10 Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors Successfully

Succeed with seeds! Here are 10 tips for starting seeds indoors.

The Hindi word for seed is "bija"—"containment of life." An apt description for these tiny miracles containing everything needed for a new plant. This time of year we're elbow-deep in dirt, starting more seeds weekly.

Why start your own seeds? Three big reasons: wider variety range than garden center six-packs; you know how they're raised—organically, not chemical baths; you time plants for when you want to transplant.

To succeed, follow simple rules:

• Disinfect recycled pots, flats, or trays. Any container ≥2 inches deep with drainage holes works.

We use wide shallow "community flats" for seedling rows.

• Read seed packets. They contain germination temperature, light needs, sowing depth, and timing. Count backward from frost-free date by weeks on package for perfect timing.
• Use seed-starting soil mix. Avoid soil-borne diseases/fungi with soilless mix. We use compost-based mix with excellent results. Regular potting or garden soil is too heavy.
• Label everything! Many emerging seedlings look alike. We cut labels from recycled plastic containers.
• Light is key. Once emerged, place seedlings where they get bright light most of the day—greenhouse, sunporch, south-facing windows. No such spot? Try grow lights or shop lights with fluorescent bulbs.

Hang lights to adjust, keeping them 4 inches above plants as they grow.

• Transplant seedlings to individual pots when they get "true" leaves.

• Handle carefully, replant deeper—up to seed leaves. Many plants (like tomatoes) form new roots along buried stems.

If plants outgrow pots before outdoor planting, move to larger containers to keep growing.

• Fertilize, especially with soilless mixes lacking nutrients. Feed weekly with water-soluble organic fertilizer. We use fish and kelp emulsion—a little stinky but effective!
• Stroke plants or set up a fan for gentle breeze. Studies show plants in still air are weaker than those with gentle breeze.
• Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoors before planting out.

Give indoor seed starting a try! It's a garden-variety miracle!

~ By Robin Sweetser

About This Blog

Get inspired by Robin Sweetser's backyard gardening tips. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer's Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer's Market.