms USA... Brooklyn, NY. ... thanks! I was starting to add all the kelp and everything else to my amazon cart lol

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@LittleWitchDelight I would go with the simply mix (50% compost, 50% coco fiber, with a sprinkle of perlite)....then add a liquid kelp feed once you're plants get 1-2 sets of true leaves. Its the simplest way to fool-proof seedlings and starter plants. Compost: amzn.to/3N955TB Coco Fiber: amzn.to/3uhjkNc Perlite: amzn.to/3D1c7VB Liquid feed for after germination: amzn.to/3tqlX01

[@denisecovelle938]

I just don’t do well with zucchini, I get leaves and that’s it. Any suggestions ?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

After the seedling stage? Like when you plant it out in the garden?

[@elliestell2696]

😃

[@manoacommunitygardens3789]

I like your videos. They are full of rich content. Suggestion: Remind people to 'Like and Subscribe'.

[@smithlusi9415]

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[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Who?