Starting seeds indoors is one of my favorite parts of the season. After eight years of farming, I still feel that same spark when a hemp seed cracks open and sends up its first tiny green stem. For us, starting indoors isn’t about being fancy — it’s about giving the plant a stable beginning before the wildness of the field takes over.
At Ranchera Familia, we use a mixed-method approach when it comes to nutrients. We rely on organic support from Vital Garden Supply, foundational mineral inputs from House & Garden, and gentle biological signaling from Terpify. Each one plays a different role, and timing matters. Seedlings are sensitive, and the goal at this stage is stability, not feeding.
Here’s exactly how we start our seeds — what we use, when we use it, and why our system is built around supporting the plant’s biology from the very beginning.
Your Indoor Setup (Simple but Effective)
You don’t need commercial equipment to raise strong seedlings. We’ve started thousands of plants over the years with nothing more than:
- Seed-starting trays or small 2–3" pots
- Light, airy, well-draining potting mix
- Humidity dome
- A small LED or T5 grow light
- Heat mat (optional but very helpful)
- Spray bottle for gentle watering
Indoor seed starting is about consistency — warm soil, balanced moisture, and enough light to prevent stretching.
Planting Hemp Seeds the Right Way
Hemp seeds prefer shallow planting. We’ve found this method to be the most reliable:
- Plant seeds about 1/2" deep.
- Set them horizontally — this helps even emergence.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Mist gently instead of watering heavily.
Wet soil slows germination. Light moisture + warm conditions mimic spring soil and help seeds crack reliably.
How We Use Nutrients (House & Garden, Vital Garden Supply, and Terpify)
This is the part growers always ask us about — what we actually add during early growth.
Seedling Stage (Week 0–2): Almost No Feeding
At Ranchera Familia, seedlings do not receive:
- House & Garden base nutrients
- Vital Garden Supply amendments
- Strong biological inputs
Seedlings simply don’t need it yet. Their roots are tiny and developing, and the soil carries enough nutrition for the first week or two.
Optional Early Terpify Use (1–2 ml/gal)
This is where we differ from many growers.
We sometimes introduce a very light Terpify dilution during germination or the first week — not to feed, but to support early metabolism.
Terpify works through biological signaling, not feeding. It activates natural pathways without affecting EC, so it doesn’t overwhelm the root zone.
We use it only when:
- Soil mix is very lean
- Temperatures are inconsistent
- We want early enzymatic activity during slow starts
If not needed, we skip it — simple as that.
When House & Garden Enters the Picture
Once seedlings show true vigor (solid green color, 2–3 sets of leaves), we introduce a very light House & Garden feeding. Their mineral blends help stabilize early growth structure without overpowering the root system.
We follow the lower end of their feed chart until the plant shows it can handle more.
When Vital Garden Supply Enters the Workflow
Vital inputs come later — usually after transplanting — because their organic amendments are designed for soils that are already warming and biologically active. Seedlings can’t process heavy organic material yet.
Light & Warmth: Your Seedling Lifeline
Strong seedlings need predictable warmth and intentional lighting.
Temperature:
Keep the environment between 70–80°F, especially the root zone.
A heat mat makes germination more consistent.
Lighting:
Use a small LED or T5 and place it:
- 4–6 inches above the seedlings
- On an 18/6 schedule (18 hours light, 6 hours dark)
Weak light causes stretching. Strong, even light grows compact, sturdy stems.
Watering: Where Most Growers Struggle
Overwatering ruins more seedlings than anything else.
Our rules:
- Keep soil lightly moist
- Let the top layer dry between waterings
- Avoid heavy pours — misting is safer
- Ensure pots have drainage
Seedlings need air in the soil as much as they need water.
Introducing Terpify Into Early Veg
Once plants transition into early veg and roots are fully active, we begin using Terpify at standard beginner rates:
- 3 ml per gallon once weekly
- Increase gradually as plants size up
Terpify supports early plant vigor by activating natural plant-response pathways, not by adding nutrients. The goal is steady biological signaling, not feeding.
Hardening Off: Preparing Plants for Real Sunlight
Indoor seedlings are soft. Outdoor sunlight is not.
Over 7–10 days:
- Start with gentle morning sun.
- Increase exposure slowly each day.
- Avoid afternoon heat at first.
- Bring plants inside at night until acclimated.
This strengthens stems and prevents shock.
Why This System Works for Us
Our mixed-method approach reflects how we farm in general: organic where it counts, mineral support when beneficial, and biological signaling for expression.
- House & Garden provides early structural stability.
- Vital Garden Supply fuels soil biology and long-term nutrient cycling.
- Terpify supports plant pathways related to vigor, resilience, and eventual aroma expression.
Each one has a role. Each one respects the plant.
Healthy seedlings become healthy plants — and healthy plants are the ones that express their true genetics when it matters most.
