It’s almost seed-starting time—hurray! If you’ve been enjoying the off-season as an armchair gardener, it’s time to get up and start prepping for seed sowing. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College shares her top tips for seed starting, including must-have products to set you up for success.
Heat Accelerator Mats
A heat accelerator mat is a game-changer for seed starting! This heated mat sits underneath your seed tray, providing consistent warmth to speed up germination and improve success rates—especially for heat-loving seeds like peppers (which can be started mid to end of February). Simply place it on a flat surface, set your tray on top, and plug it in. That’s it! The gentle, steady warmth encourages quicker sprouting, making this a must-have for serious seed starters.
Trays & Pots
Choosing the right trays and pots is essential for successful seed starting. Plastic seed trays are a great option when sowing multiple seeds together, providing a controlled environment for germination. Many seed trays don’t have drainage holes, making them easy to place on any surface without worrying about leaks. If you prefer trays with drainage, be sure to pair them with a solid bottom tray to catch excess water.
For an eco-friendly option, coconut coir pots are a fantastic choice. These biodegradable pots allow you to sow seeds individually, and when seedlings are ready for transplanting, you can plant the entire pot directly into the ground or a larger container. Since they break down naturally, they reduce transplant shock and minimize root disturbance, giving your plants a healthy start.
Lids
A plastic lid for your seed tray is a simple but essential tool for successful germination. It helps trap humidity and retain warmth, creating the ideal environment for seedlings—especially during the colder winter months when indoor air tends to be dry. The lids we carry at Royal City Nursery feature built-in vents, which are crucial for maintaining proper airflow. Ventilation helps prevent excessive moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold and damping off—two common problems when starting seeds indoors. Simply adjust the vent as needed to balance humidity and airflow for healthy seedling growth.
Soil
Choosing the right growing medium is key to giving your seeds the best possible start. Unlike traditional garden soil, seed-starting mixes are light, fluffy, and designed to support delicate seedlings with proper aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.
Seeding & Sprouts Mix from Fafard
This high-quality, organic-approved mix is specially formulated for seed starting, cuttings, and even microgreens. Made with sphagnum peat moss, coconut husk fiber, and natural fertilizer, it provides excellent moisture retention while remaining light and airy—perfect for encouraging strong root development.
Most seed-starting mixes contain very little actual soil. Instead, they rely on a blend of organic matter and perlite to keep the mix loose and well-draining, preventing seedlings from becoming waterlogged.
Jiffy 7 Pellets
These compressed peat moss pellets make seed starting easy and mess-free! Just add water, and they expand like magic—forming the perfect environment for germination. Each pellet has a built-in hole where you can drop your seed, making them a fun and simple option for kids or beginner gardeners.
Coconut Coir
A sustainable alternative to peat moss, coconut coir comes in compressed bricks that expand dramatically when soaked—one brick can fill an entire wheelbarrow! It’s an excellent seed-starting medium and can also be worked into vegetable beds to improve soil structure and moisture retention. Since it’s renewable and biodegradable, coconut coir is a fantastic eco-friendly choice for gardeners looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Pots
As your seedlings grow, they’ll eventually need more space to develop strong roots before moving to the garden. This is where transplanting into larger pots comes in! At Royal City Nursery, we offer both traditional plastic pots and sustainable options like coconut coir pots to suit different gardening needs.
Plastic pots are durable, reusable, and excellent for keeping seedlings contained while allowing for easy transplanting later. They often come with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, ensuring healthy root growth.
For an eco-friendly alternative, coconut coir pots are a fantastic choice. As mentioned earlier, these biodegradable pots can be planted directly into the ground when your seedlings are ready, reducing transplant shock and promoting strong root development without waste. Plus, they naturally break down over time, enriching the soil as they decompose.
Fertilizer
Once your seedlings have sprouted, they’ll need a gentle boost to support healthy growth. Adding a small amount of fertilizer to your watering routine ensures they get the nutrients they need without overwhelming their delicate roots. At Royal City Nursery, we recommend Rage Plus or Evolve Seed Starting—both excellent choices for young plants.
Rage Plus
This liquid concentrate provides all the micronutrients your plants need to thrive. It boosts plant metabolism, encouraging stronger, more vigorous growth for both indoor and outdoor plants. With a 0-0-6 formulation, it focuses on root strength and overall resilience. Simply mix a small amount into your watering routine for consistent, healthy development.
Watch this video from the founder of Dirt n’ Grow to learn more about this must-have product:
Seed Starting
Specially formulated for seeds, seedlings, and cuttings, this organic fertilizer gives young plants the perfect start. With a 1-1-2 formulation, it promotes quick germination, strong root growth, and reduces the risk of Damping-Off—a common fungal issue in seedlings. It’s gentle enough for the most delicate sprouts but strong enough to kickstart healthy growth.
By incorporating the right fertilizer from the start, you’ll set your seedlings up for success with strong roots and vigorous growth!
The time to start sowing your seeds will be here before you know it—some as early as mid-February! Make sure you’re fully prepared with all your essentials, from pots and trays to the right soil and fertilizers, so you can get a head start on this year’s growing season. Need advice? Our team of experts are always happy to help with tips, recommendations, and answers to your questions. Happy Planting!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
