February 14, 2023

Six Steps for Success: Seed Starting

how to plant

angelo's guide to starting seeds indoors

We want your home-grown plants to get the best start possible. And we know the level of care taken when seeding can make all the difference. That’s why we encourage you to follow this special edition of Angelo Petitti’s 6 Steps for Success, modified for success with indoor seed starting projects.

Step 1

Fill Sterile Containers

Fill sterile containers with Petitti Seed Starter mix, moistened with water.

Pro Tip: You can purchase specially made plastic flats and peat pots at our stores, or you can recycle containers from around the house. If you’re using recycled containers, add drainage holes to the bottom of each container. Also be sure to properly sterilize with hot, soapy water and a mild bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach).

Step 2

Sow Seeds

Sow the seeds as directed on the packet, and lightly water them with a fine mist sprayer.

Pro Tip: Try not over-seed your containers. Crowded seedlings will need to be thinned out later and are more prone to fungal issues. The goal is to have seedlings with plenty of room to grow, ideally one plant per small pot.

Step 3

Cover Containers

Cover the containers with clear plastic wrap, or a clear plastic dome, and place in a warm area offering indirect sunlight and temperatures 70° to 75° F.

Step 4

Remove the Cover

Remove the cover, once little green sprouts appear, and place in an area offering direct sunlight. Remember to keep the soil moist.

Pro Tip: Your seedlings will grow best in conditions where there is good air circulation between and around the plants. Thin out the weakest or spindly looking plants for optimal growth.

Step 5

Fertilize

Fertilize as directed, once the second set of leaves develops (after about 4-6 weeks). By this time sprouts have used up the stored food contained in the seed. Use a half-strength solution of any water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro every 10 to 14 days.

Step 6

Transplant Outdoors

Transplant the seedlings outdoors to a warm, prepared garden or container destination, only after hardening them off by exposing them to temperatures 50° to 55° F over the course of 12-14 days.

Fill With Soil
Sow Seeds
Label Seeds
Spray Mist Soil
Thin Weak Sprouts
Keep Soil Moist
Mix Fertilizer
Fertilize Sprouts

bringing it all together

process made simple

Gardening Guide Icon

Raising plants from seed is an enriching and economical way to grow a garden. You can also get a jump-start on your garden by starting seeds indoors during winter, instead of waiting to sow them directly outdoors after the final frost in spring. All you need is a few supplies and a few minutes each day to check in on your seedlings.

download the Starting Seeds Indoors guide

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