Be attentive to SOIL TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS of the seed you are starting. Some seeds have difficulty sprouting in excessively cold and hot temperatures, or may not even sprout at all. Night time soil temperatures are the most significant to be aware of.
Be aware that seeds also have LIGHT REQUIREMENTS after they germinate. Most common garden seeds want FULL SUN - this commonly means 6-10 hours of direct sunlight a day, or the equivalent artificial plant light. Without the proper light, seeds grow slowly, or not grow at all after germination.
Start seeds in quality soil that has MINIMAL TO FEW WEED SEEDS and a light fluffy texture. This will help you properly identify your plants once they sprout and not confuse them for another seed that may OUTCOMPETE - be more prevalent or rapid to GERMINATE (sprout).
Start seeds at their RECOMMENDED PLANTING DEPTH. Small seeds that are planted too deeply will not reach the surface after they sprout. Large seeds planted too close to the soil surface may not sprout at all.
Keep seeds CONSISTENTLY HYDRATED throughout the early phase of their life. Provide them a GENTLE WATERING two to three times a day in warmer or hot seasons, or once a day in cold seasons. Keep the soil surface moist but not overly saturated. AVOID EXCESSIVE WATER PRESSURE as this can displace them during the sprouting phase.
Seeds have VARIABLE GERMINATION (sprouting) rates depending on what you are starting. Pay attention to the time guidance suggested for each plant.
If working in an outdoor space MONITOR FOR CRITTERS who may want to munch on your seeds during or shortly after they germinate. They are the most sensitive during the first few weeks of their lifespan. Checking at night is helpful – you may make discoveries you do not notice during the day.
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