How to Start Seeds Indoors

Coleus Sprouts

Starting seeds indoors is an easy way to save money on your plants. Instead of buying fully grown plants from your gardening store which can quickly add up in costs, one packet of seeds can give you the same plants at a fraction of the costs. I have found that by starting my own seeds indoors, I am able to fill my garden without breaking the bank. Some plants that I start indoors, I leave inside as houseplants such as my coleus. Other plants, like my tomatoes and basil I transplant outside once they have grown.

To start seeds indoors you will need:

1. Seeds

You can use about any kind of seed to start indoors. It is important to read the instructions on the seeds before you get them. Even if you really like a plant, it may not be suited for the environment you have or live in. For example, it would not be practical to buy cactus seeds and try to grow them outdoors if you live in a climate with harsh winters.

Expiration Date: When you choose your seeds, make sure to check the expiration date. Most seed packets stay good for about a year. If your seeds are past the expiration date, most of them will still sprout. As the seeds get further away from the expiration date, fewer of the seeds in the packet will sprout.

Days to Germination: This tells you how long it will take the seeds to sprout once they are planted.

Type:
Perennial- Lives longer than two years.
Annual- Live a single growing season.

Inpatients Sprouts

Planting Depth: How far down in the ground you should plant your seeds.

Thin to: How spaced out plants should be.

Sun/Shade: Light Requirements.

Height: The height of a mature plant.

Maturity: The amount of time it will take for a plant to mature.

Direct Sow: When you should plant the seeds outdoors if you are not starting them indoors.

*Note: Make sure to read all of the instructions on a seed packet before you plant them. Some seeds, such as Morning Glories, need to be soaked in water overnight before they are planted.

2. Dirt

Drainage Hole

Most seeds are best started in an all-purpose mix of soil.

3. Small Containers

The best way to start seeds indoors is to use small containers. You can either buy containers at your gardening store or use plastic cups. To use plastic cups, poke a drainage hole in the bottom to make sure you do not over-water your seeds. It is better to place individual seeds in a small container rather than together in a big container because it makes it easier to rearrange later when you transplant them.

4. Light (Natural or a Plant Light)

Seed packets will specify how much light the seeds need to germinate. If you do not have enough natural light indoors to start your seeds, you can use a plant light. Plant lights can be easily purchased through Amazon or your local garden store.

5. Water

Seed packets will specify how much water the seeds need to germinate. Most seeds like to be watered often (every 2-3 days).

Petunia Sprout 

Petunia Sprout

Starting seeds indoors is a great way to save money on your garden. It can also be a great family activity to watch how plants grow!

Good Luck!

Lily's Indoor Jungle