When we first started gardening, we had no idea that you could start seeds indoors. Back then, we simply planted seeds directly into the ground and hoped for the best. Little did we know, there’s so much more to gardening than just digging and planting! We didn’t realize that certain vegetables and fruits thrive when started at specific times of the year. At one point we relied entirely on what was available at our local garden centre, typically just one type of pepper or one variety of tomato.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve unlocked an entirely new world of gardening possibilities. We’ve discovered that there are thousands of varieties of plants you can grow from seed, from beloved heirloom vegetables to hybrid F1 varieties with unique traits.
Seed starting has transformed the way we garden, giving us more control, diversity, and excitement with every planting season. Let us take you on a journey into the wonderful world of starting seeds indoors, and why it’s a game changer for any gardener, no matter their experience level.
Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding process that allows gardeners to get a head start on their growing season. By providing the right conditions, you can ensure healthy seedlings that will thrive when transplanted outdoors.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about starting seeds indoors, focusing on essential supplies and best practices.
Why start seeds indoors?
Starting seeds indoors has several advantages:
Extended growing season: You can begin growing plants before the last frost date, allowing for an earlier harvest.
Controlled environment: Indoor conditions can be regulated more easily than outdoor environments, protecting seedlings from pests and harsh weather.
Variety selection: You have access to a wider variety of seeds that may not be available as established plants at local nurseries.
Seed starting supplies needed
Starting seeds indoors is an exciting step toward a thriving garden, but having the right supplies makes all the difference! Here’s a list to ensure your seedlings grow strong and healthy:
Seeds
The most important part of the process! You can find a wide variety of organic and non-GMO seeds from reputable sources. We mainly purchase our seeds from West Coast Seeds.
Seed starting trays, pots, or containers and humidity covers
Vego Garden 76 spacious growing cells per tray, you can ensure great seed starts and propagations these trays. Innovative support columns allow you to stack your trays to save space.
We’ve also been using high quality 10 x 20 trays for a while now and they’re really strong. Pair them with durable humidity dome covers for the perfect setup.
If you’re looking to reduce your plastic usage while starting seeds, soil blockers are an excellent alternative to traditional plastic pots or trays. Soil blocking involves compressing a soil mixture into compact cubes that hold their shape without the need for plastic containers
This method not only minimizes waste but also promotes healthier, more vigorous seedlings.
We got our soil blockers from West Coast Seeds, and they offer three sizes to choose from: small, medium, and large. Each size is suited for different types of plants or stages of growth, giving you flexibility in your seed-starting process. Soil blockers are a great long-term investment, as they eliminate the need to constantly purchase plastic trays and reduce cleanup after transplanting.
Seed starting soil mix
A proper seed starting mix is crucial for success. We like to make our own mix by using 2 parts coco coir to 1 part worm castings.
Grow lights
Natural sunlight may not be sufficient for seedling growth, especially in early spring or in regions with limited sunlight. Grow lights provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth.
Types of grow lights:
Fluorescent lights: Affordable and energy efficient, these lights are suitable for starting seeds. T5 fluorescent bulbs are particularly effective due to their high output.
LED Grow lights: These lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan. They emit less heat than fluorescent lights, reducing the risk of overheating seedlings. We use Spider Farmer grow lights.
Light timer
A light timer automates the lighting schedule for your seedlings, ensuring they receive consistent light exposure without requiring manual intervention.
Recommended settings:
Most seedlings require about 12-16 hours of light per day. A timer can help maintain this schedule by turning the grow lights on and off at designated times.
Seedling heat mats
Benefits of heat mats:
Heat mats provide bottom heat to seed trays, which is crucial for germination since many seeds prefer warmer soil temperatures (typically between 70°F and 80°F).
Usage tips:
Place seed trays directly on the heat mats.
Monitor soil temperature, adjust mat settings if necessary.
Remove heat mats once seedlings emerge to prevent overheating.
Watering supplies
Watering techniques:
Proper watering is critical for seedling health:
Use a spray bottle or misting system for gentle watering that avoids displacing seeds.
Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent water logging.
Airflow (Oscillating Fan)
Role of airflow in seedling growth:
Good airflow helps strengthen seedlings by promoting sturdy stem development and reducing the risk of fungal diseases such as damping off.
Implementing airflow solutions:
An oscillating fan placed near your seedling setup can create gentle air movement without blowing directly on them:
Set it on low speed to avoid stressing young plants.
Run it intermittently throughout the day rather than continuously.
Step by step process for starting seeds indoors
Now that you have gathered all necessary supplies, follow these steps to start your seeds indoors effectively:
Step 1: Choose seeds
Select seeds based on your climate zone, personal preferences (choose varieties that you like to eat!), and available space. Consider starting with easier to grow varieties like tomatoes, peppers, or herbs.
Step 2: Prepare containers
You can use various containers such as seed trays, peat pots, or recycled plastic containers with drainage holes:
Clean containers thoroughly before use.
Fill them with your seed starting mix that retains moisture but drains well. We like to pre-soak our soil mix.
Step 3: Sow seeds
Follow packet instructions regarding planting depth and spacing:
Moisten the seed starting mix before sowing.
Plant seeds at recommended depths; cover lightly with soil mix.
Label each container clearly after sowing.
Step 4: Provide optimal conditions
Place your containers under grow lights
Set up your light timer according to recommended settings (12-16 hours).
Position grow lights about 2 inches above seedlings initially; raise them as plants grow taller.
Step 5: Monitor temperature & moisture
Keep an eye on soil moisture levels, water gently when needed and maintain appropriate temperatures using heat mats if necessary.
Check daily for moisture; avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Adjust heating mats based on germination progress, remove once seedlings emerge.
Step 6: Thin seedlings
Once seedlings develop their first true leaves (the second set), thin them out by snipping weaker ones at soil level:
Space remaining seedlings according to packet recommendations (usually one plant per container).
Thinning promotes healthier growth by reducing competition for nutrients and space.
Step 7: Harden off seedlings
Before transplanting outdoors, acclimate your seedlings gradually through a process called hardening off:
Start by placing them outside in a protected shaded area. You can follow our steps in our blog post for more information about hardening off.
Step 8: Transplant outdoors
When all danger of frost has passed and seedlings are hardened off:
Prepare garden beds or larger pots by loosening soil and adding compost if needed.
Transplant carefully into prepared holes while maintaining proper spacing according to plant type.
Water thoroughly after transplanting but avoid saturating the soil immediately afterward, allow roots time to establish themselves in their new environment.
We honestly have a big love for starting seeds indoors, a practice that brings us joy and connection to nature. It’s our first steps to starting a new season. There’s something incredibly rewarding about nurturing tiny seeds and watching them grow into vibrant plants that can provide fresh food for you and your loved ones.
We hope this guide inspires you to embark on your own seed starting journey. Here’s to growing a bountiful garden filled with love and nourishment!
Let’s grow more together💚
