One of the most common questions asked by gardeners is how many seeds they should plant in a pot.
Generally, planting pots should be large enough to accommodate a wide variety of plants. But you have to know the exact number of seeds you plan to plant in your pot.
Identifying the exact number of seeds you should plant in a pot requires you to consider several factors.
How Many Seeds Per Pot?
There is no exact number of seeds you should plant in your container. However, the size and age of your seeds will determine the number of seeds you need to plant in your pot.
You might have to sow fewer seeds in your pot if your seeds are large. On the other hand, if your seeds are small, you can sprinkle many of them into the planting soil.
When growing aged seeds, you may have to sprinkle many into one hole. This is because some aged seeds may end up not germinating.
The germination rate of the seed also determines how many seeds you’ll plant in one hole. Additionally, if your container is large, plant more seeds in the planting pot.
How to start seeds in a planting pot
Once you determine the number of seeds, you can go ahead and start planting the seeds in a pot. Below is a detailed procedure on how to start seeds in a planting pot.
Step 1: Fill up the pots.
The first thing to do is to fill the pots with potting soil. Avoid using gardening soil since it might be too bulky for your plants.
A reputable manufacturer can provide you with high-quality starting mix. If you are reusing old soil, it would be best to sterilize it.
Sterilize the soil by exposing it to extremely high temperatures. Place the soil in the oven for approximately thirty minutes. When filling the pot with soil, always leave some room at the top of the planting pot.
Step 2: Sow seeds.
After the starting mix is ready, sow the seeds. When planting the seeds into the soil, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember, plants are different. Thus, take time to understand the requirements of your plants before sowing them into the ground. Consider sowing two to three seeds in the hole.
Step 3: Add water.
After you’ve sown the seeds into the ground, you’ll need to water the soil. Keep in mind that your plants need moisture, warmth, and sunlight to germinate. So, always ensure that your soil is moist at all times.
Use a spray bottle to sprinkle water across the entire planting pot. Another benefit of watering the planting pot is that it ensures the potting mix settles firmly around the seeds.
Step 4: Label and cover.
If you have multiple planting pots, ensure you label them correctly. Use tape or a sticky note to write the name of the plant you are growing in each pot. Then, stick them on each planting pot accordingly.
Cover the pots after labeling them with a transparent plastic bag or you can opt to make planting paper pots. Doing this helps you maintain a consistent warmth in the pot. Consequently, you encourage fast germination.
Step 5: Keep pots warm and watered.
Gardening experts always advise placing your planting pots in a warm area. Nonetheless, keep the pots out of direct sunlight.
One of the best places you can place your planting pot is on the refrigerator. Plants germinate when exposed to temperatures of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, always keep this information in mind when looking for a suitable location for your planting pot. Moreover, note that plants need approximately six to eight hours of light to germinate.
Step 6: Monitor the plants
Once you expose your plants to the right growing conditions, ensure you monitor them from time to time. Watching your plants enables you to protect them from bugs and diseases. Continue monitoring the plants even after sprouting.
How do you care for seedlings in a planting pot?
As mentioned earlier, you need to take good care of your plants to obtain a plentiful harvest from time to time.
Below are some of the best tips for caring for your seedlings indoors.
- Ensure they get some air:
After sprouting, you need to make sure the seedlings get some air. So, remove the plastic cover and leave the plants to grow. Place the pot in a well-ventilated area to promote maximum air circulation.
- Thin the seedlings:
One of the most important practices you need to observe is thinning. Once your seeds sprout, it is essential to thin the seedlings.
Cut off all the seedlings that don’t look healthy. Doing this creates more room for the seedlings to grow. This allows the seedlings to grow to their maximum potential.
- Transplanting:
As your seedlings grow, they will need more space. Consider planting them in your garden or in larger containers. At this time, you can use a standard potting mix. Doing this allows your plants to grow to their full capability.
- Keep the seedlings moist:
You should never stop watering your plants, even after they sprout. Use a spray bottle to mist the plants to prevent them from drying out. Nevertheless, avoid overwatering the plants, since this can attract pests and diseases.
- Harden off the seedlings:
Your seedlings need to adapt to their new environment before transplanting. Always take your seedlings outdoors during the day for a week before transplanting.
This way, the seedlings will get used to external conditions. Note that your seedlings may not be able to withstand harsh climatic conditions if you don’t harden them.
Indoor Seed Starting Problems
Occasionally, it might be inevitable to experience problems with your seedlings. Fortunately, you can use a broad spectrum of techniques to deal with seed problems which also include getting an Aero-garden kit.
Let’s look at some of the most common problems you may experience with your seeds.
What causes leggy seedlings?
Failure to expose your seedlings to sufficient light can lead to leggy seedlings. Leggy seedlings often look stretched since they are trying to find more light.
If you ever experience this problem, move your planting pot to an area with better light. Alternatively, use a grow light that directly provides light to the plants.
Wilted seedlings
Another problem you may experience with your seedlings is wilting. Wilting may occur due to overwatering or overcrowding. This problem usually results from a fungus that affects the seedlings. Also, underwatering the plants is a major cause of wilting.
Dealing with this problem requires you to water your plants correctly. Avoid overwatering and underwatering your plants. Before watering the plants, it would be best to check whether the soil is damp or dry by dipping your fingers.
Additionally, make sure the potting soil you use is free from any harmful fungi that can cause wilting.
How to grow in a pot
Planting seeds indoors enables you to obtain a continual harvest all year round. However, you need to ensure you follow the right procedures for planting in a pot or growbag.
Generally, you should plant the right number of seeds in a planting pot. The size of your planting pot and seeds will determine the number of seeds you’ll sow in the pot.
Fortunately, if you desire to plant a wide range of plants or grow flowers, you can use multiple planting pots or get grow bags.