Starting Seeds in a Greenhouse

The majority of my garden seeds are planted in the greenhouse. I have a few more I still need to plant and I hope to get to the rest of them in this weekend. It is good to start seeds in a greenhouse because it allows you to get a jump on the growing season. You can start seeds in a greenhouse or indoors about 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area.

Greenhouse Soil

Planting seeds in a greenhouse is a relatively easy gardening activity. I first locate my seed potting containers I have collected over the years. Most of these plastic containers that I am reusing came from previous plants I bought in the past. You could also let others know that you are in need of plastic pots to plant seeds. It is amazing how fast you can stock pile plant pots when you let family, friends and neighbors know that you need them. I then mixed up a fresh batch of soil in a big five gallon bucket. I used this soil to fill my planting containers. Next, I plant my seeds following the plant depth recommended and any other pertinent information on the back of each seed packet. I label the planting container with the name of the seeds and date planted. In most cases, I just tape the empty seed packet to the planting container and then I write the date I planted them on the seed packet. I water all my newly planted seeds very thoroughly. I will check on them every two days to check to make sure the soil has enough moisture and water as needed. I also will keep an eye on the weather forecast in case of freezing weather so that I take steps to protect my seedlings from damage.

I find it very helpful to have a white board in my greenhouse where I can record what I planted and when and what I still need to do. I also have a planting guide posted that tells me when to plant seeds in the area I live, the planting depth and plant spacing. Also I have a thermometer so I can be sure of the temperature in my greenhouse. Most seeds germinate when the temperature is 60-75 F.

Besides planting seeds I bought I also have seeds that I saved from last year that I am planting as well. Soon my seeds will shoot up sprouts from the soil and I will be looking forward to transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has disappeared.