How to Get Your Garden Blooming: A Beginner's Guide to Starting Flower Seeds

Starting your flower seedlings is a great way to bring color and beauty to your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, this is a general guide that will help you get started with growing flowers from seeds!

Step 1: Choose Your Seeds

The first step in starting your flower seeds is choosing the right flowers. There are many different types of flower varieties to choose from, including annuals, perennials, and biennials. Consider the type of flower you want, the size of the plant, and the flower color. When choosing your seeds, select plants that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Soil

Once you have chosen your seeds, it is time to prepare your soil. The soil should be fertile and well-draining. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.

Step 3: Sowing Seeds in Containers

When it is time to sow your seeds, use a seed starting mix or fine-textured soil free of clumps. Fill your seed trays or pots with soil and make shallow furrows in the soil. Check the seed packet for directions on how deep it should be. Some seeds will just lay on top of the soil. Place the seeds in the furrows and cover them with soil. Water them well and keep the soil moist but not wet. It is best practice to water from below. This means o place your container in a tray holding water and allowing the soil to drink up the water. Let the container sit in water for 30 minutes to be sure the water has been absorbed into all the soil.

Step 4: Provide Adequate Light and Heat

Flower seeds need light and heat to germinate. Place your seed trays or pots near a sunny window or under grow lights. If you're using grow lights, keep them about 2-4 inches above the seeds and turn them on for about 14-16 hours each day. Keep the temperature between 70°F and 80°F for best results.

Step 5: Thin Your Seedlings

Once your seeds have germinated, it's good practice to thin your seedlings to prevent overcrowding. This will give each seedling room to grow and develop. Simply pinch off the weaker or smaller seedlings and leave the strongest one.

Step 6: Transplant Your Seedlings

When your seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, it is time to transplant them into larger containers or your garden. Make sure you plant them at the same depth they were growing in their seed trays or pots and water them well after transplanting.

Flower seed starting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to bring color and beauty to your garden. With the right preparation, care, and attention, your flower seeds will grow into beautiful, healthy plants that could bloom for many years to come.

❀ Live your best botanical life from the garden to the kitchen ❀

Happy gardening!

Danielle Fischer