Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your garden this year! So without further to do, lets dive into how to start seeds indoors.
Supplies for Starting Seeds Indoors
- Seeds
- Seedling pots and/or trays
- Soil
- Labels (or materials to make labels)
- Warm Spot and Light
- Shelving *Optional
Seeds
Take time to decide what you’re growing in your garden and pick out the seeds you want.
As your grabbing seeds look at the back of the seed packet, and look at the seed descriptions. This is where it tells you what you can expect this plant to be like. Height, width, bush or vines, full or partial sunlight, and more.
It might be helpful to also know what planting zone you’re in if you don’t already. You can find that out here.
Seedling Pots/Trays
There are different kinds of pots and trays you can choose from to start your seeds in. Over time you will find a preference that you like, so if you want to try a couple different options to start, you can!
There’s cell trays, that can be in 6, 12, or 18 grouped. These can be great, and what most greenhouses use for starting seeds. Some brands are more durable than others so if you’re wanting to try and reuse some supplies for the next year, you’ll want a more durable tray.
Nursery pots are another great option. Bigger than the cell trays but also not too large they take up too much space. 4 inch pots are the option I currently use. Nursery pots offer more soil for root growth and can result in bigger seedlings.
How about the biodegradable options? I haven’t had the best of luck with these options. They can be great as long as they are already breaking down before planting. If the material is thick, it can cause a delay in breaking down causing roots to be constricted and delaying plant growth.
And they can also break down too fast and might result in damage to your seedling. This is also a single use option, however I’m sure there are options out there that are great!
Once you’ve transferred your seedling to your garden, any seeds tray and pots can be cleaned up and saved for reuse the next year.
Soil
It’s important to chose the right soil to start your seedlings in.
Potting soil is not meant for starting seeds in. Many potting soils are too heavy for your seeds to germinate through so it’s best to find a bag of soil labeled as ‘Seed Starter’.
Your seeds need to stay moist during the germination period, and seed starter soil is usually very good at moisture retention. Shop around and find the best option for you and your garden preferences.
*Tip* When starting your seeds indoors, get your soil wet first. Soil drastically changes forms when wet vs dry. If you plant your seed in dry soil and then add water, your seed will move from where it should be as the soil grabs moisture from the water.
Labels
It is a great idea to label your containers as you plant seeds. This way you are not guessing at what you planted in what pot, or what seedling is what.
You can buy labels already made or you can make your own (I’ve used painters or scotch tape) and write on them with a marker. You can also write directly on your container if it’s light colored enough to see.
Warm Spot and Light
Once you have all your seeds in pots or trays, you need a spot to put them. This spot ideally should have good sunlight light and warmth. If you don’t have a good spot like this, there are a couple other options you can do!
If you have a good warm spot, but no light, you can look into some grow lights. You’ll want to find lights that are ‘full spectrum’ and good for starting seeds.
*Tip* You will know if your seedlings need more light if they are getting ‘leggy’. This means they are shooting up looking for more light. Taller seedlings do not mean healthier and thriving. ‘Leggy’ makes them more weak and more likely to break. Short and stocky are happy seedlings.
If you have light but no warm spot, there are awesome warming mats that you can purchase to lay under your pots and tray.
And if you have neither a warm spot with good light, you can look into purchasing both a warming mat and a grow light to get you seeds going.
Shelving
You have seeds, pots, soil and a place to put your seeds inside, now you need a way to put them there. I find shelves to be helpful for this.
You really don’t need any sort of fancy shelf, just something that can hold your seeds till they’re ready for the garden. Bonus if you have another use for it when you don’t need it, or can store it away easily.
I personally have a greenhouse indoors. It’s small and out of the way and also provides warmth and shelving in the spot with the most light. I also take it apart when I don’t need it and store it away in a large bag.
Now you have a good idea how to start your seeds indoors! If you have any questions feel free to reach out! Happy gardening!
Leave a Reply