Do you think starting seeds is a daunting task, too? Finding the right spot for them, sowing them in the right growing medium, and ensuring that they receive the kind of care they need as they germinate - sounds like a little much, doesn't it?
But hey, what if we told you it doesn't have to be all that scary? Well, of course, you wouldn't believe us at first but eventually... you'll see!
The greatest solution and our personal prized possession for starting seeds lies in seedling trays! Essentially, these grow trays ensure that your seeds get exactly the kind of care they need and that they get to grow in controlled environments that will ensure optimal germination for them.
Get Your Own Seedling Tray!
However, even with seedling trays, there are some common mistakes that you must avoid. So, if you're looking to get a successful harvest with your recently procured seeds, here's all you need to avoid!
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Seeds in Plant Seedling Trays
Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid to ensure that your seeds grow flawlessly in plant seedling trays!
1. Never (Ever) Use Poor-Quality, Rusted, or Unclean Trays

Ever started your seeds in a super dirty tray and wondered "Why aren't my seeds growing?" Yeah, well, that's your seeds telling you that they need a clean environment to thrive.
Dirty or reused trays without proper sterilization can harbor pathogens like fungi, bacteria, or pests. These can lead to seedling diseases, such as damping-off.
✧ What's the solution?
The simplest solution? Buy new trays.
If you're using worn-out trays that you may have stored away years ago, sterilize them before use by soaking them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for 10 minutes. Then let them dry out before using.
Shop Premium Quality Seedling Trays
2. Don't Forget that the Right Potting Mix is Key

This actually is key. To stress the fact, we must add that picking the right potting mix is really a deciding factor for your seed health.
Garden soil or heavy potting soil can compact in trays, limiting root growth and water drainage. Moreover, poor soil aeration can also suffocate roots and kill off any chances of your seeds growing healthy.
✧ What's the solution?
Use cocopeat to start your seeds! The easiest growing medium for seeds is generally cocopeat because of its excellent aeration and water retention capacity.
Shop Cocopeat
3. Never Overwater or Underwater

If you've parented plants before, you probably know that overwatering or underwatering is detrimental to plants' health. However, with seeds, the risk of improper watering is even higher.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, including damping-off. On the other hand, underwatering can cause seeds to dry out and fail to germinate
✧ What's the solution?
One of the main reasons why seeds fail to germinate is because of improper watering. So, here are a few tips to ensure that your seeds are properly watered in plant seedling trays:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Use a spray bottle or watering can with a fine spout to water gently.
- Check moisture levels by touching the soil surface—it should feel slightly damp, not soggy.
4. Never Neglect the Sowing Depth

Planting too deeply can prevent seeds from sprouting, as they may run out of energy before reaching the surface. Planting too shallowly can expose seeds to light or cause them to dry out.
There's just no winning! Unless you strike the right balance, of course.
✧ What's the solution?
Follow seed packet instructions for depth. A general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth twice their size.
If instructions are unavailable, err on the side of planting shallowly, then lightly cover with soil.
5. Skipping Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is one of the most basic things we know about caring for seeds and plants. But do you know just how important it is?
Insufficient light causes seedlings to grow leggy and weak, stretching toward the nearest light source. Direct sunlight or excessive artificial light can scorch delicate seedlings and stop growing seeds from developing further.
✧ What's the solution?
Place trays in a location with bright, indirect light for 12-16 hours daily. Alternatively, use grow lights positioned 2-4 inches above the seedlings, adjusting the height as they grow.
6. Ignoring Temperature Requirements

Your seeds are not germinating in your plant seedling trays? Well, another reason could be due to improper temperatures. Some seeds, if not most, have pretty specific temperature requirements.
Temperatures too low or high can delay or inhibit germination. Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress seedlings.
✧ What's the solution?
Check the ideal germination temperature for each seed variety (usually between 65-75°F for most plants).
Use a seedling heat mat for warmth if needed, especially for warm-season crops like tomatoes or peppers.
7. Overcrowding Seeds

No one likes a crowd... and seeds are no exception. Sowing too many seeds in one cell or tray can lead to competition for nutrients, light, and space, resulting in weak and spindly seedlings.
Crowded seedlings are more prone to diseases due to poor air circulation.
✧ What's the solution?
Sow one or two seeds per cell or space seeds evenly if using open trays. Thin out weaker seedlings after germination to allow the healthiest plants to thrive.
These are common mistakes that people when growing seeds with plant seedling trays, and avoiding them will help you ensure seeds that grow well - no matter which ones you're growing! So, grow with confidence and make no mistakes.
Well, that's impossible and your seeds know it, too! So, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow a beautiful harvest in your home garden!