Starting Seeds Indoors Using Peat Pellets

If you’re looking for an easy, mess-free way to start your seeds indoors, try peat pellets! These discs of dehydrated peat moss, held together with biodegradable mesh, are simple to use, require minimal maintenance, and can be transplanted directly into the ground once your seeds have sprouted.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flat Seed Starting Tray and a Plastic Dome Lid – The SunBlaster Nanodome is ideal, offering a tray, lid, and grow light.
• Seeds – Pick up your favourite Vesey’s seed varieties at your local Feeds’n Needs.
• Plant Markers – Use these to mark your rows or sections of seeds in the peat pellets to avoid mixing them up. Also, note the date you planted the seeds.

To start seeds indoors using peat pellets, follow these six basic steps:
1. Arrange your pellets – Place the pellets in rows of 5 or according to the number of seeds per variety. This simplifies labelling.
2. Expand/soak pellets – Pour warm water over the pellets, submerging them about 2 cm from the top of the tray. Allow 10 minutes for full expansion, then drain any excess water.
3. Plant seeds – Tear the top of the netting on each pellet slightly. Use a pencil, toothpick, or your finger to create a small hole for the seeds. Plant 2 seeds per pellet and lightly cover them.
4. Label pellets – Always label your seeds! Mark the rows with masking tape on the tray or label each pellet individually.
5. Cover with dome lid – Cover the tray with the plastic dome lid and place it in a warm location. Seeds do not require light to sprout, so they do not need to be initially under the grow lights. Water only when the pellets look dry.
6. Place under lights and remove dome – Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic dome and place the tray under the grow lights. If more than one seed sprouts in a pellet, pinch off or cut the extra seedling, leaving one healthy plant per pellet.

Pellet Benefits:
Peat pellets retain sufficient moisture for seed germination and ensure good drainage to prevent overwatering. The netting around the pellet allows air circulation through the root ball. Additionally, pellets reduce transplant shock since the roots experience minimal disturbance during transplanting.

Our experts at Feeds’n Needs know how exciting gardening season is! Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and check out our gardening section for everything you need to start seeds indoors with peat pellets.

For more helpful gardening tips and tricks, check out our related posts.
What Type of Garden Best Suits Your Needs
Garden Planning for Spring and Summer
Gardening Tips for Beginners
How to Successfully Grow a Vegetable Garden
How to Sprout Your Own Seeds

Sources:
03 Growing a Great Garden_PRINT (littlegreenthumbs.org)