Start SEEDLINGS Early
Transplant or Direct Sowing
Many seeds of both flowers and vegetables can be DIRECTLY sowed, at the start of the growing season. Although, starting in seedling tray may give you a HEAD start, some plants don't like being TRANSPLANTED. Check on the seed pack for more information.
Pros of Transplant: Success rate of seedling is higher, controlled medium, less thinning.
Cons of Transplant: Risk of transplant shock, extra caring required.
Pros of Direct Sowing: Better root growth, less work required, cost less.
Cons of Direct Sowing: Use more seed, More thinning, mulching is harder.
KNOW your WHEN to grow
As a general rule, you can start to HARDEN off your seedlings once they've grown at least TWO to THREE sets of leaves. At that point, they're mature enough to move outside.
About 7 to 10 days before your seedlings are ready to be TRANSPLANTED, take them outside and leave them in the shade for a few hours in the morning or afternoon.
NOTE: The seed packet will tell you how many weeks.
BEST potting mix for STARTING seedlings in tray.
Potting mix is VITAL when starting seedlings in seedling tray. The best seedling mixes are LIGHTWEIGHT but still RETAIN water well. They should include compost for NUTRIENT, vermiculite or perlite for AERATION, and coconut coir for WATER RETENTION.
Basic RECIPE for Seed-Starting Mix
4 parts compost.
1 part perlite.
1 part vermiculite.
2 parts coco peat.