Seed Starts

Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding way to get a head start on your garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, indoor seed starting gives you more control over growing conditions, extends your growing season, and saves money on nursery plants. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you begin.

Why Start Seeds Indoors?

1. Earlier Harvests: Indoor sowing allows plants to mature earlier than if you waited to plant seeds directly in the ground.

2. Better Control: You can manage temperature, light, and water to give seeds the best start.

3. Wider Variety: Growing from seed opens up options for heirloom and unique plant varieties not always available at garden centers.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these supplies:

• Seeds: Choose seeds suited to your climate and preferences.

• Seed-starting trays or containers: These should have drainage holes. Recycled containers like yogurt cups work well, too.

• Seed-starting mix: A lightweight, sterile mix designed for germination. Avoid regular garden soil, which is too heavy and may carry diseases. Look for a mix that is free of wood chips or large particulates that could impede small seedling roots. Consider mixing in vermicompost, which is nutrient-rich and helps retain moisture without compacting the soil.

• Light source: A sunny window or grow lights.

• Watering system: A spray bottle or watering can with a fine spout. I like to use trays to keep the containers in and fill the trays with water so they absorb the water from the bottom. That is after the first watering of the seed trays.

• Plant labels: To track what you’ve planted and when.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Timing Is Key

Check the seed packet for recommended planting times. Most seeds should be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.

2. Prepare Your Containers

• Wash and sanitize containers to prevent disease.

• Fill them with your seed-starting mix. For an enhanced mixture, combine a commercial seed-starting mix with up to 20% vermicompost for added nutrients and water retention. Avoid compressing the soil; keep it fluffy to promote root growth.

3. Plant Your Seeds

• Follow the seed packet’s depth instructions. A general rule: plant seeds at a depth about twice their size.

• Gently press the soil over the seeds and mist with water.

4. Provide the Right Environment

• Temperature: Most seeds germinate best at 65–75°F. Consider using a heat mat for consistent warmth.

• Light: Place your seedlings in a bright window or under grow lights for 12–16 hours daily.

• Moisture: Cover trays with plastic domes or plastic wrap to retain humidity, but remove it once seedlings sprout to prevent mold.

5. Watering and Care

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle is perfect for young seedlings.

• Thin seedlings once they develop their first true leaves, leaving the strongest one in each container.

6. Transplanting to Larger Pots (Optional)

• If your seedlings outgrow their containers before it’s warm enough to plant outdoors, move them to slightly larger pots.

7. Harden Off Before Transplanting Outdoors

• About a week before transplanting, gradually expose your seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours of outdoor time in a sheltered area, increasing exposure each day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwatering: Can lead to damping-off disease, which kills seedlings.

• Insufficient Light: Results in weak, leggy seedlings.

• Poor Soil Choice: Seedlings need fine, light soil to develop strong roots. Avoid mixes with wood chips or large particles, which can block tender roots from growing. Adding vermicompost ensures a steady nutrient supply and improves soil texture.

• Skipping Labels: It’s easy to forget which seeds are which!

Final Thoughts

Starting seeds indoors may seem like a small task, but it’s the first step to a thriving garden. By choosing the right seed-starting mix—free of large particles and enhanced with vermicompost—and providing your seedlings with consistent care, you’ll grow strong, healthy plants ready to thrive outdoors. All the information might seem overwhelming to some but plants want to grow so don’t overthink it too much! Happy planting!