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Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a headstart ongardening season.
That said, doing it at the right time is critical.
Meet the Expert
When Should You Start Seeds Indoors?
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While the last frost date is always an estimate, it provides a date to work against for gardeners.
This means that gardeners in warmer climates can start seeds sooner than gardeners in colder climates with longer winters.
Luckily, you dont need to memorize these details to ensure you start your seeds at the right time.
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The issues arise from adequately caring for mature seedlings indoors.
Additionally, the added time indoors can make thetransplanting processitself more complicated, Sons says.
Spoonmore offers a few tips and tricks that she loves to use for her seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
First, she recommendsbottom-wateringseedlings after they have sprouted.
Bottom-watering will also ensure that you don’t disturb delicate seedlings after they have sprouted.
you could bottom-water seedlings by placing their containers on a tray or saucer and filling it with water.
The seedlings will draw the water up through their container’s drainage holes as needed.
Always monitor the water levels in the tray or saucer.
Overwatering is still possible with bottom watering, and you don’t want waterlogged soil.
Spoonmore also recommends placing a small fan near your seedlings after they’ve sprouted.
Just be sure you don’t put the fan too close and risk snapping the delicate stems.
