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How to Successfully Germinate Seeds for Your Farm Nursery


If you’ve been dreaming of growing vibrant herbs, veggies, and flowers for your community—or just getting your hands in the soil—then this is where it all truly begins: seed germination. At our nursery, we’ve just kicked off our first round of plant starts, and I’m excited to walk you through how I’m doing it and how you can too—whether you’re starting a business or simply planting for home and homestead.


My Simple Germination Setup (Budget-Friendly, Beginner-Proof)


Starting seeds doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's what I’m using in my setup this season:

  • Seed trays (with 72-cell inserts for most varieties)

  • Seed-starting mix (light, airy, and made for germination—not heavy garden soil)

  • Heat mats (to maintain soil temps between 70–75°F)

  • Humidity domes (to lock in moisture until germination begins)

  • Grow lights (especially important if you're indoors or have cloudy weather)

I’ve set this up inside my greenhouse, but if you’re working indoors, a south-facing window or even a simple shelf with lights can do wonders.

👉 Tip: Bottom watering helps avoid mold and promotes stronger root development.


Choosing Seeds for Success


For our Zone 8 climate, I focused on varieties that thrive in our warm springs and long growing seasons:

  • Veggies: Tomatoes, peppers, kale, squash, and cucumbers.

  • Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, dill, and parsley.

  • Cut Flowers: Zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, and celosia.

All are heirloom or open-pollinated, and I sourced seeds from trusted organic suppliers. If you’re growing to sell, always start with high-quality, viable seed. It makes a huge difference down the line.


Timing & Planning Your Germination


I mapped out a seed-starting calendar based on each plant’s needs and our local frost dates. Here’s a quick overview:

  • 6–8 weeks before last frost: Start tomatoes, peppers, and hardy herbs.

  • 4–6 weeks before last frost: Start flowers and tender herbs.

  • 2–4 weeks before last frost: Start squash, melons, and cucumbers.


✉️ Want a printable seed-starting schedule for your own farm or garden? [Subscribe to our site and comment seed below to receive my FREE guide!]


Common Germination Problems & How I Fix Them


Even with the best setup, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are a few issues I’ve faced—and how I’ve handled them:

  • Damping off (seedlings fall over and die)

  • ➤ Solution: Improve airflow, sterilize trays, use cinnamon or chamomile tea as a natural fungicide.

  • Slow germination or no sprouts

  • ➤ Solution: Check soil temp, reseed shallowly, or pre-soak stubborn seeds.

  • Mold on soil surface

  • ➤ Solution: Reduce humidity slightly, add airflow, and water less often.


What’s Sprouting at Jacobs Haven Nursery?


Right now, we’ve got tiny basil, strong tomato starts, and a cheerful tray of zinnias pushing through the soil. It’s both humbling and exciting to watch life unfold—especially knowing these plants will soon be available for local pickup and market sale.

If you're nearby and want to reserve some of our farm-grown starts, stay tuned! I’ll be opening up early-bird preorders soon.


You can follow the journey:

Because sometimes, the best stories start when someone finally says, “So… we bought a farm.”

 
 
 

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