Seed Starting Part 1: Onions, Peppers, and Parsley

I got my seed starting setup together this week and it’s looking good.

I’m trying a heat-mat for the first time but I didn’t want to spring for a $30 one on Amazon so I’m using this $.50 one instead. Christmas light seed starting mat!

After doing a bit of research it sounds like they don’t get too hot, they are mostly waterproof, and they are cheap. Sure the heat isn’t super even but these are seeds not high precision biology experiments.

I filled the trays from my Burpee Self Watering Seed Starting Kit
that I bought last year with some seed starting mix. I used Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix which has mixed reviews but I’m a hobbyiest, not a professional and it’s easy to find.

I started 12 onions, 12 peppers, 12 coneflowers, and one pot of parsley. I made little row labels from something from the recycling bin and I’m ready to see them sprout. I know these early ones take a long time to get going but I’m hoping by starting them a bit earlier than I started my peppers last year, I’ll manage to get some good sized plants.

No spouts yet but it’s only been a couple days. I have way more started that I will ever have room to plant but people love seedlings and I love giving my little babies away. I just want enough margin for low germination rates etc.

Sarah

P.S. Let me know if you are local and have a garden in need of veggie or herb seedlings. I love to share!