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As the weather starts to warm up, it's time to start thinking about planting your spring and summer gardens. And one of the most important steps in the gardening process is preparing your seeds for growth. 

Here are some tips and tricks for getting your seeds ready to plant, including how to use heat mats, propagators, and grow lights to promote healthy growth:

1. Check your seed inventory: Before you start preparing your seeds, take an inventory of what you have on hand. Check the expiration date on each seed packet to ensure they are still viable. Discard any old or expired seeds and make a list of the varieties you need to purchase. Check out our range of Organic Seeds from Kind Seeds
2. Soak your seeds: Soaking your seeds before planting can help speed up germination. Soak your seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before planting to help soften the seed coat and promote faster growth. You can also use a seed soak such as Seed Excel or X seed to speed up this process.
3. Start your seeds indoors to give them a head start. Use a seed starting mix and plant your seeds in individual containers. Keep them in a warm, bright location and water regularly until they are ready to transplant outdoors.
4. Harden off your seedlings: Before transplanting your seedlings outdoors, it's important to harden them off. Gradually acclimate them to the outdoor environment by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside over the course of a week or two.
5. Plant at the right time: Different plants have different growing requirements, so it's important to plant them at the right time. Consult a planting calendar or local gardening guide to determine the best time to plant each variety.

Some tools to help:

Heat Mats

These are a great tool for speeding up germination and promoting healthy root growth. Simply place your seed trays on the heat mat and set it to the appropriate temperature for your seeds. Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat mat will keep the soil consistently warm, which can help speed up germination and improve overall growth.

Root !t Heat Mat – Go Grow

Propagators

A propagator is a closed environment that helps to create the perfect conditions for seed germination. Propagators come in a range of sizes, from small ones that can sit on a windowsill to larger ones that can hold multiple seed trays. The key advantage of a propagator is that it creates a humid environment that helps to keep the soil moist, which is crucial for seed germination. Some propagators also come with built-in heating elements, which can further improve germination rates.

Propagators – Go Grow

Grow Lights

If you're starting your seeds indoors, you'll need a good source of light to ensure they get enough energy to grow. Grow lights provide the full spectrum of light that plants need to grow, which can be especially important in areas with limited sunlight. Place your grow lights close to your seedlings and adjust the height as they grow. This will help to ensure they get enough light without getting too hot.

Propagation Lights – Go Grow

By following these tips and using these tools, you can give your seeds the best chance for success and enjoy a bountiful harvest this season.

Don't forget to visit our store for all your growing needs. We have a wide selection of seeds, seed starting supplies, heat mats, propagators, grow lights, and everything else you need to create a thriving garden in doors or out!

Happy gardening!

Just because it is cold outside, doesn't mean the growing stops. You can grow vegetables,  salad and fruit plants all year round - inside! Simply follow these 8 simple steps to put you on track for thriving indoor plant  happiness!

These eight simple steps can put you on track for thriving indoor plants and houseplant happiness!

1. Provide adequate light: Most indoor plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your home doesn't have a lot of natural light, consider using grow lights to supplement the light your plants are getting.

2. Keep the temperature consistent: Many indoor plants like temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your plants near drafty windows or doors, and try to keep the temperature in the room where your plants are located as consistent as possible.

3. Keep the humidity level high: Many indoor plants come from tropical regions and need a high humidity level to thrive. To increase humidity around your plants, you can use a humidifier, place a tray of water near your plants, or mist the leaves with water.

4. Water regularly: Most indoor plants like to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Be sure to check the soil regularly and water as needed.

5. Provide proper fertilization: Indoor plants can benefit from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the package instructions for application rates.

6. Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to indoor plants, and they are generally not necessary. Try to identify and address the source of any pests or diseases, rather than relying on chemicals to solve the problem.

7. Keep in mind the plants specific needs: Every plant is different and has specific requirements to grow healthy and strong. For example Cacti or succulent will need different light and water condition than tropical plants. Make sure you do your research about the specific plant you have.

8. Lastly, be patient: Growing plants indoors can be a bit more challenging than growing them outdoors, but with the right care, your plants will thrive. If you encounter any problems, don't hesitate to seek out advice from the team at Go grow.