Seedling Germination Guide

A well-made seedling tray can advance your harvest by a month. A waterlogged one breeds mold in 48 hours. The difference is air, bottom heat, and not watering like it's an adult tomato.

Tray and Substrate

Dry seedling trays prevent roots from tangling. Fill with fine coconut or a light mix with perlite, never garden soil. Moisten the substrate before sowing: the seed should stick, not float.

Conditions

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants germinate at 20-25 °C. Lettuce prefers slightly cooler conditions. Provide light as soon as they germinate; otherwise, they will become leggy. Water with a spray bottle or from below; a strong stream can topple the hypocotyls.

Remove the lid or plastic when 70% have sprouted. Condensation is the first sign of mold (damping-off).

Transplanting

When there are 2-4 true leaves and the root ball comes out intact. Harden off for 4-5 days in the shade outdoors. Do not pull on the stem: push from below the cell.

What We Recommend at Control Garden

Seedling trays, 11 L of coconut fiber, and perlite for a well-draining medium. The small pack is enough for one terrace season.