Heritage Farms, Life

How To Start Seeds Indoors {part 1}

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recently saw this super cute DIY project on Gardenista’s website {Newspaper Potsfor making your own biodegradable seed containers. I loved the idea simply because I like to create! But I have say, as cute as these turned out, they were a bit time consuming. I got through 30 of them and decided to finish filling the rest of my large galvanized container with store bought {but also biodegradable} pots. Despite throwing in the towel early, it was a fun little project. Even my 7 yr. old got in on the action! I would totally do it again but for a fewer number of pots.

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They are pretty darn cute!

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When it came time to fill my pots and plant my seeds I wanted to be very hands on. I chose to make my seed starting mix from scratch. My number one reason being, it is VERY hard to find a natural/organic seed starting mix that doesn’t also have plant food already added in. Miracle Grow seems to have that market cornered! And when you do find the good stuff, it tends to be rather pricey. So, making my own was a natural solution that couldn’t have been easier. 🙂

There are many slightly varying “formulas” out there for making your own seed starting mix. Based off of my research I was able to come up with a very simple/basic recipe that should work quite well! But first, let me offer a quick break down on why you need a special mix. Why not just use potting mix? Or even good garden soil?

  •  Seeds need a loose, well-drained mix, composed of very fine particles. Even potting soil is too heavy and doesn’t allow for proper drainage.
  •  Using seed starting mix provides a sterile environment free of any contaminates. This helps to prevent fungus and diseases from invading the soil.
  •  Another good reason not to use last year’s garden soil {assuming you had a garden} is that it is also likely home to some dormant weeds! 

Here is my very simple Seed Starting Mix formula:

  • 1 part sphagnum peat moss
  • 1 part screened compost
  • 1 part vermiculite

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Although there is no need to “feed” or “fertilize” your seeds until they sprout {everything needed to germinate is provided within the seed}, you have a leg up with the nutrients provided by the compost!

Now that I have my pots ready, my dirt mixed & my seeds in hand, it is time to plant! You can find more information about where I purchased my seeds on one of my previous posts Spring Is Coming!“.

If you are following along, be sure and check out ‘How to Start Seeds Indoors {part 2}’ which I will be posting very soon 🙂

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