Starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost not only enables the gardener a head start on the season but may also save money by eliminating the need to buy seedlings from the garden center in early spring.
Instructions for indoor seed starting generally include a list of mini greenhouse trays, expensive grow lights, heat mats, large automatic circulating fans and specialized soil mixes. While all of these ingredients ensure seed starting success, they are not necessary for the home gardener to succeed in starting seeds indoors. For the home gardener, simple and inexpensive is usually best. There are good reasons to start vegetable seeds before spring arrives.
Why Start Seeds Indoors:
- Gives Gardeners a Head Start (Good for areas with short season gardens)
- Exact Count of Plants (No wondering whether seeds are germinating in the garden)
- Cuts Down on Cost of Live Plants
- Great Therapy for Those Suffering from Cabin Fever
Minimal supplies are needed to begin the process of seed germinating indoors. Repurposing items from around the home saves even more money. By recycling containers which would typically find their way to the trash bin, there is no need to purchase cell packs or grow pots.
Containers for Seed Starting:
- Deli Containers (These make nice mini greenhouses)
- Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese Containers
- Pudding, Jell-O® and Yogurt Cups
- Egg Cartons
- Newspaper Pots
- Paper Towel and Toilet Tissue Cardboard Rolls
- Coffee Cans or Other Similar Size Containers for stepping-up seedlings
Many other items can be repurposed as seed starting containers. It only takes seeing things with new eyes to find them. There are also a few other items to have on hand from year to year. Most of these can be found in every home or garden shed.
Other Supplies Needed:
- Seed Starting Soil Mix (sterilized)
- Light Source
- Household Fan
- Spray Bottle
- Fertilizer
- Labels
- Journal
- Warm Area to Place Shelving
- Inexpensive Casserole Dishes or Cookie Sheets
- Household Bleach
Light can be from a natural source such as a southerly-facing window or from an artificial source such as a fluorescent shop light. A fan can be used to stir the air around seedlings which will help eliminate fungal diseases in soil. Watering with a spray bottle solves two problems. It allows the plant to get the water it needs without being overwatered. Misting the foliage will help create humidity. These tiny seedlings will not need fertilizer until they reach four weeks old, at the earliest and then fertilizer should be weakened to half-strength. Always label each container with name of plant and date seed was planting. Keeping a seed journal eliminates the need to rely on memory alone. It will also help in subsequent years when one is looking back to see what worked and what did not work. Shelving is not necessary to set containers on if there is a window sill large enough for them.
There are five main things to keep in mind when it comes to seed germination. These are; good soil, light, warmth, water and air circulation. Keeping these five things in mind, any gardener will be successful in getting a jump on the planting season.
To read more about starting seeds indoors see the article, “Vegetable Seedling Success.”
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