DIY Homemade Seed Tapes:
A Winter Gardening Project
My mom was an amazing gardener. I learned so many things from her, and one key crop she always made seed tapes for was sweet corn. Once you have your Square Foot Garden designed, a wonderful winter project is preparing homemade seed tapes. This simple DIY task saves money, ensures precise seed placement, and makes spring planting a breeze. My mom would make seed tapes for all her vegetables planted in-ground, and now I carry on the tradition to make gardening even easier.
Why Make Homemade Seed Tapes?
Cost Savings: Store-bought seed tapes can be expensive, but making your own is budget-friendly.
Precise Seed Placement: No need for thinning seedlings later, as the seeds are already spaced correctly.
Time-Saving: When planting time comes, simply lay out the seed tapes and cover them with soil.
Ideal for Small Seeds: Carrots, lettuce, radishes, and other tiny seeds benefit from controlled spacing.
What You Need:
Seeds (carrots, radishes, lettuce, etc.)
Thin strips of biodegradable paper (toilet paper or paper towels work well)
Flour and water (to make seed glue)
A small brush, toothpick, or cotton swab
Scissors
A ruler
A marker (for labeling the tapes)
How to Make Seed Glue
Alternatively, instead of just making seed tapes, you can use a full sheet of paper towel to create a seed placement mat. This method allows you to align seeds precisely with your Square Foot Garden Plan by marking the grid directly on the paper towel. The seeds can then be glued in place, matching the intended layout for easy transplanting into raised beds. Instead of using commercial adhesives, a simple flour-based glue works best and is safe for plants:
Seed Glue Recipe:
Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
Stir until it forms a smooth, paste-like consistency.
If needed, add a few drops of water to thin the mixture slightly.
Your natural seed glue is now ready to use!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Seed Tapes and Mats
Cut Paper Strips: Cut toilet paper or paper towels into long, 1-inch-wide strips.
Mark Spacing: Using a ruler, mark dots along the strip at appropriate seed spacing (e.g., 1 inch for carrots, 2 inches for radishes).
Apply Seed Glue: Dab a tiny drop of flour glue at each marked spot.
Place the Seeds: Using a toothpick or tweezers, place one seed onto each glue dot.
Let it Dry: Allow the strips to dry completely (usually takes 1-2 hours).
Store the Seed Tapes: Roll them loosely and place them in a labeled envelope or airtight container until planting time.
Storing Your Seed Tapes
To keep your seed tapes in the best condition before planting:
Store them in a dry, cool place.
Use a labeled envelope or small storage box to keep them organized by plant type.
Avoid exposure to moisture to prevent premature breakdown of the paper.
Seed tapes can last for several months if stored properly.
Planting with Seed Tapes
When planting time arrives:
Prepare your soil as usual.
Lay the seed tapes flat on the soil surface.
Cover lightly with soil (as directed for each seed type).
Water gently to moisten the paper and help it dissolve.
Final Thoughts
Homemade seed tapes are an easy, cost-effective way to improve your gardening efficiency while reducing seed waste. Plus, making them is a fun and rewarding winter project! By preparing now, you’ll be ready to plant effortlessly in the spring.
Have you ever tried making your own seed tapes? Share your experiences and favorite seeds for taping in the comments below!
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Starting Onions from Seed
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Why It’s Worth the Effort
When it comes to growing onions, many gardeners opt for sets—a quick and convenient method. However, starting onions from seed offers unique advantages that make it worth the extra effort. From a wider variety of choices to healthier, more robust plants, starting from seed ensures a rewarding experience and a bountiful harvest. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of growing onions from seed, walk through the seed selection process, and provide step-by-step instructions to get your onions off to a strong start.
Why Grow Onions from Seed?
Growing onions from seed may require more time and planning, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. From broader variety options to improved yields, here's why it's worth considering:
Better Yields and Larger Onions
Through personal experience, seed onions have consistently produced larger bulbs and higher yields compared to onions grown from sets. This is likely because seeds allow onions to develop a robust root system from the start, leading to healthier and more productive plants.
Access to a Wider Variety of Onions
Onion sets are often limited to a small selection of yellow, red, and white varieties. Seeds open up a world of possibilities, including sweet, pungent, and heirloom onions, such as Walla Walla, Red Burgundy, or Ailsa Craig.
Stronger, Healthier Plants
Onions started from seed are less prone to bolting (premature flowering) and tend to store better. They adapt to their growing environment right from germination, resulting in resilient plants that thrive throughout the season.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable
A single packet of seeds can yield hundreds of onions, making it an economical choice compared to sets. Plus, seed-grown onions can often be saved for future planting, further reducing costs.
Choosing the Right Onion Seeds
Selecting the right onion seeds is crucial for success. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Understand Your Growing Zone
Onions are categorized as long-day, short-day, or day-neutral varieties.
Long-day onions require 14-16 hours of daylight, making them ideal for northern regions.
Short-day onions thrive in southern areas with 10-12 hours of daylight.
Day-neutral onions are versatile and grow well in most regions.
Decide on Onion Types
Yellow Onions: Great for cooking, versatile, and long-storing varieties include Yellow Sweet Spanish and Patterson.
Red Onions: Perfect for fresh use in salads, sandwiches, or grilling; try Red Baron or Ruby Ring.
Sweet Onions: Known for their mild flavor, varieties like Vidalia and Candy are excellent for eating raw or caramelizing.
Look for Disease-Resistant Varieties
Choosing disease-resistant seeds helps prevent common issues like onion downy mildew or white rot.
Consider Your Harvest Goals
If you’re aiming for storage onions, look for varieties noted for their longevity. If you prefer fresh onions for immediate use, opt for sweeter, softer varieties.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sowing Onion Seeds Indoors
Starting onions indoors gives them a head start, ensuring they’re ready to transplant once the weather warms. Follow these simple steps to grow onions successfully from seed.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and materials:
High-quality onion seeds
Seed-starting trays or shallow containers with drainage holes
Seed-starting mix (light, fine-textured, and nutrient-rich)
Plant labels and a marker
Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle
Heating mat (optional, for consistent warmth)
Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
Step 2: Prepare Your Seed-Starting Mix
Choose a seed-starting mix rather than regular garden soil. A light, airy mix ensures good drainage and prevents seedling diseases like damping-off.
Moisten the mix with water until it feels like a damp sponge—not soggy.
Want to learn how to make a seed-starting mix? The Perfect Seed-starting Mix
Step 3: Fill and Label Your Trays
Fill your trays or containers with the moistened seed-starting mix, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
Use plant labels to mark the onion variety and sowing date. This step is especially important if you’re growing multiple varieties.
Step 4: Sow the Seeds
Make shallow furrows about 1/4 inch deep in the seed-starting mix. You can use a pencil or your finger to create straight rows.
Space seeds about 1/2 inch apart in the furrows to avoid overcrowding.
Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed-starting mix and gently press it down.
Step 5: Water and Cover
Mist the soil surface with a spray bottle to evenly moisten it without disturbing the seeds.
Cover the trays with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain humidity. This creates a mini greenhouse effect that encourages germination.
Step 6: Provide Warmth and Light
Place the trays in a warm location, ideally between 65-75°F. A heating mat can help maintain consistent temperatures.
Once the seeds germinate (in 7-14 days), remove the plastic cover and place the trays under grow lights or near a sunny window.
Onions need 12-16 hours of light per day. Use a timer to automate the lighting schedule.
Step 7: Thin the Seedlings
When seedlings reach 2-3 inches tall, thin them by snipping the weaker plants at the soil line, leaving about 1 inch of space between the strongest seedlings. This prevents overcrowding and ensures healthy growth.
Step 8: Maintain and Harden Off
Water seedlings consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Once seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and the outdoor soil is workable, begin hardening them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Start with 1-2 hours of outdoor exposure per day, increasing the time over a week.
Why January/February is the Best Time to Start Onion Seeds
Onions have a long growing season, making January or February the ideal time to start seeds indoors. By giving your onions an early start, you’ll have well-established seedlings ready for transplanting when the weather warms in spring. This timing ensures larger, healthier bulbs at harvest.
Final Thoughts
Starting onions from seed requires patience and care, but the rewards are significant. You’ll enjoy a greater variety of onions, stronger plants, and better storage options. By following these steps and tips, you’ll set yourself up for a successful onion-growing season. Whether you’re growing sweet, pungent, or specialty varieties, the effort you invest in January or February will pay off in a flavorful, abundant harvest.
Seed Starting Journey for 2025
Onions, Artichokes, Parsley, and Chives in Zone 5
As I sit inside, dreaming of warm summer days and lush garden harvests, the cold weather blues are hitting hard. But rather than wallow, I’ve decided to channel my energy into one of my favorite winter activities: starting seeds indoors. It’s the perfect way to bring a little greenery into my life while preparing for a thriving garden come spring. This year, I’m taking on a mix of old favorites and an exciting new experiment. Join me as I dive into seed starting for onions, artichokes, parsley, and chives—right here in Zone 5.
Why Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors has been a game-changer for my gardening. Not only does it give me a head start on the growing season, but it also allows me to choose the exact varieties I want. Garden centers often run out of my preferred options, especially when it comes to onions. Growing from seed ensures I’m not at the mercy of whatever sets are left on the shelf. Plus, there’s something immensely satisfying about nurturing a plant from a tiny seed to a flourishing part of the garden.
For Zone 5, where frosts can linger well into spring, starting seeds indoors is especially helpful. It extends the growing season for plants that need more time to mature, like onions and artichokes. By the time the outdoor soil warms up, my seedlings will be ready to hit the ground running.
The Stars of My 2025 Seed Starting
Onions: My Tried-and-True Favorite
I’ve had great success growing onions from seed in the past, and they’ve become a staple in my garden. Sets may be convenient, but I’ve found that onions grown from seed are hardier and produce better yields. The only challenge is that seeds disappear quickly from garden centers, which is why I’m getting a jump on them this year.
For 2025, I’ve chosen a mix of yellow, red, and sweet onion varieties. These will offer a range of flavors for cooking and storing. Onions are a long-season crop, so they’re one of the first seeds I’ll start indoors. By mid-to-late January, I’ll sow the seeds in trays filled with a fine seed-starting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist and placing the trays under grow lights for 12-16 hours a day.
One tip I’ve learned over the years is to trim the onion seedlings when they get too tall. Keeping them at about 3 inches encourages strong, sturdy growth and makes transplanting easier.
Artichokes: My New Experiment
This year, I’m venturing into uncharted territory with artichokes. These Mediterranean natives aren’t typically grown in Zone 5, but I’m excited to take on the challenge. With proper care and an early start, I’m hopeful they’ll thrive.
The variety I’ve chosen is ‘Imperial Star,’ which is bred for annual production in cooler climates. I’ll start the seeds indoors in late January or early February, as artichokes need a long growing season. The key will be mimicking the conditions they’d experience in their natural habitat. Artichokes require a period of chilling (vernalization) to encourage flowering, so once the seedlings are a few weeks old, I plan to move them to a cooler area—around 50°F—for 10-14 days. After that, they’ll go back under grow lights to continue their development until it’s safe to plant them outside.
It’s a bit of an experiment, and I’m prepared for some trial and error. Even if they don’t produce a huge harvest, the silvery foliage alone will add a striking element to the garden.
Parsley: The Persistent Performer
Parsley is a garden staple I rely on heavily for cooking. It’s easy to grow and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a no-brainer to include in my seed-starting lineup. For 2025, I’ll be growing both flat-leaf and curly varieties.
Parsley is slow to germinate, often taking 2-4 weeks to sprout, so starting early is essential. To speed things up, I’ll soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing them. I’ll plant the seeds in small trays and keep them warm—around 70°F—until they sprout. Once they’ve emerged, I’ll move them under grow lights and thin the seedlings to ensure each one has enough space to thrive.
Parsley is a biennial, meaning it produces leaves in the first year and flowers in the second. While I usually treat it as an annual, I’m considering letting a few plants overwinter this year to enjoy the flowers, which are a favorite of pollinators.
Chives: The Reliable Herb
Chives are a must-have in my garden. Their mild onion flavor is perfect for garnishing dishes, and their purple flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. Chives are also perennial, meaning they’ll return year after year, making them a valuable addition to my garden.
Starting chives from seed is straightforward. I’ll sow them in early February, lightly covering the seeds with soil and keeping the trays warm and moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings are established, I’ll thin them out and transplant them into individual pots. By the time the weather warms up, they’ll be ready to move into the garden or stay in containers on the patio.
My Seed-Starting Setup
A successful seed-starting operation relies on the right tools and environment. Here’s how I’m setting up for 2025:
Trays and Pots: I’ll use seed-starting trays with cells for smaller seeds like parsley and chives, and larger pots for artichokes to give them room to grow.
Seed-Starting Mix: A lightweight, fine-textured mix ensures good drainage and aeration for delicate seedlings.
Grow Lights: Since winter sunlight isn’t enough, I’ll use full-spectrum LED grow lights, keeping them a few inches above the plants and adjusting as they grow.
Heat Mats: For seeds that need extra warmth to germinate, like parsley, heat mats will keep the soil at a consistent temperature.
Labeling: To avoid confusion, I’ll label each tray with the plant name and date sown. It’s a small step that saves a lot of headaches later.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As I nurture these seeds indoors, I’m already imagining how they’ll transform my garden. Onions will provide the base for countless meals, parsley will add fresh flavor to everything from soups to salads, and chives will offer both beauty and utility. And then there’s the artichokes—my wildcard for 2025. Will they produce those stunning, edible buds I’ve admired in pictures? Only time will tell, but the journey alone is worth it.
Starting seeds is more than a practical task; it’s a hopeful act. It’s a reminder that winter will eventually give way to spring, and with it, the promise of a garden brimming with life. So here’s to 2025 and the adventure of growing—one seed at a time.
What seeds are you starting this year? Are you experimenting with anything new or sticking to tried-and-true favorites? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments!
Resources:
The Perfect Seed Starting Mix:
How to Create Your Own
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Creating your own seed starting mix is a simple yet impactful step in your gardening journey. By using a blend of coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite, you provide your seeds with the ideal environment to germinate and grow into strong, healthy seedlings. Not only is this mix cost-effective and customizable, but it also gives you the satisfaction of knowing you're giving your plants the best possible start.
As you move forward with your seed starting endeavors, stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts. We'll dive into how to use your homemade seed starting mix with seed trays and soil blockers, ensuring that your seeds have the perfect home to sprout and thrive. These techniques will further enhance your gardening skills and bring you one step closer to a lush, productive garden.
The Importance of Seed Starting Mix
A high-quality seed starting mix is the foundation of a successful garden. It plays a crucial role in the germination process and the early growth of seedlings. The right mix provides the ideal environment for seeds to sprout and develop into healthy, robust plants.
Moisture Retention: Seeds need consistent moisture to germinate. A good seed starting mix should retain enough water to keep the seeds hydrated but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. Excess moisture can lead to fungal diseases like damping-off, which can devastate your seedlings.
Aeration: Oxygen is vital for seed germination and root development. A well-aerated mix allows air to circulate around the seeds and roots, preventing suffocation and promoting strong, healthy root systems.
Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling around the seeds and seedlings. A mix with good drainage ensures that excess water is removed, reducing the risk of root rot and other water-related issues.
By providing the right balance of moisture, aeration, nutrients, and drainage, a quality seed starting mix creates the perfect environment for seeds to germinate and seedlings to thrive. This early support sets the stage for a bountiful harvest and a beautiful garden.
Benefits of Making Your Own Mix
Creating your own seed starting mix offers several advantages that can enhance your gardening experience and improve the success rate of your seedlings. Here are some key benefits:
Cost-Effectiveness: Store-bought seed starting mixes can be expensive, especially if you're starting a large number of seeds. By making your own mix, you can save money and still provide your seeds with a high-quality growing medium.
Customization: Different plants have varying needs when it comes to soil conditions. When you make your own mix, you have the flexibility to adjust the proportions of ingredients to suit the specific requirements of your seeds. This can lead to better germination rates and healthier seedlings.
Quality Control: By selecting and mixing your own ingredients, you can ensure that your seed starting mix is free from harmful chemicals and pathogens. This is especially important if you're aiming for an organic garden.
Sustainability: Making your own mix allows you to choose environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, such as coco coir, which is a renewable resource. This not only benefits your garden but also contributes to the health of our planet.
Learning Experience: The process of creating your own seed starting mix can be a valuable learning experience. It provides an opportunity to understand the role of different components in seed germination and plant growth, deepening your gardening knowledge.
By making your own seed starting mix, you gain control over the quality and composition of the medium your seeds will grow in. This can lead to more successful germination, healthier seedlings, and a more bountiful garden.
Ingredients for the Perfect Mix
Creating the perfect seed starting mix begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in ensuring the ideal environment for seed germination and growth. Here are the key ingredients for a balanced seed starting mix:
Coco Coir: Coco coir, made from the fibrous husks of coconut shells, is an excellent base for a seed starting mix. It has a remarkable ability to retain moisture while also providing good drainage and aeration. Coco coir is also environmentally friendly, as it's a renewable resource and a sustainable alternative to peat moss.
Vermiculite: Vermiculite is a natural mineral that expands when heated. It's included in seed starting mixes for its ability to retain water and nutrients. This property ensures that seedlings have access to moisture and essential nutrients for longer periods. Vermiculite also helps to create a light and fluffy texture in the mix, which promotes root growth.
Perlite: Perlite is a volcanic glass that has been heated and expanded to create lightweight, white granules. It's added to seed starting mixes to improve drainage and aeration. Perlite prevents the mix from becoming too compacted, allowing roots to grow freely and preventing waterlogging.
When combined in equal parts, coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite create a seed starting mix that is well-balanced in terms of moisture retention, nutrient holding capacity, drainage, and aeration. This mix provides a supportive environment for seeds to germinate and for seedlings to develop strong root systems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Mix
Creating your own seed starting mix is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to prepare a batch of the perfect mix for your seedlings:
Moistening the Coco Coir:
Coco coir usually comes in a compressed block. Start by slowly adding water to the block, allowing it to absorb and expand.
Break apart the moistened coco coir using your hands or a garden tool until it's fully fluffed up and free of lumps.
Mixing the Ingredients:
Measure equal parts of the moistened coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite.
Place all three ingredients in a large mixing tub.
Use your hands or a garden tool to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution.
Adjusting Moisture:
Check the moisture level of the mix. It should be damp but not waterlogged.
If the mix feels too dry, add a little more water and mix again. If it's too wet, you can add more of the dry ingredients to balance it out.
Storing the Mix:
If you have leftover mix, store it in an airtight container or a sealed bag.
Keep it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it again.
By following these steps, you'll create a seed starting mix that provides the ideal environment for your seeds to germinate and thrive. This homemade mix is a key ingredient in starting your garden off on the right foot and setting the stage for a bountiful harvest.
Creating your own seed starting mix is a simple yet impactful step in your gardening journey. By using a blend of coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite, you provide your seeds with the ideal environment to germinate and grow into strong, healthy seedlings. Not only is this mix cost-effective and customizable, but it also gives you the satisfaction of knowing you're giving your plants the best possible start.
As you move forward with your seed starting endeavors, stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts. We'll dive into how to use your homemade seed starting mix with seed trays and soil blockers, ensuring that your seeds have the perfect home to sprout and thrive. These techniques will further enhance your gardening skills and bring you one step closer to a lush, productive garden.
Resources:
