Planting Guide for Seed Kit
- Planting: Sow 4-6 seeds per hole and/or pellet. If planting directly in the soil, space holes about 6 inches apart.
- Depth: 1/4 inch deep.
- When to Plant: Early Spring or fall, when temperatures are cool.
- Watering: Keep the soil/pellet consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvest: Cut stems when they are 6-8 inches tall, around 3-4 weeks after planting. Harvest in bunches for fresh use. Continue to harvest every few weeks.
- Planting: Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and/or pellet. If planting directly in the soil, space holes about 4-6 inches apart.
- Depth: 1/2 inch deep.
- When to Plant: Early Spring or fall. Spinach prefers cooler weather.
- Watering: Keep soil/pellet evenly moist.
- Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves when they are large enough to eat, about 4-6 weeks after planting. Continue harvesting leaves as needed.
- Planting: Sow 4-5 seeds per hole and/or pellet. If planting directly in the soil, space holes about 8-10 inches apart.
- Depth: 1/4 inch deep.
- When to Plant: Early Spring or fall.
- Watering: Keep soil/pellet consistently moist.
- Harvest: Harvest individual leaves when they are 3-4 inches long, usually about 4 weeks after planting. For a continuous harvest, pick leaves from the outer part of the plant, allowing the center to keep growing.
- Planting: Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and/or pellet. If planting directly in the soil, space holes about 12 inches apart.
- Depth: 1/2 inch deep.
- When to Plant: Early Spring or fall.
- Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil/pellet moist.
- Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves when they are young and tender, about 4-6 weeks after planting. Continue harvesting leaves as needed.
Using Pellets for Seed Starting
- Preparing the Pellets
- Hydrate the Pellets: Place the pellets in a shallow tray or container. Add warm water to the tray and allow the pellets to absorb the water. They will expand to several times their original size. This process typically takes a few minutes.
- Drain Excess Water: Once the pellets have fully expanded, drain any excess water from the tray.
- Sowing the Seeds
- Planting: Use a pencil or your finger to make a small hole in the top of each pellet. Place seeds in each hole depending on seed type and gently cover them with the surrounding peat material.
- Labeling: Label each pellet if you are planting multiple types of seeds.
- Germination and Care
- Covering: Place a clear plastic cover or a lid over the tray to create a mini greenhouse effect, keeping the humidity high.
- Light: Place the tray in a warm, bright location, such as near a sunny window or under grow lights. Most seeds need warmth and light to germinate.
- Watering: Keep the pellets moist but not waterlogged. Check daily and add water to the tray if needed.
- Transplanting to Garden Beds or Pots
- Timing: Transplant the seedlings when they have at least 2-3 true leaves and the roots begin to emerge from the sides of the pellets. This usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the plant.
- Preparation: Prepare your garden bed or pots with well-draining soil. For pots, choose containers with drainage holes.
- Transplanting:
- In Garden Beds: Dig holes in the soil, spacing them according to the specific plant’s requirements. Place each pellet directly into the hole, burying it at the same level it was in the tray. Firm the soil around the pellet and water thoroughly.
- In Pots: Fill the pots with soil, leaving enough space for the pellets. Place each pellet into the pot and gently press the soil around it. Water well.
- Care: Continue to water the plants regularly and ensure they receive adequate sunlight.
- Planting Extra Seeds
- Garden Beds: Any extra seeds can be directly sown into garden beds. Follow the same spacing and depth guidelines as listed in the planting guide.
- Pots: Alternatively, plant extra seeds in pots. Fill the pots with soil, plant the seeds at the recommended depth, and water them gently. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a sunny location.