Seedling Fever

I’ve been seeing the symptoms around me for a while now. A Halloween seed order here, or a garden plan prepared during the holidays there. A little early, but nothing to worry about yet.

However, by February, every conceivable kind of recycled container started piling up on kitchen counters, “You can put seedlings in it!” 

Seed packets, meanwhile, are a bit too neatly organized in a box or album, in order of planting date, alphabetically or taxonomically: “carrot, parsnip, celery, fennel, parsley go here, with the Apiaceae; broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radish, rutabaga, turnip go over there, with the Brassicas. “

People keep asking, “Can I start my seedlings yet?” And a few moments later, “What about now?”

Spike in Cases

In recent days, there’s been a real spike in cases. There are photos of tomato seedlings all over social media, accompanied by comments, “It’s way too early to start tomato seedlings!” Sometimes we even get into a tizzy: “I can start my seedlings whenever I want! Mind your own business.”

The displays in the gardening sections of stores take on a post-apocalyptic air. Arguments are breaking out over who gets the last seedling tray.

Some people have even taken to microgreens, to soothe their itch!

The epidemic is now widespread among gardeners.

But don’t worry too much, the fever will soon subside. Seedling season is coming!

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

I won’t try to reinvent the wheel today. The Laidback Gardener website is already bursting with resources.

“But where to start? The blog has like 125 articles on seedlings. We’re not going to read all that!”

Well, no! I’m not asking you to get a PhD in seedology! So I’ve compiled the 12 best articles on seedlings, for both novices and insiders.

1. For beginners

Never planted before or need a refresher course? Review the basics of growing seedlings with this step-by-step text that explains how to do your seedlings with a list of easy seedlings.

Beginning Gardener’s Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors

2. Sowing materials

It’s always a good idea to prepare your seeding equipment ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard when you decide to start.

Gather Materials Before Sowing Indoors

3. Recycled Materials

You can reuse all sorts of products that you already have on hand.

Sowing and Recycling Should Go Hand in Hand

4. Germination Test

Not sure if your seeds are still good? Maybe you found an old bag of seeds saved from a tomato plant several years ago. Or, like a yogurt container, you think your seeds may still be good even though the expiration date has passed? A germination test is in order! Here is how to do it.

Test Old Seeds Before You Sow?

5. When to Sow?

After “What is the meaning of life?” the most profound existential question of every budding gardener is “when to start your seedlings?” Rest assured, here are 5 charts that will answer this question whether for vegetables, herbs, annuals, biennials or perennials.

Learn When to Sow Your Garden Seeds

6. Transplanting Seedlings Indoors

In general, it’s best to avoid transplanting our seedlings before planting them indoors, as the shock of transplanting can slow their growth. But sometimes it’s a necessary evil, so here’s how to do it.

Do you have to transplant seedlings indoors?

7. Acclimatizing Your Seedlings

After spending weeks in the cozy comfort of your home, your seedlings may have difficulty adapting to the great outdoors. That’s why you need to take it one step at a time.

Hardening Off Seedlings and Plants

8. Transplanting Outdoors

Almost as essential as the sowing date is the transplanting date. After all, our little babies have to leave the fold sometime!

When Is It Safe to Plant Your Seedlings Out?

9. Seedling problems?

In general, starting seedlings is fairly easy, but sometimes you run into a problem along the way. Here are some solutions to common issues.

Problems with Your Seedlings? Here’s What to Do!

10. Cold Treatment

Some seeds need a period of cold before they germinate. It is, in fact, a simulation of winter that tells the seeds when to come out of their shells. After all, if they came out in the fall, they would freeze.

Some Like It Cold: Cold Treatment for Seeds

11. Transplanting Young Seedlings

For more experienced gardeners, it’s possible to transplant very young seedlings. Improve your skills by reading this article.

How to Transplant Young Seedlings

12. Take It to the Next Level

Many of the plants we are used to buying in pots can actually be grown from seed. But each seed has its own particularities. Where can you find information on sowing all these species? There is a source, available for all to discover here.

Seed Germination: Taking it to the next level

Although I just gave you a lot of reading, you don’t need to know everything to get started. Why not try your luck with a few seedlings on a windowsill with the materials you have available? It’s best to start small.