Spring is one of the most exciting times for a gardener. One of the best parts is seeing little seedlings emerge from the dirt. Starting seeds in a greenhouse is an excellent way to get a head start on the growing season and get to the gardening fun faster. The greenhouse also provides a controlled environment for young plants to get their best start.
Start by gathering your supplies and preparing the seed starting mix. Decide what type of pots or trays you’ll use. Select something that provides adequate drainage. It may be important to keep the soil warm depending on what you’re growing. Trays with a plastic lid are an excellent way to keep heat in. Propagation mats can also provide bottom heat to help germination.
Use a seed starting mix that is high quality and sterile. Some store-bought mixes can come with unintended larvae mixed in the soil, which can cause a pest problem in your greenhouse in the future. In addition to being sterile, lightweight and well-draining soil is best. Make sure you know if your soil has properties such as moisture control. Properties like moisture control will affect how often you water the seeds.
Mix a small amount of water into the seed starting mix until it’s evenly damp but not soggy. Fill your pots or trays with the mix, leaving a small gap at the top for easy watering. Follow instructions on seed packages for planting depth and spacing. Once the seeds are planted, cover them lightly with more mix. Be sure to label the trays with the name of the plant and the date sown. Labeling will help keep track of your seedlings as they grow.
During the germination period, you want to provide the right environment for the plants to thrive, which includes temperature, light, and moisture. Place the trays or pots in a well-lit area of the greenhouse. You may need to add a full spectrum grow light if there isn’t enough sunlight throughout the day. Monitor conditions such as temperature and humidity in the greenhouse to ensure they are suitable for seed germination. It’s a good idea to install a thermometer and humidity meter in the greenhouse to assess the environment inside the greenhouse accurately. A space heater may also be necessary to maintain the internal temperature of the greenhouse.
Keep a close eye on the seedlings as they germinate and grow. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but prevent over-watering. Also, provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. Ventilation can be accomplished by running a small fan or opening the roof vents and windows during the day if the temperatures allow.
As the plants develop several true leaves, begin hardening off the seedlings. This is done by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions to acclimate them to the environment. Hardening off will help them adjust to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures and become stronger as they adapt to outdoor air movement.
Following these tips for starting seeds in a greenhouse can give your seedlings a healthy head start and get you gardening sooner in the season. Happy gardening!
