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Gardening can be expensive. One of the reasons I started my gardening adventures, besides the undeniable pull to play in the dirt, was to help save my family money in weekly groceries. Also, I’m extremely OCD and like knowing where my food comes from. Unfortunately, when I first started, I wasn’t saving us much money. Plants at a nursery aren’t cheap! I soon learned that by starting seeds indoors I could save hundreds of dollars on the season.
Not only does starting seeds indoors save you money, it will give you a strong start and extend your growing season.
Whether you’re a novice gardener or have been growing vegetables and flowers for years, it’s helpful to know the basics of how to start seeds indoors. Here are some tips to help you get started!
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Helpful Items When Starting Seeds Indoors
Choose The Right Containers
When it comes to starting flowers and vegetables indoors, the first step is to choose the right containers. You can purchase special seed-starting trays or use any shallow container that has drainage holes, such as a yogurt cup or plastic clamshell from the grocery store.
Be sure to use fresh, new containers every year since reused containers may contain bacteria that can lead to disease in your seedlings.
It’s also important to use a sterile, lightweight soil mix specifically for seed-starting. You don’t want the mix to be too dense and compact, as this can suffocate the delicate roots of your seedlings.
Before you plant your seeds, moisten the soil mix with water and make sure that it’s evenly distributed throughout the container. Now you’re ready to start your flower seeds indoors!
Another option is using a soil blocker, which is a tool that allows you to easily create small soil cubes in any shape or size. These cubes are great for starting flowers indoors, as they make it easy to transport seedlings from one container to another.
Plus, since the cubes are already moist and packed with nutrient-rich soil, all you have to do is drop your seeds into the blocks and then wait for them to sprout!
PinA seed blocker is a great tool to use year after year to help fill your seed trays with potting soil.
PinSeeds should be sown two to each hole. Seedlings will be thinned out once plants develop first set of true leaves.
Fill the Containers with Seed-Starting Mix
Before you can start seeds indoors, you need to prepare the containers. For this, you will need a high-quality seed-starting mix.
This should be light and airy, with plenty of organic material that is well-draining, so it won’t retain too much moisture that could lead to mold or fungal problems.
For optimal results, you might want to consider investing in a soil blocker. This device presses the mix into a desired shape and helps avoid overcrowding of seedlings when starting flowers and other plants.
Whatever type of container you are using, make sure to fill it no more than 2/3 full, as there needs to be room for the seeds to expand and grow.
Sow the Seeds
Now that your containers are filled with seed-starting mix and watered, it’s time to sow the seeds. The process of sowing is simply putting the seeds into the soil. Depending on what kind of seeds you’re starting, the amount of space you leave between them will vary.
In general, you can place two to three seeds in each container, leaving about an inch or two of space between them.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil and give them a gentle pat to ensure they make good contact with the soil. Once you’ve sown the seeds, label each container or use a seed label so that you know what type of plant you’re growing.
This will be especially helpful if you’re starting several different types of seeds. Then, mist the surface of the soil with a spray bottle until it’s evenly moist.
I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the soil. Cinnamon is a natural anti-fungal and get help keep young seedlings safe.
You will want to cover your seedlings with a dome to keep humidity high. This protects the seeds from drying out too quickly and keeps them warm inside their new home.
Water the Seeds Gently
Watering your seeds is an important part of the process to ensure that they grow into healthy plants.
When watering your seedlings, use a sprayer rather than pouring the water directly onto the soil. This will ensure that you don’t displace the seeds or drown them.
Start by lightly misting the soil until it’s evenly moist. To avoid this, stick to a consistent watering schedule and avoid allowing the top layer of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
PinPinPlace the Trays in a Warm, Bright Location
Seeds need a warm location and lots of light to germinate. One option is to place them in a windowsill. South facing light is usually best. Unfortunately, seeds started this way sometimes end up leggy and do not transplant well.
A better option is to invest in a grow light. Grow lights are relatively inexpensive and last a long time. In fact, inexpensive shop lights can be used for your transplants. Make sure the lights are 5000 lumen daylight rated.
Metal storage racksmake a fantastic holder for trays. Grow lights can be hung from the upper shelves and the seed trays place below.
You will want to run your lights on a timer. We leave ours on for 12 hours at a time. Using a timer makes this a pretty hands off process.
Once seedlings have emerged and reach a height of 2″, you will want to take the humidity dome off. Seedlings are prone damping off.
Essentially, too much water causes a fungus to take hold of them. Once your seedlings develop their true leaves and a strong root system, they will be better able to fight off the fungus.
Until then, using a sprinkling of cinnamon and removing the humidity dome will help your growing endeavors.
Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, you will need to thin them. Simply cut the weaker of the plant sibling with a scissor. This will allow the plant next to it to develop without competing for nutrients.
PinTomato and pepper seedlings heading outside to be hardend.
Hardening Off Seedlings
Your seedlings will need to be hardened off before they can be transplanted outside. Young seedlings need a warm, calm day to be acclimated to the outdoors.
Start by placing them in a well shaded area. Each night, bring them indoors.
Each day you will want to expose them to the sun a bit longer. Two hours of sun is a good starting off point for the first day. After two hours, place them back in the shady area and take them inside at night.
You will want to increase the amount of sun the plants receive by an hour each day. You will continue this process for a week.
Do not try hardening your seedlings off when temperatures dip below 60 degrees or if there is heavy rain and wind in the forecast.
Following these steps will ensure your precious seedlings will develop the strength to withstand the elements for the growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Seeds Indoors
Why should I start seeds indoors?
Starting seeds indoors allows you to get a head start on the growing season, especially in regions with shorter growing seasons. It also gives you more control over the growing conditions, leading to healthier plants.
When should I start seeds indoors?
The timing varies depending on the plant species and your location. As a general rule, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
What type of soil should I use for starting seeds indoors?
Use a sterile seed starting mix, which is light, well-draining, and free of pathogens. Avoid using garden soil, as it may contain pests and diseases that can harm delicate seedlings. You can also make your own by mixing 1 part sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part perlite.
How often should I water my seedlings?
Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not soggy. Water whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch, usually once a day or every other day. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to damping-off disease.
Do I need a grow light for starting seeds indoors?
While seedlings need ample light to grow strong and healthy, a sunny windowsill can suffice if you have enough natural light. However, for optimal growth, especially in areas with limited sunlight, using a grow light designed for plants can provide consistent and adequate light and prevent seedlings from getting leggy.
How long should I leave grow lights on for my seedlings?
Seedlings require adequate light for healthy growth, typically around 12-16 hours per day. Mimic natural daylight cycles by turning on the grow lights in the morning and turning them off at night. A timer can help automate this process, ensuring consistent lighting for your seedlings without the need for manual adjustment. Keep the lights positioned 2-3 inches above the seedlings for optimal light exposure without causing excessive heat or stretching. Adjust the height as the seedlings grow to maintain the proper distance.
Final Thoughts
Starting plants from seeds is a cost effective and rewarding way to stock your summer garden.
With some quality soil, seeds and a little patience, you will be amazed at the resilience and beauty of your sprouting seeds.
If indoor space is an issue, consider winter sowing your seeds.
Let us know in the comments below what seeds you will be starting this gardening season!
