I was given a greenhouse for my 50th birthday. I started a few seeds 2 weeks ago. They seem to be sprouting.I have 2 questions. When I put them into a bigger pot, how much bigger of a pot should it be, and how big should the sprouts be when I do this.[/url][/list][/list][/code][/quote]

[quote:5199fd585c="brightmore girl"]I was given a greenhouse for my 50th birthday. I started a few seeds 2 weeks ago. They seem to be sprouting.I have 2 questions. When I put them into a bigger pot, how much bigger of a pot should it be, and how big should the sprouts be when I do this.[/url][/list][/list][/code][/quote:5199fd585c][/quote]

Starting your own seeds for your garden can be a gratifying and challenging experience. The task can be a lot easier if you have the right techniques, tools and equipment.

Start with the right soil mix-which actually ought to be a soilless mix.
Regular garden soil will naturally contain fungi and bacteria that can damage seedlings. It also tends to be heavy because of its clay content. Seeds will sprout and grow better if they have a loose light material to get started in.

Plant the seeds in individual containers or broadcast them in containers for transplanting out later. Firm the planting medium down well; use a stick to make rows in the flat, and plant the seeds. For very small seeds, you can mix seeds with sand and put them in a saltshaker to broadcast the seeds.

Keep the soil moist and the humidity high. You can use a spray bottle filled with water to keep the soil surface moist and you can cover the flats with a plastic cover or with a plastic bag tied around the flat to keep the moisture in.

Damping off-a disease caused by a fungus is the biggest threat to your seedlings. To prevent the disease, allow the surface of the planting medium to dry out a bit between waterings. You want the soil to be evenly moistened, but not wet. Never let your flats stand in water that will lead to root rot.

Successfully growing your own garden plants from seed takes a little bit of patience and practice and you might need to learn a few techniques that are new to you like transplanting seedlings.

Once you get your garden seeds started, and you get some growth on the seedlings, you need to transplant them into larger containers so that they have the room that they need to grow.

Before transplanting seedlings, water them thoroughly but gently with a spray bottle.

It helps to understand a little bit of plant physiology to do a good job of taking care of your seedlings. The first plant structures to appear are cotyledons. These are the primary leaves of the embryo�they are actually contained in the seed. They are usually smooth edged and quite thick. As the seedling grows, the true leaves will start to develop. The true leaves will have different shapes. When the first set of true leaves develop, it�s time to transplant.

If you started your seeds in a small flat, to transplant the seedlings, use a small plant marker or plastic fork to lift the seedling and its roots out. Grasp the seedling by its leaves not the stem. Holding the stem could cause irreparable damage, if the leaves are slightly damaged, they can always grow back. Tuck the seedling into its new home and water it in well.

I love using little peat pots, they take most of the work out of transplanting. All you have to do is transfer the seedling, peat pot and all �into a larger container, the peat pot will eventually degrade in the new container.

Keep the transplants in bright light and keep them well watered. Use a dilute solution of water-soluble fertilizer every other time you water.

Before the transplants are ready to be put in the ground in late spring, you should allow them a couple of weeks to adjust to being outside. You can do that by placing them outdoors in a sheltered area under a tree or structure.

Thank You