Learning how to grow plants from seeds is easy and gives you access to a myriad of unique varieties that are only available in seed form

Step 1: Choose the Correct Season

Starting at the correct time of year is the first step to learning how to grow plants from seeds. Start seeds 5–6 weeks before their ideal growing season, which is the time of the year when the air and soil temperatures are warm. In Zones 9 or 10, plant crops in either the cool season (fall through early spring) or warm season (spring through summer) according to the crop. Check the back of the seed pack to verify which season you should be planting in. For gardeners in Zones 9 or 10, we publish a Gardening Calendar chock full of tips and timing to help you become a successful gardener. We also have free Planting Charts for Zones 5–8 to guide timing in your area.

Step 2: Use Quality Seed Starting Soil

For the quickest and most even germination, we recommend planting all garden seeds in a high-quality Seed Starting Mix. Seed starting mix allows seeds to germinate quickly and easily and aids in germination by allowing the soil to stay moist yet aerated.

• Seed Starting Soil is formulated to germinate seeds quickly and evenly.
• Peat Moss retains moisture.
• Perlite provides air pockets.
• Balances pH for optimal germination.

Step 3: Plant at the Correct Depth

The third step to learning how to grow plants from seeds is that they have only so much stored energy to push through the soil. If seeds are buried too deeply, they won’t reach sunlight to produce food to keep growing. Check the back of the seed pack for specific seed planting depth. The image of a San Diego Seed Company Glass Gem Popcorn seed pack offers an example.

Rules of thumb

• Plant seeds twice as deep as the seed is wide.
• The larger the seed, the more life-force it has to push through the soil.

Step 4: Keep Soil Moist During Germination

Beginning from when the seeds are planted, through germination and development of the first true leaves, seeds need to remain moist all the time. Do not let them dry out.

In warm areas of the United States, it can be hard to keep tiny seedlings constantly moist. To reduce the transpiration of water from the soil, make a mini-greenhouse by covering your pots with some form of plastic. Be creative. You can use plastic wrap, a plastic lid, whatever!

Or buy a seed starting tray with a plastic lid, which helps keep the moisture in the soil. It will also help with our next requirement for seed starting: optimal temperatures.

• Never let the soil dry out during germination.
• Water from the bottom of the germination tray.
• Use protection to keep soil from drying out.
• Warmer soil speeds germination.

Step 5: Control the Temperature

The fifth step to learning how to grow plants from seeds is knowing that vegetable and flower seeds will germinate between 60° – 80° F. This is less critical in mild climates (Zones 9–10).

• Use Row Cover or Shade Cloth for protection.
• To get an early start, use a Heat Mat.
• Use the suggested temperatures below as a guideline.

Ideal Soil Temperature for Germination

Step 6: Seedling Aftercare

After the seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves, it’s important to fertilize with diluted Organic Liquid Fertilizer to guarantee quick growth.

• Transplant when strong and healthy
• Do not allow plants to get leggy (see explanation below)

Leggy seedlings are those that are desperately stretching for more light. Solution: Give them more light, natural or artificial. Of course, this depends on the time of year and the hours of sunlight per day. See Sunlight: The Key to Great Vegetables from Cornell University for guidelines for different types of vegetables.

Step 7: Sow Grow Eat Repeat

Succession planting is the simple act of planting on a schedule for continuous production. Said another way, it’s the practice of seeding crops at intervals of 7 to 21 days to maintain a consistent supply of harvestable produce throughout the season. Use the chart below as a guide for the most common garden varieties. The chart is organized by vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Succession Planting Chart