Starting veggies from seed is exciting—you get to play plant parent from day one. But it’s also easy to mess up. Here are five common mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up with sad, leggy, or totally non-existent plants.
1. Skipping the Labeling Step
“I’ll totally remember what I planted.” No, you won’t. Tiny green sprouts all look the same, and by the time you realize you’ve mixed up your tomatoes and peppers, it’s too late. Label everything. Even if you just scribble on popsicle sticks.
2. Using the Wrong Soil
Garden soil is great… for the garden. But seeds need light, fluffy, well-draining seed-starting mix. If you plant in heavy, clumpy dirt, your seedlings will struggle, and you’ll wonder why nothing’s growing.
3. Overwatering (or Underwatering)
Seeds need moisture, not a swamp. If the soil is constantly soaked, mold and fungus will show up uninvited. But if you forget to water, your tiny plants will shrivel up like forgotten leftovers in the fridge. Keep the soil damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
4. Forgetting About Light
Seedlings are needy little things when it comes to light. A sunny windowsill might work, but more often than not, they’ll stretch out and get leggy. If you want strong plants, get a cheap grow light and keep it close to the seedlings—about 2 inches away.
5. Starting Too Early
It’s tempting to start seeds as soon as you see the first hint of spring. But if you start too early, you’ll end up with overgrown plants inside while it’s still too cold to move them outdoors. Check your last frost date and count backward from there.
Final Thought: Don’t Overthink It!
Seeds want to grow. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to a happy, thriving veggie garden. Just don’t forget to label your plants—seriously.