First time gardener, started my own seeds. I've read everyone else's site's advice on hardening off - all pretty similar. Is this not the time to do that? We're having some extremely windy days, so I cover, but I keep breaking a few. Consensus is to count back from last frost date to know when to start seeds and harden off. My problem is, my seedlings, although healthy looking enough, seem too small to go outdoors. Other than the counting back method, is there an actual size, leaf count, height, etc. that are indicators as to when to start the process, or should I just wait for whenever it might be that we're no longer blustery?
The following articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/how-to-harden-off-your-seedlings.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-transplant-a-seedling-plant-into-the-garden.htm
Can I overwater my seedlings if im watering from the bottom?
Usually not, unless they are left sitting in water for too long. Allow them to dry out some. Too much could lead to damping off. Here is more information on that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/what-is-damping-off.htm
Why can't you plant seeds the recommended length apart instead of planting them close together and then thinning the seedlings? Yes, I am a beginner!
Actually, you can but most people prefer to do closer plantings to allow for those that do not germinate. Thinning simply helps you keep the strongest of the plants while cutting out the less robust plants.
Is it necessary to transplant seedlings from their original containers into larger ones before their final transplanting into the ground? If so, at what stage of their life should it be done? I was led to believe that this was necessary to strengthen them for their final transplanting into the ground.
No, you don't have to do this. Once they reach a healthy enough size, you can simply transplant them straight to the garden, though hardening them off first is recommended. These articles should help:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-transplant-a-seedling-plant-into-the-garden.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/how-to-harden-off-your-seedlings.htm
I like your article very much, but it does not mention of what type and ratio of fertilizer needs to be used for seedlings. I use Schultz tomato soluble for everything, before true leave come out, at half strength then full strength. Please tell me what fertilizer type and method is best to estabilish good plants. I grow my plants in Jiffy 7.
You actually do not want to fertilize seedlings until they have 1 or 2 sets of true leaves, as the fertilizer can burn the new roots. After they get some true leaves, you can fertilize at half strength with a balanced fertilizer once and that should be enough for them until they are planted out.
How to harden off new plants?
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/how-to-harden-off-your-seedlings.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-transplant-a-seedling-plant-into-the-garden.htm
I am going to start a container garden this year. I have some seedlings already started which I have transplanted into smaller pots and am taking out during the day. I also bought a few plants. My question is, do I need to transplant the plants I bought into bigger containers yet, or can I wait 2 weeks until I plan on starting my garden? I didn't really want to put them in larger pots yet when I have to bring them in at night still, but I don't want to kill them. Thanks!
No. It should be ok for them to remain in those pots for another 2 weeks, provided they do not overgrow them or become rootbound before then (which they sohuldn't).