Starting from Seed
When you do get your seeds started, be sure to use an actual seed starting mix rather than potting soil or ordinary garden soil. It’s lightweight and it holds moisture evenly, which is important while seeds are germinating. Once seedlings have emerged and survived their first week or so, they’re going to need regular feedings of a liquid organic fertilizer, too.
One last thing. Plant seeds at the right depth — tiny seeds practically sit on the surface, while big hefty bean seeds need to be buried roughly as deep as the seed is tall — and thin them ruthlessly once seedlings emerge. Really. Get tough. Cull the herd.
Before long the largest seedlings will need to be transplanted to larger pots, and after that you’ll be taking young plants outside to harden them off and get them ready for life in the great outdoors. But for now, get your gear set up properly. Once you’ve made this initial investment, I promise that the rest of the journey will be ridiculously cheap and endlessly satisfying and entertaining. More about seed-starting in a few weeks, so stay tuned.
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