- 1). Read the instructions on the back of each seed package.
- 2). Fill each individual compartment of the flat about 3/4 of the way with soil.
- 3). Place the filled flat in a larger container, like a large cake pan, and add enough water to fill the compartments about half full with water. Allow the soil to soak overnight.
- 4). Press the seeds into the planting soil, using your finger, to the depth advised on the seed packet. Make sure the seed is covered lightly with soil.
- 5). Use your misting spray bottle to keep the soil moist, but not water logged.
- 6). Keep the growing climate humid by placing the thin sheet of glass over (or taping cellophane over) the flat. Place the humidity gauge in the flat in order to monitor the humidity and prevent mold from killing the germenating seeds.
- 7). Thin out the seedlings once they have germinated. You will know that the seeds have begun to germinate when a set of small leaves appear above the soil. These are not actually leaves, but stores of food for the seeds as they set roots. These initial leaves will soon be replaced with a set of true leaves. Once these have appeared, select the sturdiest and largest to space out according to the instructions on the back of the seed packet. This is known as "thinning" and ensures that each seedling will have enough water and nutrition.
- 8). Begin distributing a small amount of fertilizer among the starts each week.
- 9). Replant the seedlings in a larger growing environment. Once the seedlings have two or three sets of leaves, you are ready to move them to a larger growing environment. Before moving the seedlings to individual pots, moisten the soil with the spray bottle. Use a spoon, miniature trowel or even two fingers to gently scoop the seedling out of the flat and into a pot filled 3/4 of the way with soil. Continue to water, light and fertilize the seedling according to instructions on the back of the original seed packet.
Source...