Module 5: Starting Seeds Indoors

Now that you have seeds, you can start planting them. But it’s best to start seeds indoors that gives them a good chance of germination.

What Is Seed Starting?

Seed starting is the process of germinating seeds indoors or in a controlled environment before transplanting the seedlings into the garden. It allows you to get a head start on the growing season, especially in regions with short growing seasons or unpredictable weather.

Seed starting typically involves providing the ideal conditions for seeds to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings, including proper temperature, moisture, and light.

Benefits Of Starting Seeds

1. Early Start: Seed starting allows you to begin growing plants earlier in the season, giving you a jump-start on the growing process.
2. Greater Variety: Starting seeds allows you to choose from a wider variety of plant cultivars and species than those available as seedlings at nurseries.
3. Cost Savings: Growing plants from seeds is often more cost-effective than purchasing established seedlings or plants.
4. Control Over Growing Conditions: Starting seeds indoors gives you control over environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, ensuring optimal conditions for germination and growth.
5. Customization: You can tailor your seed starting process to suit the specific needs of different plant varieties, ensuring they receive the care and attention they require.

List Of Plants You Can Start Seeds

There are vegetables you can start seeds with but not all of them. Some vegetables and herbs have deep roots that don’t like to be disturbed once they are growing. It’s better to plant such vegetables directly into the outdoor potting soil.

How To Start Seeds Indoors

Use Seed Starting Trays

Use a seed starting tray to start seeds. These are small trays with drainage holes that make it easy to start multiple seeds.

You don’t need to buy seed starting trays. You can reuse things like egg cartons, paper cups, and even egg shells to start seeds.

Add Seed Starting Mix

To start seeds, you need sterile material so no pest or diseases affect the seeds. You need lightweight material that can retain moisture. Don’t use potting soil or garden soil.

You get a seed starting mix specifically made for this purpose. You can make your own seed starting mix for cheap by just using coco peat as it is sterile and has the right texture.

Add this seed starting mix to the seed starting trays where you can plant the seeds.

Plant The Seeds

Sow the seeds in the seed starting mix according to the recommended planting depth and spacing for each plant variety.

Larger seeds need to be planted deeper than smaller seeds. Some seeds need to be planted near the top while some need to be ½ inch deep. You’ll find this information on the seed packet or research it on the Internet.

Place the seed starting trays in the right location

Keep the trays in a location that gets the required indirect sunlight. Keep it away from strong wind, harsh sunlight, or cold weather.

Keep The Seed Starting Mix Moist

Water the seeds gently to moisten the seed starting mix thoroughly, and maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the germination period.

Check on the seed starting mix every day to see if it has dried out. You need to keep it moist. Use a spray to mist the mix as this prevents the seeds from getting moved around.

The seedings will germinate after a few days. The number of days will depend on the plant and variety. 

Keep doing this until the seedlings have grown 2-4 inches and are ready to be transplanted to the container.

Action Steps

• Get the seed starting tray and seed starting mix.
• Add the seed starting mix into the tray.
• Plant the seeds into the mix at a depth depending on the plant.
• Keep the seed starting tray in a location that gets indirect sunlight.
• Water the seed starting mix every day when you find it has dried out.