Q&A for How to Plant Seeds in a Basic Seed Tray

If you are growing the plants in water, like a hydroponic garden, most seeds end up living in the soil. There are some that do thrive in sand as well.

If you want to grow plants from fresh seeds, it’s a good idea to dry the seeds for 1-2 weeks if you are planning to store them. If you are planting them right away, this is not required.

Yes, you absolutely can! Each egg cup makes a perfect single seed starting pot.

The typical rule is 2 or 3 seeds per hole, but if you are focusing on larger plants like melons or cucumbers, you only use 1.

Where to place the seed tray depends on where you're planting -- indoors or outdoors. If you are planting indoors find a warm, safe place where they can remain undisturbed. But most importantly you have to follow the directions on the seed packet.

Planting in rows helps plants to be organised so the roots of the plants will not be tangled up with each other.

It depends on what you are using as a soil. If you are using pebbles, sand and potting soil, you might not need to put in holes. If you are not, the plastic lining will prevent the water from getting out, so you would need to.

It really depends on what you're planting. Your seeds should come with instructions -- if not, look up that particular plant online.

It very much depends on the variety of seed. Some will emerge within a day or two while others can take months.

Generally, you want to make sure the seedlings have exposure to light but not in direct sunlight. For most people with a standard backyard, a great place for them is the al fresco (outdoor entertaining area) because it is protected from heavy rain, won't get harsh sun on it and won't get the soil too cold. I have mine placed on the table top on my alfresco.

You could opt for hydroponics (growing seeds on water until they root) or the traditional method of planting seeds in soil.

It depends on what plant you want to grow. Most vegetables, trees, and flowers do best in nutrient-rich soil while wild plants like cosmos don't need any pampering or feeding.

Generally, you should plant them 1-2 inches deep. With larger seeds, like squash, you will have to bury them, while tiny seeds like cabbage will be fine if their seeds are being scattered into the soil.

Yes, seeds germinate better in a smaller container. A large pot isn't necessary, but if that's all you have, go for it. You can keep trees small by pruning them.

Give the seedlings more more light. Plants grow stringy when they are searching for the sun. Then they put energy into growing bigger to absorb the light. If you are using indoor grow lights, then consider lowering the lights closer and raise them as they grow. If the sun is your medium, then you may not have an area with enough time or exposure. You may need a new area with better lighting.

It's not normally necessary to have a heat pad, unless you live in a very cold environment compared to the ideal habitat for your plant. Keeping them somewhere that is either indoors or sheltered outside is almost always fine.