Spring is the time of year when the flowers start to bloom and the greenhouses come alive. Gardeners worldwide take advantage of this transitional period to plant and nurture their gardens for the coming season. One of the most popular methods of doing this is by starting your bedding plants early in the spring through seeding flats. Anyone can use this technique with or without a greenhouse, but utilizing a greenhouse magnifies the benefits greatly. By using your greenhouse for seeding flats of bedding plants early in the spring, you can ensure that your plants will grow healthy and robust, giving you a beautiful garden just in time for summer. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about using your greenhouse to start seeds early in the spring easily.
Using a greenhouse for transplanted seedlings
After successfully starting your seeds in the greenhouse, the next step is transplanting the seedlings to their final destination. This requires some planning and preparation to ensure the seedlings have a smooth transition. Water the plug trays thoroughly a few hours before transplanting to make removing the plugs from the trays easier. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the delicate roots of the seedlings. It's also important to choose the right size of containers for transplanting depending on the size of your seedlings. Many gardeners prefer using 2 inch or 4 inch pots for bedding plant sales. Transplanted seedlings need proper care, including adequate watering and fertilization, as they adjust to their new environment. With a well-maintained greenhouse, you can enjoy healthy and robust seedlings that will flourish in your garden.
1. Introduction to starting seeds in a greenhouse
Starting seeds in a greenhouse is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. As mentioned in the previous sections, choosing the right time to start seeds is vital based on the outdoor planting season in your area. By starting seeds in a controlled indoor environment, gardeners can ensure that the seeds are kept at the ideal temperature, moisture level, and light conditions for optimal growth. In addition, starting seeds in a greenhouse can also prevent pests and diseases from affecting young plants. In the following sections, this blog will explore tips and techniques to help gardeners successfully start seeds in their greenhouse and grow healthy transplants for their gardens.
2. Disinfecting your greenhouse before planting
Before starting seeds in a greenhouse, it's important to disinfect the shelves, benches, pots, and trays. Algae thrive in the warm, moist greenhouse environment, so cleaning as early as possible is essential. As mentioned in the previous blog section, some growers wait until the week before opening a greenhouse before cleaning debris from the previous growing season. However, it's better to clean as early as possible. In addition to wiping loose dirt out of plant tray inserts and cell trays, brushing and sweeping the entire greenhouse is important. By doing so, growers can prevent plant diseases and ensure healthy growth for their seedlings. Disinfecting the greenhouse may seem like a small step, but it can significantly affect the quality of the plants grown inside.
3. Importance of choosing the right location for seedlings
Choosing the right location for seedlings is key to successful greenhouse seed starting. The ideal location provides bright, indirect light and good air circulation while keeping temperatures warm and consistent. Additionally, it's important to choose a location that allows for easy monitoring and maintenance of the seedlings. Placing seed trays on a bench or table makes it easier to check on the progress of germination and watering needs. Moreover, the location should be free of pests and diseases that could harm the young seedlings. Keeping these factors in mind when choosing the location for seedlings ensures a better chance of success for your greenhouse seed starting.
4. Using artificial light sources for seed starting
After choosing the right location and seed starting trays, it's time to talk about lighting for the seedlings. Artificial light sources above the seedlings will keep them compact and healthy, especially if they are grown indoors. LED lighting can be just as good as the sun for seedlings, and a 50:50 combination of cool white and plant light fluorescent lamps is ideal. Hang the lights from chains, so they can easily be raised as the plants grow. Providing adequate light is one of the most important factors in growing healthy seedlings, so don't skimp on this step. With the right artificial lighting, you'll be able to achieve strong, healthy starts for your plants.
5. Overcoming challenges in sowing seeds in the springtime
In order to successfully sow seeds in the springtime, it is essential to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise. The use of a greenhouse can greatly benefit seed starting during this season, but it is important to remain vigilant in ensuring the best growing conditions for seedlings. Factors such as low temperatures, lack of natural light, and slow germination can be overcome through the use of artificial light sources, proper heating and venting, and careful monitoring of planting mediums. Additionally, choosing the right seed starting trays or pots and providing adequate sunlight and misting can make all the difference in the success of early spring seedling growth. Overall, with attention to detail and consistent care, overcoming challenges in sowing seeds in the springtime can lead to prosperous growth and a fruitful yield.
6. Choosing the right seed starting trays or pots
Choosing the right seed starting trays or pots is important for starting seeds in a greenhouse. As noted earlier, lettuce is best seeded directly into 200-cell flats, while other seeds should be planted in nicely spaced rows for ease of thinning, watering, fertilizing, and treating seedling diseases. Using plug trays is also a popular option, and filling them to the top is recommended before tamping down. In addition, shallow rows spaced 1 to 2 inches apart can be made with a ruler or plant label. Maintaining high humidity levels, especially around germinating seeds, is important by covering pots or flats with a clear humidity dome or enclosing them in clear plastic bags. Lastly, it's important to choose trays or pots with enough space to accommodate later sowings and to give seedlings enough space to grow and be transplanted to larger containers. By following these guidelines, gardeners can ensure healthy and prosperous seed starting in their greenhouse.
7. Providing adequate sunlight and misting for seedlings
To ensure successful germination, adequate sunlight and moisture are vital for seedlings. While natural sunlight is best, artificial light sources can also be used for consistent, extended periods of light. Misting seeds regularly with a mist nozzle or hand-held spray bottle can provide gentle, even moisture that promotes growth. It is important to remember that too much water can detrimentally affect germination. Additionally, ensure that the seed trays or pots have adequate drainage before misting to prevent waterlogging. With the right balance of sunlight and moisture, seedlings can thrive and grow strong enough to be transplanted into the garden come springtime.
8. Evolution of seed starting techniques in greenhouse growing
Over time, the techniques for starting seeds in a greenhouse have evolved, allowing for more successful and efficient seed germination. Gardeners can now use soilless media, such as coir or peat pellets, to start their seeds. Additionally, advancements in artificial lighting allow for more accurate and consistent lighting for seedlings. Furthermore, some gardeners are now opting for hydroponic systems to start their seeds, as it is a clean and efficient method of growing. Overall, these advancements in greenhouse growing have allowed for more successful and productive seed starting, leading to healthier and stronger transplants for the garden.