Seed Starting
Seed starting is a fundamental skill in urban farming where workers grow plants from seeds in controlled environments before moving them to larger growing spaces. This process helps farms produce more plants year-round, save money, and ensure healthy plant growth. It's similar to creating a plant nursery on a smaller scale. People who do seed starting work with different growing mediums (special soil mixes), manage environmental factors like light and temperature, and carefully monitor young plants. This is a key part of urban farming, especially in indoor farms, hydroponic systems, and community gardens.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Seed Starting program producing over 1,000 seedlings monthly for urban farm
Developed efficient Seed Starting systems reducing transplant losses by 30%
Trained team members in proper Seed Starting techniques and seedling care
Typical job title: "Seed Starting Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Seed Starting Specialists
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a seed starting program for a large urban farm?
Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss planning production schedules, managing space efficiently, training staff, maintaining proper environmental controls, and implementing quality control measures. They should also mention record-keeping and inventory management systems.
Q: How do you handle pest or disease issues in a seed starting operation?
Expected Answer: Should explain preventive measures, identifying common problems early, proper sanitation procedures, and managing issues without harmful chemicals. Should also discuss training others on best practices.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when choosing growing media for different types of seeds?
Expected Answer: Should explain how different plants need different soil mixes, discuss drainage, nutrients, and sterilization requirements. Should mention experience with various growing media and their benefits.
Q: How do you manage temperature and humidity for seedlings?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper environmental controls, different needs for different plant types, and troubleshooting common issues. Should mention specific temperature ranges and humidity levels.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic steps in starting seeds?
Expected Answer: Should explain preparing containers, using proper soil, planting depth, watering practices, and basic care requirements for young plants.
Q: How do you know when seedlings are ready for transplanting?
Expected Answer: Should describe signs of healthy seedling development, proper timing, and basic hardening off process before moving plants to their final growing location.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic seed planting techniques
- Daily plant care and monitoring
- Understanding of watering needs
- Basic pest identification
Mid (1-3 years)
- Managing multiple seed varieties
- Environmental control systems
- Problem diagnosis and solution
- Production scheduling
Senior (3+ years)
- Program design and management
- Staff training and supervision
- Quality control implementation
- Production optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with plants
- Lack of attention to detail in maintaining growing conditions
- Poor understanding of basic plant biology
- No experience with climate control systems
