How do you start plants from seed? I am in awe of how plants unfold from seed to maturity.  I like to say it’s magical, but it’s incredibly complex. How a plant starts its life impacts the following stages of growth, so let’s talk about how to give plants the best start possible.   This blog will discuss 11 practical tips for starting plants from seed, so roll up your sleeves! Tip #1:  Always Use Clean Materials for Seeding Even though plants grow in soil, working surfaces, tools, and growing mediums must be clean to control unwanted bacteria, fungus, and mold growth. Dirty equipment can pass on or encourage the growth of disease-causing organisms, resulting in competition for nutrients intended for the new seedlings or causing infections that compromise the plant’s development. Clean materials decrease this risk, so wash trays, pots, and anything else you will use in the seeding process with hot soapy water before seeding.  Bleach is unnecessary in most circumstances. Tip #2:  Use Seeding Mix  Seeding mix is designed explicitly for germinating seeds.   Seeding soil differs from regular soil as it has a finer texture to allow the microscopic root hairs to grow unobstructed. It also has added surfactants to break water surface tension, making water more accessible to the developing seeds. Always use fresh, clean seeding soil.  Do not reuse seeding soil. I prefer to avoid seeding soils that have added fertilizer for a couple of reasons.  First, fertilizer can burn tiny root fibres if it is