7+ MISTAKES to AVOID Seed Starting in your Florida Fall Vegetable Garden

Looking to have a Successful Fall Vegetable Garden but feel unsure on how to start seeds. Check out this video where I cover all my mistakes.... so that you don't make the same ones. Get a jump start on your seed starting in your tropical garden.
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[@maxiemakay5868]

One more tip. Need to control fungus gnats? These eggs are in most seed starting mixes. When you initially moisten the soil, use boiling water. This will kill most of the eggs. Keep in mind there is no other micro life in this soil. So, your not killing anything else. And, if you have already started your seeds, try sprinkling cinnamon on the top of your soil. I've done this may times. It smells great and doesn't hurt the plants. I've been doing this the last few years and it works like a charm.

[@jesselee121]

Thank you !

[@WildFloridian]

What a great tip!!! I’ve never heard of these before. BUT now I know. Thank you for helping make us all better 🥰

[@robincardoza1904]

I feel completely defeated right now. Ants, bugs, weeds, heat, humidity. So over it!

[@LottiesFaith]

I feel you.

[@gozone10-s1c]

I live in the Miserable state of NY , be great full you can grow all year long I can’t wait to leave this dump so I can be warm and grow food all year, I can only do it 3 months up here .

[@godisincontrol32]

I'm on the same boat.. Just keep at it 😊 you got this

[@jesselee121]

Lol this is the part of summer for clean up and reset. We all feel this way in august. You got this ! My sweet potatoes have been great this year. Will def be a summer crop going forward. Don’t give up !

[@WildFloridian]

Totally feel ya! My yard is insanely overgrown right now. Worked in the yard for hours got one bed done. Hang in there! Summer is the hardest season. 🥰

[@boonmsgt]

I personally like to leave some room on top of starter pots. Add seed then sprinkle soil on top. Watering is always tricky and continues to be my nemesis 😂. It usually works itself out. I have made same mistakes with sun and heat too. Really the answer is moving plants and watching each day. Florida will keep you on your toes. Too hot. Too cold. Too much rain Not enough rain. Just have to adjust. Thanks for video it was fun. 😉

[@cathyplantlover2862]

You can water from the bottom if you over fill with soil....

[@RobinL4715]

Thanks for being our cheerleader: I will…until! Last year with Hurricane Ian, I definitely felt like giving up, but planted things in pots and kept some plants going. Just keep plugging along- it’s all learning.

[@WildFloridian]

You had a tough year Robin. I’m so glad you still found a way to keep going. 🥰

[@juliannegill5486]

Watering - I've killed my share of seedlings. Some of the best advice I got was to bottom water only. Let the tray soak in water until the top soil is wet, then pull the tray out. Then when it's dry at least 1-2" from the top, set back in tray to soak and bottom water. No more killing my seedlings!

[@WildFloridian]

Such a good advice Julianne!!! I love a fool proof watering method 🤪

[@maxiemakay5868]

Jackie I love every one of your tips! Here are a couple more. Ever have a dampening off issue? Try to water from the bottom instead of the top (you can do this if you have some sort of try underneath) and don't give them as much love lol. For the first couple of years, I watered my seedlings to death...literally! Water only when the soil is dryer on the top. If the soil is dark in color on the top, it has enough water. If you do have a tray underneath, don't leave excess water in the tray. Spill it out. It's taken me some time to know how much water to use so I don't have to do this but it's worth taking the time to learn. Hope this helps. I many hundreds of plants before learning this.

[@WildFloridian]

You are amazing for sharing all of these tips! 🥰

[@Monami7th]

I have been subscribed to your channel for some time now, and I must say... your videos keep getting better and better. THANK YOU!❤ for the time and effort you put into sharing all this info. People like me certainly need it. God bless you🎉 "...I will, until..."

[@WildFloridian]

Awww thank you 😊 I really appreciate you noticing 🥰

[@mamisiopao5219]

I use clothspins to clip a sheer curtain over my planters with seedlings. It really helps protect my seedlings from harsh sun and harsh rain.

[@kluv7139]

yeah i did that and I got results.....

[@cottagefarmflowers]

Zone 9b, South of Tampa. I'm still recovering from gardening in June. BUT I'm organizing and cleaning my seed starting area and you've given me some great ideas. Thank you!

[@melissagarland9902]

This is great! This basically explains why I have no luck with any kind of seed!

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! I’m so happy to have helped Melissa!

[@dannymajestici6344]

Thx for the tips …! I’m a beginner gardener and YES I made every single mistake you listed I’m having a super hard time seeding Everglades tomatoes 🍅…… 🙏

[@TrickyVickey]

Me and you honey! I planted 18 seeds in 9 starter plugs One sprouted & survived. Then i reseeded and 4 of the 8 sprouted(then a bug or something ate one). I used seed starting pellets that you soak and they expand and you plant the whole thing. Wild Florida Everglades (native) tomatoes are notorious for low germination rate and can take up to 6 weeks! I learned to plant native stuff in Florida if you want something to live. In that spirit, I have these long Seminole pumpkin vines that have never put on any blooms.

[@WildFloridian]

They ARE SLOW germinators! Slowest tomato I’ve worked with. But you only need a couple plants… they are biggest tomato plant I’ve dealt with. One plant can grow 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall. So while it may be a struggle to get it going…. You honestly don’t want too many. I usually have 4 plants and that’s sooooooo much.

[@melissagarland9902]

To add… I have been searching for information on planting seeds forever and this is the first comprehensive video I have seen.

[@WildFloridian]

Such a great compliment ☺️

[@erikaerika7788]

I LOVE the paper towel and then aerogarden ...i hsve been succesful this year with my milkweed seeds 😂❤❤❤ the tomatoes just growing wild fro. the compost 😂😂

[@WildFloridian]

Nice Erika! That’s a great idea! I’ll try some milkweed in the LetPot!

[@boonmsgt]

BTW a small greenhouse is always a plus. Pretty cheap too. Well worth it. So many people put off a green house in Florida but climate control, pest contol, irrigation control makes seedlings way easier. I put it off at my new house but have it on my to do and hopefully get to it soon. Had one at last house and miss it.

[@MercyReyesRubinRealtor]

Shalom Jackie: Thank you for making this video. I really needed to learn how to be successful in growing plants through seeds starter. I was disappointed when I started doing seed starter in July for my medical plants, and had no success. I made all the mistake above. I'll start doing it again the right way. Thank you for your explanations.

[@WildFloridian]

Oh no 🙈 I’m so glad I could help 😊

[@PatioChill]

I started my Fall seeds right before I watched this. Glad that I got most things right. I may have buried a few too deep though. 😅 This is very helpful info. Great video!

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! Good job! You got time to course correct if you went too deep 🥰

[@fwhunt5021]

When starting your seeds place a layer of perilte or vermiculite on top of the seed starting mix. This will help with moisture retention and prevent the soil starting mix from crusting on the top. Go Gators.

[@kayorr2683]

Thank you for the iFlorida nfo! Your videos are so informative and interesting. They keep my attention cause not at KZbinrs are as fun to watch. You are so cute!

[@oreopaksun2512]

@2:10 'blllleeeeeah.....' How did you know? my seedlings went tattling to the Wild Floridian?!!!? I keep a $ store wire waste basket with my gardening tools (any container with 1/4 to 1/3" holes will do), and sift my potting soil to get the big woody bits out, that way I don't have multiple soil bags open for what is a very small use case for me. I also top my small seeds with a layer of perlite instead of the seed medium; super light for seeds to push through, water retaining, and also lets light through for plants that need light to germinate, like lettuce (and tomato, I suspect). I am determined to catch this fall growing season come what may, so avoiding all the sun and water issues by starting seedlings indoors using Aerogarden or borrowing the light from it, and...air conditioning for me. Thanks for the friendly cheerleading, and reminder of good practices. Let the seed starting commence!

[@inchristalone25]

Aha! thanks so much! I didn't even know there was seed starting mix! No wonder so many of my seeds that are teeny tiny don't come up!

[@WildFloridian]

Yes! Right! I had no idea for YEARS! It was someone in this lovely community who told me. What a difference!

[@mistycarter9809]

Totally agree! Not giving up. Just reseeded a few things yesterday. Dang caterpillars are hungry. But overall....I am still ahead! I think of it as succession planting. 😂

[@WildFloridian]

What a great attitude and way of thinking of it! I’m going to be reseeding some of the cells. A few just didn’t pop up. So reseeding here I come! 😄

[@bonniebeenken9207]

I am resilient and persistent! Great affirmation, Jacqueline!🍅🌞

[@trixiesaddle3909]

Thank you for the tips!! I'm going to try to grow cucumbers and lettuce this year. This will be my 3rd time trying to grow cucumbers. And I think that your tips are definitely going to help.

[@WildFloridian]

Oh I hope it goes better for you!

[@marilynearl6887]

I learned the hard way that birds think seedlings are especially yummy. I start. Mine indoors under row light till stronger and slowly introduce them to out doors

[@jerryw5508]

Yes, I had the start of Hawaiian pepper bush, it was about 1 inch or so high and it had a long life ahead of it. I watered it in the evening. The next morning it was gone. A victim of some marauding bird. I still have more seeds to plant and will protect my next seedling. Greetings from west of Tampa Bay.

[@WildFloridian]

That’s a great tip Marilyn! 🥰 As much as I am an advocate for nature… sometimes we need to hold it at bay while we get baby plants going

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great job Jacqueline! Your babies look so cute 🥰

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Petrina 🥰

[@Not2daysatan]

This helps me so much. I failed completely last year. I will try again🙏🏼

[@jerryw5508]

Wild Floridian, where are you located in FL. Greetings from Tampa Bay West.

[@WildFloridian]

I’m in St. Pete. Howdy neighbor 👋

[@lettytinycreations]

Thank you for all the wisdom because I keep making the same mistake and I’m glad you made us aware of lots of things that I’m going to adjust and try. Thank you

[@sophiawish9772]

Loved your lesson on how deep to plant seeds So sensible! Thank you!

[@melissab8500]

I've been gardening in Florida for over 10 years now, and you always teach me something new or remind me of something I knew but forgot. Thank you so much for all the knowledge and for saving my mulberry! It's finally growing after 4-5 years at 5ft tall 😁

[@WildFloridian]

🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thank you Melissa! That’s amazing to hear about your Mulberry!

[@cathyplantlover2862]

Tomatoe seeds can be fixed when they get a foot tall i cut the lower leaves off and repot it deeper into the next size up pots.....

[@ljgerken]

I do the same for seed starting mix and prep. However, if I cannot get seed starting mix, I can make my own with vermiculite and peat moss/coconut coir and some garden soil that I have sifted to get the bigger pieces out. I have taken potting mix and sifted out the bigger pieces to get seed starting mix too. I got a hand pump liquid spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle for misting. It holds about a quart and a half. I use it for misting seedlings and also for applying liquid foliar feed. The other thing i do with seedlings is put them in a tray and take one cell out and add water into the tray and put the cell back and let them water from the bottom up to get the seedlings to stretch to seek water source at the bottom. About an hour later, any remaining water in the tray gets dumped out onto a potted plant or another plant that needs it. I sit the seed trays on top of mulched soil in a flower bed where they will get dappled morning sun for the first few weeks. The flower bed is always under the eaves of my house so any rain deluge will not affect them as i place a hard plastic cover over them with a vent for the rain event, and take it off afterwards. Then move them to a more open location for more sun once they get two sets of true leaves.Yes, the Summer heat is challenging. I've got bunching onions, red and yellow onions, summer savory, spotted bee balm, slo-bolt cilantro, clary sage, snapdragons, echinacea, and dill seedlings up now. Plastic trays do get hot in this heat, so I have to make sure that the tray sits on soil or mulch to keep the tray cool and I could cook the seedlings with that too! I wish I had white seed starting trays instead of black ones, they would repel heat better.

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

I was going to put out some of my starters this weekend but guess what! Hurricane Hilary is pouting rain for next 3 days in Vegas! Crazy lol

[@WildFloridian]

Insanity!!!! I hope y’all do ok out there.

[@conniecrites5148]

Prefect timing. I have been making so many of these mistakes. I do start more seedlings than I need and just give the extra away.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Connie! I haven’t forgotten your firebush. I hadn’t realized I had pulled all the little ones. So I’ve been looking for one to pop up.

[@conniecrites5148]

@@WildFloridian thank you 😊 I don't mind the wait. I'll be glad to get the right kind when you can. Please let me know if you want more strawberries. I will be filling another green stalk and then emptying the raised bed of the rest so it can be redone. One end is rotting. I will have alot still left that I need to do something with.

[@Everyday.homemaking]

What is that noise haha I love how she has tuned it out and to me it’s like nails on a chalkboard 😂

[@pc1189]

This is great content for all levels of garden experience! Keep up the good work 👏👏

[@petercassidy6525]

Thanks , seed starting is one of my biggest problems this will help me out I think?

[@WildFloridian]

I hope it does Peter! Or at least let you skip all these mistakes 😄

[@julieten2774]

When I plant seeds in dry soil (cell packs), I add water to the bottom of the seed tray and the soil ends up sucking the water up and that also helps to not disturb the tiny seeds. Hope that makes sense.

[@VeryMiley]

Same here. Works really well

[@WildFloridian]

That’s a great tip! Thanks Julien!

[@itsonlyada]

Your videos are such a great resource, I wish you put chapter marks for easier reference/rewatchability

[@nccgolden3626]

I love your channel. I have enjoyed n shared your videos. One of the reasons less seeds germinate is poor quality soil. Miracle Gro is not quality. Hence the large chunks of wood. I have used potting soil I buy from organic growers. Also I have used coconut coir w great results. Brand I use is Wonder Soil which is high quality clean organic coconut coir. Fox farm is another high quality potting soil. Quality organic soil does make a difference in yields.

[@WildFloridian]

That’s a great tip!!! Thank you!

[@jennifermorrales3389]

Thank you for all of your tips.. you have helped me with all of my gardening everything is looking at tasting so amazing . And all of my native gardening plants oh my God I have people stopping at my driveway to ask me how is it that I am getting them to look so amazing thank you so much 😊

[@WildFloridian]

🥰 OMG! That’s amazing Jennifer! People stopping by your garden?!? That’s amazing 🤩

[@lindapedersen-hylka7170]

Thanks again for another awesome video. I've made all the mistakes. Learning as I go. The seed depth was an eye opener for me. I saw your kale seedlings at 3-4 days, mine have been in for over a week and nothing. I think I'll start some more & not plant as deep. Thanks for all the tips & tricks. Gardening is so much easier now.

[@WildFloridian]

I was surprised how fast they came up. My one set of Broccoli is similar to your Kale… only one lonely seedling. Going to have to try again too! We’re in it together 💪 🌺

[@donnamcfarland162]

Wow!! Soooo helpful ❤❤really appreciate your knowledge!!

[@godisincontrol32]

Excellent Post.. Saving time and money 😊 I subscribed to your channel 🙏

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you! I’m so happy I was able to help you 😊

[@godisincontrol32]

@@WildFloridian you're welcome 😁 yes very helpful 🙏 much appreciated..

[@sharonmckee2403]

New subscriber here. Thanks for this topic this describes me to a T! I have seeded receded re-planted repotted etc.… But I am going to keep trying I can do this eventually. thanks for the encouragement!

[@desireelamarche7149]

This is awesome. I'm not giving up❤

[@nancycaldarola3090]

Thank you so much for more helpful tips! I had no idea on the seed starting soil. Mind blown 🤯 adding water to the soil before potting up. After the video i poured some water right to the remainder of the soil I had left, added to 8 x 4 inch pot and added seeds to it and watered properly (another 🤯 moment). I didn’t realize I wasn’t watering enough! Thank you loved this and your personality just makes me smile 😊

[@WildFloridian]

Yay!!! I’m glad to pass on the seed starting mix tip. Made my life sooo much easier! I appreciate you Nancy 😊

[@kluv7139]

you are awesome....thanks wonderful

[@libbysmithstudio]

Thank you! So much great information, as always. ❤

[@yesidtac7863]

Execelente metodos

[@LoriHakaMyHeartCries]

You forgot to add the tag for the video you referred at the end... I'll try and go and find it later. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!!❤❤

[@WildFloridian]

Did I??? I’ll go add it now! Thank you ☺️

[@tinal7573]

Thank you for this info! I needed this 3 days ago😮. At least I'll know what happened if they don't come up.

[@WildFloridian]

Oh no 🙈 Better late than never 🤷‍♀️ 😄

[@tessagem]

Thanks for this video. I felt like a big failure this summer because some seeds didn't come up. Now I know!

[@redcherries93x2]

Lol when did you film this? You jinxed it 😂 I live in same area haven't had rain for days then yesterday and day before we got 4in of rain

[@WildFloridian]

That’s funny! 😆 Generally my videos are shot one to two weeks at most before you see them.

[@redcherries93x2]

@WildFloridian gotcha so maybe not you jinxing it this time. Love the video though luckily my seedlings live in the safety of our porch and wasn't drowned.

[@Fruitcovecheermom]

Did I see you started onion seeds already?? I’ve been having a hard time finding “when” to start onion seeds. I’m in 9A up in Jax. What do you recommend? Btw, I love your channel and look every day to see if you have a new video out! Thank you! I moved here from the north and it is SOO different in FL!! So happy I found you!

[@WildFloridian]

Yep! You can start onions now from seed 👍 look for Texas varieties of onions from Southern Exposure or similar seed companies. 🥰🥰🥰 Welcome to Florida

[@kluv7139]

me too wonderful... i have a butt load of mistakes

[@cathysimon8749]

I love your videos. I just planted my slips from the sweet postatoes and then found your videos...........Oh well I know what to do for the next crop! I have a question though......what is in your bed that looks like pine needles or hay?

[@Micheal-l8q]

Yae Verily I will, Until 😊

[@kvisa82]

My biggest question is WHEN to start seedlings for fall planting. Zone 10b North Fort Myers here

[@WildFloridian]

August for you. You can start some seedlings in trays in July but you'll want to keep them in covered areas.

[@chaselex]

I’m in broward Florida can I start tomatoes watermelons musk melon and eggplants right now

[@FIREPsyChat]

I’m not even kidding, it’s actually really humid in vegas right now because of that hurricane on the west coast

[@WildFloridian]

That’s CRAZY!!! And y’all are hotter. Bleh. I feel for ya!

[@nate1084]

Jackie - Love the videos. Where do you buy your seedling trays? Is there a link available? Thanks.

[@WildFloridian]

My trays are just saved trays from past veggie purchases. I keep a stack of all the types I like. They would be comparable to these ones on Amazon amzn.to/3sYk5Oc .

[@teresaholland4790]

🤣I’ve done everything wrong but I’m a quick learner did it again till I got it right all but the hurricane 🌀 can’t change those Yet🤣

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! So true!

[@jennmach1549]

Whoops! I am burying my seeds way too deep. No wonder the tiny ones are not coming up. Wah!

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! 😭 I’ve been there!

[@QueenFishTail]

I have a question. Do you fertilize your seedlings at any point?

[@tinal7573]

Do you put 1 seed in the cell or cup or can you put 2 or 3 or more? Some are sooo tiny.

[@maxiemakay5868]

It depends on the seeds but most you can definitely put 2-3 in a cup. If you only want one and all come up, you have a couple of choices. You can let them all grow enough and carefully separate them and transplant each into it's own cup or take a small pair of snippers and cut the stem of the ones you don't want. Try not to pull them because you could break the roots of the one you want.

[@WildFloridian]

Most I put two seeds and then I will snip one.

[@bobstanley5540]

Little off topic, but what about a grow-light to start wildflowers? I'm considering starting them in January so I can plant near the end of March. Anyone every tried it?

[@WildFloridian]

I haven’t. But I’m planning on taking a bunch of my wildflower seeds and starting them after I free up trays from veggies

[@drewjames9167]

You are so cute ☺️ could you come over and help me with my garden 😩

[@WildFloridian]

Aww thanks Drew

[@julieten2774]

You are so silly if you think up north doesn't have down pours and that they only have gentle rains.

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! In my head it is that scene at the beginning of Bambi where they sing the drip drip drop song 🎶 😄

[@BinkyNoss]

LOL! I'm laughing with you, not at you.

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! 😂