I'm planning to start some vegetable seeds indoors and I'm in Eastern Washington. I think it's still too early to put them outside, so I want to use my insulated garage, maybe with a warming mat. My big concern is avoiding any pests, insects, molds, or anything creepy-crawly. I don't really trust any soil, especially ones from stores that might've been outside or near outdoor dirt. Is there a safe, cheap, and sterile growing medium I can use? Also, can I use liquid nutrients for a few weeks until they're ready to go outside?
2 Answers
One way to ensure your soil is pest-free is to sterilize it at home. You can take the soil, put it in a bowl, and pour boiling water over it. After that, cover it and let it cool down before planting your seeds. Once they sprout, it's better to water from the bottom to minimize mold or algae growth on top of the soil. A little fan can help with air circulation too. Just remember, you’ll need to harden off your plants before moving them outside, which usually takes about a week, slowly adjusting them to the outdoor conditions. Keep in mind that a few pests might appear despite your precautions, it's pretty common!
You might want to consider setting up a small greenhouse outside, with some Christmas lights for warmth. Just make sure to use a sterile seed starting mix, like Black Gold, that’s specifically designed for starting seeds—no need to buy anything else. Also, you really don't need any extra nutrients at this stage; just focus on heat and light. If you place grow lights an inch away from the leaves, it’ll help your seedlings stay healthy without getting leggy!
Haha, I find it amusing that your username is Firefly and you're trying to avoid bugs!