You'll need to find a set of small seed starting containers
(think small paper cups, or newspaper rolled into small cup
shapes). Arrange your seeding containers on a large flat tray.
Pour soilless ("seed-starting") mix into a large bucket and
moisten with warm water.
Fill seeding containers to the top with moist seed-starting
mix, and then tap the soil down with your finger to eliminate air
pockets. Add more mix, up to within one-quarter inch from the
top.
Plant your seeds according to your seed packet. Most seeds can
simply be gently pressed into the mixture; you can use the eraser
end of a pencil to push in seeds.Plant seeds at the depth suggested
on the seed packet, and sprinkle the seeds gently with water (not
too much water, you just want the soil to be moist).
Prick holes in the bottom of containers with a toothpick for
ventilation.
Cover your trays of seeding containers loosely with plastic
wrap, or enclose them in translucent plastic bags.
Water your plants as directed, being extra careful with newly
started seedlings (a mister bottle might work better than a
watering can for the first couple of weeks, or you could try using
a turkey-baster, which will dispense the water effectively without
causing too much soil disruption).
Find a place in the kitchen where there is natural bottom
heat-on top of the refrigerator or near the oven. (Move the tray if
the oven is on, as it may become too hot.) Seeds sprout best at
temperatures of 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
Remove the plastic covering at the first sign of germination,
and then shift your focus to giving your seedlings lots of bright
light. Window light is usually too weak and directional; veggies
need intense overhead light - you will need to have a fluorescent
light fixture to grow your seedlings.
When the seedlings get their second pair of leaves, prepare
individual pots filled with a potting mix with plenty of compost.
Move the seedlings carefully to the new pots and water well. Keep
pots out of direct sun for a few days, then allow them to get at
least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. (Follow directions on the
seed packets for the light requirement of each individual
plant).
OUTDOOR
PLANTING:
Decide on where you will plant your garden. It might be
directly in soil, or maybe you've found a spot in your yard where
you can build raised boxes to plant in. Alternatively, you might
choose to plant in a series of pots that sit directly on your
patio. Whatever you decide, understand that most plants need to be
started indoors around March/April before they can be transplanted
outdoors.
Unless you live in a climate that allows you to start your
plants directly outside, start your plants in the same manner you
would indoor plants (start your seeds around March / April) to give
them enough time to fully sprout before they are moved outdoors .As
always, check seed packages for specific requirements of each
plant.
Many plants will have to be "Hardened off" before they can be
transplanted outdoors; this means bringing them out during the day
for a week or so before leaving them outside full time.
Once your plants are ready to be transplanted outdoors, prepare
your planting environment by mixing and layering a good organic
soil mix with compost. You'll want to add an organic fertilizer to
the mix as well, and a healthy number of worms! (Make sure kids
have a chance to get involved in the worm handling--guaranteed to
be a crowd pleaser).
Once you've transplanted your seedlings into their new home,
give them a gentle watering. If you're planting in boxes or
containers, cover them with a layer of landscaping cloth ( to avoid
weeding, and to keep some of the soil's moisture in). To do this,
cut holes in the landscaping cloth where the plants can poke
through, but have the cloth covering the remainder of the growing
environment.
That's all there is to it! Now it's time to observe your garden
grow and make sure to water and feed your plants on a regular
schedule.