Greenhouse Gardening

Planting Tips

• Use a disease-free, well-drained soilless mix and clean pots for sowing seeds.
• Moisten the mix well and fill containers to within 1 inch of the top.
• Plant seeds at a depth of two to three times their width.
• Plant seeds that are very fine, or require light, by sprinkling them on the surface and gently patting them into the soil.
• If sowing seeds directly into their permanent containers, space the correct number of seeds evenly around the container; put two seeds in each planting hole to ensure germination.
• If sowing seeds for later transplanting, space seeds about 1/4 inch apart in rows 1 to 2 inches apart.
• Keep soilless mix moist while seeds are germinating by covering the container gently with a plastic bag or dome.
• Keep containers in a warm spot (70 to 75°F), or use heating mats or cables to maintain warmth.
• Once seedlings emerge, immediately put them in the light. If germinating them under fluorescent lights, keep lights 1 to 3 inches from seedlings.
• Thin or transplant seedlings once they have their first true leaves, so they don't compete for resources.
• Fertilize the seedlings once six to eight leaves have emerged.

 

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